Fukushima Fallout: Did Radiation Reach Alaska's Shores?

The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Ōkuma, Japan, suffered a major nuclear accident in 2011, causing widespread concern about radiation pollution reaching Alaska. The accident, triggered by the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, led to electrical grid failure and damage to backup energy sources. While the immediate impact on Fukushima residents was addressed, the long-term effects on the environment, particularly the Pacific Ocean, remained a concern for Alaskan authorities. Testing for radionuclides in Alaskan seafood and coordination between various agencies reflected the proactive measures in place to assess and address any potential radiation-related issues. Despite initial fears, testing results showed no detectable levels of Fukushima-related radionuclides in Alaska as of 2016. However, in 2023, concerns resurfaced as Japan prepared to release treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima plant, prompting Alaska to closely monitor its potential impact on the state's waters and marine life.

Testing of Alaska seafood for Fukushima-related radionuclides

Since the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, the Division of Environmental Health (DEH) has been working with the Department of Health & Social Services (DHSS) and other agencies to address radiation-related concerns in Alaska. This includes testing Alaska seafood for any potential impacts.

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) has been testing for radiation annually since 2014 and has not found any traces of Fukushima-related radionuclides such as Iodine-131, Cesium-134, or Cesium-137 in samples of Alaskan salmon. Testing results from the FDA through August 14, 2024, also resulted in non-detects. Samples are analyzed at the Environmental Health Laboratory (EHL) using a Portable Gamma Ray Analyzer, with quick turnaround times.

Despite these reassurances, there have been concerns about the potential impact on Alaska's waters from the release of treated radioactive wastewater from Fukushima. In 2023, the Japanese government approved the release of this wastewater, drawing criticism from Alaska's scientific community, who argued that better water filtration systems should have been employed. While the wastewater has been heavily filtered to remove radioactive elements, it still contains trace amounts of a hydrogen molecule called tritium. According to the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, the concentration of tritium in the released water is safe for consumption and comparable to natural background levels of radioactivity in the ocean.

While elevated levels of radioactive elements have been found in fish off the coast of Fukushima, officials in the U.S. have not detected similar radiation in Alaska seafood. The FDA has found no evidence of radionuclides of health concern from the Fukushima disaster in the U.S. food supply, and Alaska seafood is deemed unaffected by the nuclear reactor damage in Japan. However, the public is cautioned about local toxins in fish and shellfish, such as those causing paralytic shellfish poisoning.

Elevated levels of radioactive elements in fish off Fukushima's coast

In 2011, an earthquake and tsunami caused an accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan. This resulted in the release of radioactive wastewater containing radionuclides such as cesium-134 (134Cs) and cesium-137 (137Cs) into the ocean. This exposure to radioactive materials has had an impact on marine life in the region, with elevated levels of radioactive elements detected in fish off the coast of Fukushima.

Studies have shown that smaller, recently migrated bluefin tuna off the U.S. West Coast had detectable levels of 134Cs and elevated levels of 137Cs in their tissue samples. These radionuclides serve as markers of migratory pathways, indicating that these fish had recently migrated from Japan. While these elevated levels of radioactivity are concerning, it's important to note that most sea life in the region is still safe to consume. Officials in the U.S. and Australia have not detected similar levels of radiation in their seafood.

In the waters off the Fukushima coast, the situation is more severe. Even over a year after the disaster, many marine organisms remain in these waters, exposing them to long-term radiation seepage. Japan has banned the sale of 36 species of fish caught off Fukushima due to safety concerns and the potential impact on human health. This has significantly affected the local fisheries industry, with many fishing boats remaining idle.

While the direct impact of the Fukushima radiation on fish in Alaska has not been substantiated, scientists and officials remain vigilant. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and other agencies are continuously monitoring and testing Alaska seafood for any potential impacts. The state of Alaska is also keeping a close eye on the release of treated radioactive wastewater from Fukushima, which may reach Alaskan waters and potentially impact the local ecosystem. The concern is that the Japanese government could have used better water filtration systems to mitigate this risk.

Detection of Fukushima-derived radiocesium in the Bering Sea

The Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident in 2011 released radioactive material into the Pacific Ocean. This included radionuclides such as radiocesium (134Cs and 137Cs) and radium (226Ra and 228Ra). Models predicted that these radionuclides would be transported by ocean currents to the Bering Sea and the Arctic Ocean.

In 2017, for the first time, direct observations confirmed the presence of FDNPP-derived 134Cs and 137Cs in subarctic regions, specifically the Chukchi Sea, part of the Arctic Ocean. This provided evidence that the radionuclides had been transported from the Pacific Ocean into the Bering and Chukchi Seas. The 137Cs activity concentrations in the Bering Sea were higher than previously reported, indicating the continuous leaking of radionuclides from the FDNPP.

In 2018, examinations of the western Bering Sea revealed spatial variations in radiocesium and radium concentrations. The northward slope current-dominated water exhibited higher 134Cs concentrations, along with higher 228Ra concentrations and lower salinities relative to the Aleutian Basin area. This was attributed to the arrival of FDNPP-derived radiocesium-rich and lower-salinity Alaskan Stream water from the Pacific Ocean, which mixed with the 228Ra-rich shelf water in the eastern slope area of the Bering Sea.

In 2019 and 2020, measurements in the western subarctic area of the North Pacific Ocean, including the Bering Sea and the Chukchi Sea, showed that FNPP1-derived radiocesium concentrations were within the range of those observed in 2017 and 2018. However, for the first time, FNPP1-derived radiocesium was detected in the Arctic Ocean further north of the Chukchi Sea. This suggested that the radiocesium had been transported from the North Pacific coastal area of Japan through the Bering Sea over the past decade.

While the presence of Fukushima-derived radiocesium in the Bering Sea has been confirmed, it is important to note that the State of Alaska has been actively monitoring the situation. Testing of Alaska seafood has shown no detectable levels of Fukushima-related radionuclides, and officials have stated that most sea life is safe to consume.

Potential release of treated radioactive wastewater by Fukushima

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan suffered a nuclear disaster in 2011, triggered by the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Three of the plant's reactors experienced meltdowns, and over 500,000 tonnes of untreated wastewater escaped into the Pacific Ocean. In the aftermath, contaminated water was pumped into storage units.

In 2023, the Japanese government announced its plan to release treated radioactive water from the plant into the ocean. The wastewater has been treated using the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS), which removes most traces of radiation, except for tritium. The Japanese government and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have stated that the water will be diluted to ensure that the levels of tritium are below regulatory standards, rendering the water safe.

However, the decision has sparked concerns and opposition from various quarters, including international groups, neighbouring countries, and scientists. Critics argue that more studies are needed to assess the potential long-term environmental and health consequences. There are particular concerns about the safety of seafood and its consumers, with some scientists recommending a precautionary approach. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that there is no evidence of unsafe levels of radionuclides from Fukushima in the US food supply, but consumers remain wary of Fukushima fishery products.

The State of Alaska has expressed concern about the potential impact on its waters, with scientists advocating for better water filtration systems to be employed. Alaska's Division of Environmental Health (DEH) and other agencies are continuously monitoring the situation and addressing radiation-related concerns. Testing of Alaska seafood for any Fukushima-related impacts has shown no detectable levels of radionuclides thus far.

Coordination between DEH, DHSS, and other agencies to assess the situation

The Division of Environmental Health (DEH) has been working in coordination with the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Division of Public Health, as well as other state, federal, and international agencies, to continuously assess the situation at the Fukushima nuclear plant and address any radiation-related concerns in Alaska. This collaborative effort involves various entities, including the Pacific states and Canada, to ensure a comprehensive approach to monitoring and mitigating the potential impacts of the Fukushima disaster in 2011 on the environment and public health in Alaska.

One of the key focuses of this coordination between DEH, DHSS, and other agencies is the testing of Alaska seafood for any potential impacts resulting from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan. Scientists and reporters studying the long-term effects of the disaster have warned that radiation will continue to seep into the Pacific Ocean, raising concerns about possible contamination of seafood consumed by the public. The collaborative efforts aim to detect any Fukushima-related radionuclides in seafood and ensure the safety of the food supply for Alaskan residents.

In addition to seafood testing, the coordination between these agencies involves monitoring radiation levels and assessing the potential impact on the environment and public health in Alaska. This includes evaluating the presence of Fukushima-derived radionuclides, such as radiocesium, in the Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean, which could affect the ecosystem and marine life in Alaskan waters. By working together, these agencies can share data, expertise, and resources to better understand the situation and implement effective measures to protect public health and the environment.

The coordination between DEH, DHSS, and other agencies has led to continuous assessments of the situation, including regular testing and monitoring of radiation levels in various environmental samples. While there have been concerns and predictions about the potential impact of Fukushima radiation in Alaska, testing results have shown no detectable levels of Fukushima-related radionuclides in Alaska as of 2019. However, the agencies remain vigilant and continue their collaborative efforts to address any potential risks associated with the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

The collaborative efforts between DEH, DHSS, and other agencies demonstrate a proactive and comprehensive approach to addressing the potential impacts of the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Alaska. By working together, these entities can leverage their collective expertise and resources to protect the health and safety of Alaskan residents, as well as the delicate ecological balance of the region. This coordination ensures a unified and informed response to any radiation-related concerns, providing assurance to the public that their well-being is being prioritized and safeguarded.

Frequently asked questions