Radioactive substance leaks from Fukui nuclear power plant in Japan

It is feared workers may have been exposed after water containing a radioactive substance leaked from a disused power plant in Japan.

The Fugen nuclear plant in Fukui Prefecture is currently being decomissioned, with parts of it being dismantled.

During this work, around 20ml of water containing a ‘high’ amount of the radioactive isotope tritium is believed to have leaked out.

Japanese broadcaster NHK One reported that detailed investigations are underway to see if any workers were splashed with the water, though the possibility of internal exposure via inhalation has been ruled out.

Citing the Nuclear Regulation Authority, they said no radioactive material had leaked outside the controlled area of the plant.

Measurements of radiation levels both at the plant and the surrounding area are still normal.

Tha plant’s operator, the Japan Atomic Energy Agency, is due to give an update in a press conference.

What is tritium?

Tritium is a radioactive form of hydrogen, however it is considered one of the weaker forms of radiation.

It cannot penetrate human skin unless through a cut or graze, and is more of a concern if it is drank or inhaled, which authorities at the plant said has not happened today.

Its management in decomissioned nuclear plants has been a concern for Japan, however.

The country has been releasing water contaminated with tritium from the Fukashima plant since 2023, diluted with sea water until it is weak enough not to be seen as a risk.

Fukashima was the site of one of the world’s worst nuclear disasters after it was damaged in the huge earthquake and tsunami which hit Japan in 2011.

Its reactors were flooded, and radiation leaked out, forcing over 150,000 people to evacuate.

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