Anything related to radioactivity or the nucleus - Essay Example

15 August Analysis of Article: Effects of Radiation from Fukushima Dai-ichi on the US Marine EnvironmentSummary: The article, “Effects of Radiation from Fukushima Dai-ichi on the US Marine Environment,” written by Eugene H Buck and Harold F Upton, deals with the problem of likely concerns on the US marine environment as a consequence of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011 causing “extensive damage in north-eastern Japan, including damage to the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power installation” (Buck & Upton, para.1). This incident has entailed the release of radioactive material to the sea on a massive scale, raising concerns that the radiation may pose potential threat to the marine environment of the US.

An apprehension also exists that the debris from the tsunami, which may be contaminated with radiation, is likely to spread towards the east of Japan and probably may reach the US west coast in about two to three years time. The main threat derives from the fact that radiation can be carried to other parts of the world through air as well as water. Evidence points to the possibility that marine organisms, migrating out of Japan Sea, may be exposed to radiation and these “might subsequently be harvested by US fishermen” (Buck & Upton p.2). Therefore, scientists suggest that the US authorities should keep monitoring the radiation levels in the seafood so harvested, or being imported from Japan.

However, they find solace on the premise that any possible radiation in the sea water will get diluted quickly and will not be “a problem beyond the coast of Japan” (Buck & Upton p.2).Significance of the Article: Environmental pollution or contamination is a serious hazard and there is a rising need for creating awareness of this problem among the masses. This article deals with a current issue of highly significant nature and, therefore, is very relevant in the present day. The authors have clearly brought out the problem and its specific impacts on the environment and, therefore, information contained in this article is useful not only for scientists and environmentalists but also for the general public.

The article further emphasizes the need for continued monitoring of radiation levels as a response measure to combat contamination. Thus, this article is a significant contribution to the field of environmental studies and can create awareness in the public about the problems radiation can cause to the environment. Works CitedBuck, H, Eugene & Upton, F, Harold. Effects of Radiation from Fukushima Dai- ichi on the U.S. Marine Environment. Congressional Research Service. 2012. Web. 15 August 2012.

< http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R41751.pdf>