Contaminated Rice, Radiation Problems Continue for Japan (ContributorNetwork)

COMMENTARY | Radiation is an ongoing problem for Japan with recent reports focusing on contaminated rice. The lasting impact of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami continues to affect the country. However, I am forced to question why the rice was being grown in areas contaminated by the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. Officials were aware of the nuclear plants releasing iodine 131 and cesium 137 into the air in March, yet they seem to have allowed food production to continue.

Lasting Tragedy

The March 11 earthquake and tsunami led to the damage of several Japanese nuclear power plants. The release of radioactive materials including iodine 131 and cesium 137 forced officials to caution residents about drinking milk and eating contaminated food. However, they also assured residents that the land surrounding the nuclear plants would be free from the effects of radiation within a few weeks. This was misleading information because cesium 137's half-life, the time necessary for half of it to decay, is 30 years.

Problems

Scientists warned Japan that the effects of radiation would not disappear quickly. Soil and water contamination would continue to be hurdles for many years. Although Japan made a commitment to continue testing food for radiation levels, it has allowed crops to grow in contaminated areas. The impact of eating food contaminated with radioactive particles may be difficult to measure initially. However, there is a strong link to cancer.

Rice and Tea

Japan's contaminated rice may have grabbed more headlines, but it is not the first time that the issue of radiation and food has come to the surface. In June, the Japanese government attempted to stop tea shipments because high levels of cesium 137 were found. The tea contained 3,000 becquerels of radioactive cesium. Compared to Japan's regulations of not exceeding 500 becquerels of cesium per kilogram, this was an extremely high amount.

The most disturbing aspect of the tea story is that it questions the officials' ability to stop shipments. The governor of the area with the contaminated product was defiant and blatantly announced his refusal to follow the government's instructions. How safe is Japan's food supply and how is this affecting other nations who receive the imports? Although it is obvious the country is making a strong effort to test food and shipments, are they able to control all of the situations and how many products go untested? Japan must face these uncomfortable questions as the country continues to deal with the aftermath of March 11.

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Ohio Record Rainfall, Flooding Causing Algae Problems for Waterways (ContributorNetwork)

Going "green" isn't always a good thing. Due to record amounts of spring rainfall, a coating of green algae known as cyan bacteria has invaded at least 20 public beaches, lakes and ponds in Ohio. The toxic blue-green sticky film occurs when water becomes polluted with sewage, manure and fertilizer.

Indiana Prairie Reporter notes the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is offering financial assistance to farmers battling an overflow of manure-based fertilizer due to spring flooding. Cleaning up the manure seepage will likely prevent the contamination from encompassing more public and private waterways.

Memorial Day is the unofficial kick-off for outdoor summer fun and coveted eco-tourism business around the state. Ohio State Park beaches are popular day and weekend getaways even when the economy is good. The struggling economy has boosted state park visitation for the last several years. A decline in visitors would have a financial impact for campground, cabin and outdoor recreation rental businesses. The algae problem will impact the rural Hocking Hills area of southern Ohio to the northern shores of Lake Erie, the two largest outdoor tourist attractions in the Midwest.

Heavy April showers and flood waters washed phosphorus-infused sediment from agricultural areas into waterways last year as well. The rainfall run-off issue in 2011 has already surpassed the algae growth which occurred in all of 2010 in Ohio. Per studies by University of Toledo ecologists, harmful algal blooms are expected to make a return appearance in Lake Erie again this summer, according to the Columbus Dispatch. The warmth and sunshine which any Ohioans have been seeking will only exasperate algae growth. Fishing is not only an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon on Lake Erie but a means of putting food on the table for angler-related businesses. Decaying fish floating on the top of the lake will not only deter fishermen but disrupt the fragile economy in the Buckeye State.

Fortunately, no safety warnings affecting human health have yet been issued due to the growing algae problem. Water may be deemed safe for swimming if the concentrations of the green ilk are determined to be low enough not to be harmful if accidentally ingested while in the water.

Last year, tourists were met with warning signs when visiting state park beaches at Hake Hope, Burr Oak and Grand Lake state parks. Thousands of hikers at the Hocking Hills State Park were not deterred by the pending algae over the holiday weekend and cooled off in waterfall overflows at Ash Cave and Old Man's Cave with both their small children and four-legged family members. The thick canopy of trees and cooler temperatures along cave trails are protected from the direct sunlight algae needs to flourish.

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