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Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Dangerous plutonium extraction

Nuclear-fuel reprocessing technology is a diversion of technology for the extraction of weapons-grade plutonium. The technology is still immature and more dangerous than nuclear power generation, and reprocessing plants involve the danger of criticality accidents caused by plutonium and emission of radioactive materials in explosions.

A reprocessing plant in Tokai Village in Ibaraki Prefecture experienced an explosion accident and a fire in 1997 that released radioactive materials and exposed 37 employees to radiation.

At the Rokkasho reprocessing plant, which is larger than the Tokai plant, accidents will have greater consequences. In the Rokkasho plant, nitric acid solution and tanked water have leaked many times. Faulty designs and poorly welded parts have been discovered.

Even under normal operation, the plant will emit krypton, tritium, iodine, and other radioactive materials into the air and the sea. An expert committee of the Japan Science Council has expressed concern that the operation may become the source of pollution on a global scale and not just the source of local environmental pollution.

The regulatory system of administration of the high risk facilities is inadequate for ensuring their safety. The problem is that, in violation of the international standards, the regulatory Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency is under the jurisdiction of the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry which promotes the use of atomic energy. This is not a way in which a regulatory body can ensure the safety of reprocessing facilities.
- Akahata March 21& April 1, 2006