3 types of plutonium detected at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi plant
Authorities hold a blue sheet over patients exposed to radiation at the Fukushima nuclear power plant last week.
March 28th, 2011
12:11 PM ET

3 types of plutonium detected at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi plant

Three types of plutonium have turned up amid the radioactive contamination on the grounds of the earthquake-damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, its owner reported Monday.

The plutonium is a byproduct of nuclear reactions that is also part of the fuel mix at the damaged No. 3 reactor.

It was found in soil at five different points inside the plant grounds, the Tokyo Electric Power Company said late Monday.

Plutonium can be a serious health hazard if inhaled or ingested, but external exposure poses little health risk, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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Filed under: 2011 tsunami • Energy • Environment • Japan • Nuclear • World
soundoff (222 Responses)
  1. Herb

    Why are they covering these contaminated workers with a tarp? Did they sprout a second head already?

    March 30, 2011 at 10:23 am | Report abuse |
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