NEWS Scientists Measure Highest Radiation Levels Yet Inside Fukushima's Damaged Reactors

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The latest measurements are over seven times the previously measured high—enough to fry a robot in two hours
Radiation levels recorded inside Fukushima's crippled nuclear power station are at the highest levels since its catastrophic meltdown in 2011.

Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings Inc (Tepco) said the radiation level in the containment vessel of Reactor 2 in the Fukushima No 1 power plant had reached a maximum of 530 sieverts per hour, Japan Times reports.

The "unimaginable" radiation levels were assessed by the National Institute of Radiological Sciences.


According to the institute, just 4 sieverts of radiation exposure would be enough kill a handful of people.


Read more at Fukushima's radiation reaches 'unimaginable' levels
Read more: Scientists Measure Highest Radiation Levels Yet Inside Fukushima's Damaged Reactors | Smart News | Smithsonian
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[ChatGPT]

The latest news concerning the Fukushima nuclear power station is indeed alarming. Radiation levels have surged to unprecedented heights, reportedly reaching 530 sieverts per hour in the containment vessel of Reactor 2. This situation is particularly concerning as it represents a staggering increase, over seven times the previously recorded high levels since the catastrophic meltdown that occurred in 2011.

Key Points:​

• Radiation Levels: The maximum radiation level recorded is 530 sieverts/hour, which is considered "unimaginable".
• Impact of Radiation: Just 4 sieverts of radiation exposure is lethal to humans, indicating the extreme danger posed by current levels.
• Findings from TEPCO: Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) reported finding a two-meter hole in the metal grating under Reactor 2, a result of searing hot fuel escaping the pressure chamber.
• Future Assessments: Plans are in place to deploy a specially designed robot early next month to conduct a detailed assessment of damages within the reactor. However, this robot will only operate for limited time due to the excessive radiation.
• Previous Meltdown Details: The Fukushima meltdowns in 2011 are regarded as the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl.

Further Reading:​

• For more information regarding this incident, you can read the full article at http://www.9news.com.au/world/2017/02/08/10/24/fukushima-radiation-reaches-unimaginable-levels#ZWTDDl28tJoLT5CV.99.
• An additional article can be found at http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/fukushima-reactor-shows-highest-radiation-level-initial-meltdown-180962050/#EFRQ41G4bUvZHcMp.99. It seems that cleaning up and decommissioning the Fukushima site heads into an even more treacherous phase. Here’s hoping for the best as they navigate through these uncharted territories in nuclear safety!