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Japan's 'fukushima 50' on the frontline
These 50 people share one goal
"preventing a global nuclear disaster"
Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is stricken with radiation
explosions and fires.
The second containment vessel exploded Tuesday morning
The radiation emitted
reached the amount a normal person would absorb in 200 years
750 workers and national guards
were evacuated
but 50 remained, including retirees
and volunteer plant workers
to prevent a nuclear disaster
even if it would cost them their lives.
These brave souls are now known as the Fukushima 50
They are manually pumping sea water
to cool the reactors
and opening valves to release trapped radiation and gas
and prevent the reactor core from melting down
They breathe through uncomfortable respirators on radiation masks
or heavy oxygen tanks on their backs
They have only flashlights to guide them
as they work around the reactors' maze
while avoiding gas leaks and possible explosions
They are well aware that their protective suits
don't help much
They also know that long exposure to radiation
easily causes cancer fromation and are willing to risk their lives
But the Japanese government appears unconcerned about their safety
increasing the maximum radiation exposure permitted for the workers
to 200 millisieverts from 100 millisieverts
which is 5 times the exposure received by US nuclear reactor worker
to get them to spend more time in the reactors.
Yesterday radiation levels increased
workers are rotated out after an hour
Tokyo Electric Power Company has so far not released information
on what measures are being taken to protect these brave souls
but specialists say
that they need to change shifts once every 15 minutes
But with 50 people coping with 6 reactors
will they really get enough rest?
In news reports the Fukushima 50 are asking for more assistance
"We have a duty to remain at out posts"
"regards, the Fukushima 50"
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