Says keeping reactors cool is crucial
HOUGHTON -- A fire and several explosions have hindered efforts to contain harmful radiation from escaping a nuclear power plant in Japan.
People near the site and across the country are relying on air monitoring, which so far says the levels are safe.
But Michigan Tech Professor Petra Huentemeyer says it’s immediately important for the people in charge of the plant to find a long-term solution for keeping the reactors cool.
If radioactive material does escape, there's no telling how long the danger would last or how far it could spread.
“The half-life of a nitrogen molecule is only a few seconds, and that shouldn't pose a threat, especially not for people farther away,” says Huentemeyer. “But the cesium has a half-life of 30 years.”
Huentemeyer says the situation is most surprising because the Japanese plant had extensive backup and security measures.
Germany is already reevaluating their use of nuclear power, and Huentemeyer expects other countries will do the same.
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