At least 5 dead at Japan nuke plant

[SoCalDem]

http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsPackageArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=561626§ion=news

At least 5 dead at Japan nuke plant
Mon 9 August, 2004 10:47



By Elaine Lies

TOKYO (Reuters) - A steam leak at a Japanese nuclear power plant has killed five workers, police say, but officials say no radiation has escaped in the accident, the worst ever in terms of deaths at a Japanese nuclear facility.

Several others were injured, some seriously, officials said.

The incident, which took place on the anniversary of the 1945 atomic bombing of the city of Nagasaki, is certain to increase distrust of the nuclear industry among ordinary people in Japan, which depends on nuclear power for a third of its energy needs.

"Radioactive materials weren't contained in the steam that leaked out ... We've received a report that there is no impact from radiation on the surrounding environment," an official for the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency told a news conference.

more.

[amber dog democrat]

1. Supposed to be a non radio active steam leak

Well over 300 degrees F. I was on a destroyer that used superheated steam at
650 degrees F at 800 + PSI. No room for error.

[soothsayer]

2. Ick, what a way to die

Poor things.

[LizW]

6. Horrible

Some men were killed by steam at a plant in Alabama several years ago. I knew a guy who worked at the local hospital and saw them when they were brought in (some weren't dead yet). He said it was the worst thing he ever saw come into the ER.

[Fovea]

10. Saw a guy who'd fallen into a steel cooling pit

full of boiling water. He came in with a 100% burn. He lived a couple unpleasant hours.

[Judi Lynn]

3. The timing couldn't be more horrid.

What a desperate shame.

Very sorry for the people of Nagasaki.

[SoCalDem]

4. I thought the same thing..

The officials said there was "no danger of radiation", but realistically, would they tell the truth if there was a danger?? I think they would rather ignore it, and just "hope" that no one gets sick ..

This time of year would be the absolute worst time for Jaoan to have a "radiation-related" mishap of ANY kind..:(

[spinbaby]

5. 59th anniversary of Nagasaki...

[Massacure]

7. I think they are telling the truth.

http://www.nsnet.gr.jp/english/member/commerc/22.html

The above link says that the three reactors at Mihama Power Station are Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR).

http://www.nsnet.gr.jp/english/member/commerc/22.html

This gives a diagram of a basic PWR. They have three water loops. One is presurized water inside the reactor. This gathers the heat from the nuclear process, however the heat is transfered to a second water/steam loop. There is also a third cold water loop for cooling.

I assume the leak came from the second loop. However, only the first one is radioactive.

[donsu]

8. assuming can get you killed

Japan has had all kinds of problems with their nuke plants. I wouldn't trust the report.

[Massacure]

9. You really think they would try to cover up a radiation leak?

They could loose their license for that. It wouldn't be a wise move as it wouldn't take long to notice the effects.