The National Academies Press has published a report from the Committee on Lessons Learned from the Fukushima Nuclear Accident for Improving Safety and Security of U.S. Nuclear Plants.
The Committee is part of the Nuclear and Radiation Studies Board, Division on Earth and Life Studies, National Research Council.
The March 11, 2011, Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami sparked a humanitarian disaster in northeastern Japan. The event caused 15,900 deaths and 2,600 missing persons as well as physical infrastructure damages exceeding $200 billion.
The earthquake and tsunami also initiated a severe nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. Three of the six reactors at the plant sustained severe core damage and released hydrogen and radioactive materials. Explosion of the released hydrogen damaged three reactor buildings and impeded onsite emergency response efforts. The accident prompted widespread evacuations of local populations, large economic losses, and the eventual shutdown of all nuclear power plants in Japan.
The report covers:
- Conflict and Security Issues — Prevention, Security and Response
- Conflict and Security Issues — Disaster Response
- Environment and Environmental Studies — Radiation
- Energy and Energy Conservation — Policy, Reviews and Evaluations
The contents of the report can be viewed online for free.