Nuclear Plant Fears in Japan

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In The Media

Nuclear Plant Fears in Japan

If nuclear plants damaged in Japan's recent earthquake cannot be cooled and their cores begin to melt, it could potentially cause one of the most serious nuclear accidents in history.

By James M. Acton

Published on Mar 11, 2011

Source: Fox News

While any release of radiation into the environment is dangerous, Carnegie's James Acton, speaking on Fox News, said that if the leak in Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant and other plants do not get any worse, there is unlikely to be any serious repercussions for the local people or environment. However, Acton warns, if the cooling systems do not succeed in bringing down temperatures, the nuclear fuel could start to melt, causing a major nuclear accident.

Acton described how a series of accidents of the earthquake have created radiation leaks. Describing the worst case scenario, Acton warned that if the cooling pumps cannot be powered, the steam coming from water intended to cool the nuclear core could become highly radioactive, with severe consequences.

About the Author

James M. Acton

Jessica T. Mathews Chair, Co-director, Nuclear Policy Program

Acton holds the Jessica T. Mathews Chair and is co-director of the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Recent Work

Paper
Nuclear Weapons and the Future of American Power
- James M. Acton, Ankit Panda
Commentary
The Latest Iran Deal Ignores the Lessons of the Past
- James M. Acton

Nuclear Policy Nuclear Energy East Asia Japan Asia

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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