Food and Fukushima: Radiation Levels and Their Effect.

A recent study published in  BMC Evolutionary Biology by researchers Chiyo Nohara, Wataru Taira, Atsuki Hiyama, Akira Tanahara, Toshihiro Takatsuji, and Joji M Otaki has some serious implications on food security.

While the study looked specifically at one species of butterfly, Zizeeria maha, and the radiation levels within their body, it was the reason why these butterflies were so affected that is the cause of concern. These butterflies eat large amounts of leaves from the surrounding area around the Fukushima Power Plant location.

The high spikes in radiation ingested by these butterflies suggests that wildlife in the area has been seriously affected by radiation, and it permeates all levels of the food chain.

While their study shows that these changes drop immediately next generation if they are fed normal non-radiated food, the ability for the radiation to disappear like that in a natural setting in unlikely.

The FDA in March released a statement saying that US food safety has been unaffected by these radiation levels, but what about in other countries closer to the disaster?

From http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2148/14/193/figure/F5
Shows abnormalities in butterflies in the study

In Japan, a study was performed on the people who lived near Fukushima, and found that people who ingested "homegrown produce without radiation inspection, and often collected mushrooms in the wild or cultivated them on bed-logs in their homes.” were more likely to have high levels of radioactive cesium levels within them. People who regularly ate wild boar meat and river fish also had the high levels of cesium in them.

Many studies have been performed on the food safety in regards to radiation poisoning, and none so far have found any harmful levels of cesium. However, this study shows that it exists and is something that needs to be address in the near future.The researchers point out these needs, and hope that this will push for further testing of food grown locally in the area.


Cited:
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2148/14/193
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140923090244.htm
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/06/17/national/food-checked-radiation-poses-risk-fukushima-study/
http://www.fda.gov/newsevents/publichealthfocus/ucm247403.htm