What are the dangers of nuclear polluted water to human beings? How ordinary people respond and protect

At 13:00 on August 24, 2023 local time in Japan, Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant discharged nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean. For a time, it caused widespread concern and controversy around the world. ​

The discharge of nuclear contaminated water is a serious challenge to human health. Nuclear-contaminated water may directly harm human cells and DNA due to the risk of nuclear radiation, and increase the risk of cancer and other diseases.

Immune cells are an effective weapon for the human body to fight against diseases, and have proven to have broad prospects in diseases such as cancer. Facing the challenge of nuclear contaminated wastewater, having healthy cells may become our hope for protecting our health.

Nuclear wastewater is waste generated during the operation of nuclear power plants, which contains small amounts of radioactive materials. Nuclear contaminated water refers to water contaminated by nuclear fuel, and its radioactive material content far exceeds that of ordinary nuclear wastewater. The move to discharge nuclear contaminated water into the sea has once again raised concerns about the impact of nuclear wastewater on human health.

Potential harm to human health caused by nuclear contamination

All nuclear radiation and other related issues brought by the discharge of nuclear polluted water into the ocean are undoubtedly a severe challenge to normal organisms.

Just in June this year, a new review published in "Annals of Hematology" systematically told us the harm of nuclear pollution to the human body.

Hazard 1: cause DNA mutation, body cells are "heavily damaged"

Exposure to any nuclear radiation can result in a number of short-term and long-term adverse effects, depending on the amount and duration of radiation exposure. Exposed persons may develop acute radiation syndrome immediately after exposure (<48 hours).

Nuclear radiation will directly cause physical damage to human cells, which can directly lead to cell death; secondly, the damage of nuclear radiation to cells is more reflected in that it can change the arrangement and order of cell genes, causing gene mutations, chromosome mutations, etc.

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Harm 2: Increased risk of cancer and other diseases

On a macroscopic scale, exposed individuals exhibit a variety of symptoms, including skin burns and heat injuries, infection, bone marrow failure (e.g., leukopenia, anemia), and gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., vomiting, bloody diarrhea). Acute exposure at lethal doses to high levels can result in immediate or acute death, primarily due to thermal burns, cardiovascular collapse, gastrointestinal involvement, and bone marrow failure. In addition to the acute hazards, nuclear radiation also has many long-term effects on the normal human body, including psychological effects such as depression and anxiety. At the same time, due to the "random effect" of nuclear radiation, a large number of exposed people will have changes in cell gene phenotype, genetic damage and even tumor occurrence.

Preventive measures that ordinary people should take

Pay attention to official information: pay attention to official information released by the government in a timely manner, understand the latest developments of nuclear wastewater discharge into the sea, and be aware of it.

Avoid contact with nuclear wastewater: try not to get close to the outlet of nuclear wastewater, and avoid contact with nuclear wastewater to avoid radiation damage.

Reasonable diet: Pay attention to food safety and avoid intake of aquatic products that may be contaminated by nuclear wastewater, such as fish and shellfish. At the same time, pay attention to clean fruits and vegetables to ensure a safe diet.

Enhance self-protection awareness: For areas that may be irradiated by nuclear wastewater, you should wear masks, wash your hands frequently, and avoid staying in crowded places to reduce the risk of infection.

Participate in environmental protection actions: actively participate in environmental protection actions, support environmental protection organizations through donations, signatures, etc., and jointly protect the marine environment.

Don't believe in rumors: When facing the issue of nuclear wastewater discharge into the sea, you should treat it rationally, and don't blindly listen to rumors, so as not to cause unnecessary panic.

Compliance with relevant regulations: When dealing with the issue of nuclear wastewater discharge into the sea, relevant regulations and recommendations issued by the government should be followed to achieve an orderly response.

Enhance self-protection awareness: When going out, wear masks, carry disinfectant and other protective equipment to reduce the risk of infection.

Pay attention to your health: When dealing with the issue of nuclear wastewater discharge into the sea, you should pay attention to your own health, and seek medical treatment in time if you feel unwell.