Worker at Fukushima nuclear plant detected with elevated radiation levels

A worker at Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant was identified with heightened radiation levels in their nose, shedding light on the persistent challenges in decommissioning the site following a major nuclear catastrophe in 2011.

Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) disclosed that the worker potentially removed their protective mask after completing tasks, leading to exposure to radioactive materials. Despite reassurances from Tepco regarding the worker's immediate health, a comprehensive evaluation revealed no internal contamination.

This incident marks the second within three months, following an episode where four workers were exposed to water containing radioactive materials in October. While two were hospitalized as a precaution, they were later discharged without reported health complications.

The Fukushima nuclear plant suffered devastation from a severe earthquake and tsunami in 2011, causing one of history's most catastrophic nuclear disasters and claiming thousands of lives.

The extensive cleanup process, anticipated to span decades, still faces the most perilous phase: eliminating radioactive fuel and debris from three severely affected reactors, a task yet to commence.

Additionally, Japan commenced releasing treated wastewater—equivalent to 540 Olympic swimming pools—into the Pacific starting from August, a contentious decision drawing divergent views. Despite Tokyo's insistence on the water's harmlessness, nations like China and Russia have imposed bans on Japanese seafood imports in response.

The recent detection of elevated radiation levels in a Fukushima plant worker's nose underscores the persistent dangers involved in the plant's decommissioning and it emphasizes the ongoing risks and challenges in managing the aftermath of the 2011 nuclear disaster at the site.