The safety of the discharge of ALPS treated water / ALPS 処理水海洋放出の安全性
The safety of the discharge of ALPS treated water / ALPS 処理水海洋放出の安全性
It is water that contains radioactive substances from inside the buildings of the Tokyo Electric Power Company’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, and has been purified and treated until it satisfies safety standards for all radioactive substances besides tritium.
For tritium, the water is significantly diluted with seawater before discharge so that it fully satisfies safety standards. The tritium concentration after dilution is less than 1/40 of the safety standard (or 1/7 of the WHO drinking water standard).
Because the water satisfies safety standards before it is discharged and the total amount discharged is also controlled, there is no concern about effects on human health or the environment.
* ALPS: Advanced Liquid Processing System. It is a system that removes multiple radionuclides from water.
ALPS処理水とは？
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の建屋内にある放射性物質を含む水について、トリチウム以外の放射性物質を、安全基準を満たすまで浄化した水のことです。
トリチウムについても安全基準を十分に満たすよう、処分する前に海水で大幅に薄めます。
薄めた後のトリチウムの濃度は、国の定めた安全基準の40分の1（WHO飲料水基準の約7分の1）未満になります。
安全基準を満たした上で、放出する総量も管理して処分するので、環境や人体への影響は考えられません。
Video: Why is the discharge of ALPS treated water safe? Video: 29 radionuclides and ALPS (Advanced Liquid Processing System)
What is "Tritium" in ALPS treated water?
Tritium is a relative of hydrogen (H-3), and is an element produced naturally every day. As a result, it is contained in tap water, rainwater and also in our bodies. It is a radioactive material that is broadly present in the natural environment.
The energy of radiation emitted by tritium is extremely weak and can be blocked by a single sheet of paper.
Tritium is being discharged into the seas from many nuclear facilities around the world, and no adverse effects from tritium have been found in the areas surrounding these facilities.
ALPS処理水に含まれるトリチウムとは？
トリチウムは水素の仲間（三重水素）で、日々自然に発生しているものです。そのため、水道水や雨水、私たちの体の中にも含まれており、「自然界にも広く存在する放射性物質」です。
トリチウムは、世界中の多くの原子力施設から海に放出されていますが、施設周辺からは、トリチウムが原因とされる影響は見つかっていません。
Click here for more information on the safety of the discharge of ALPS treated water:
English Website
Japanese Website
Additional Links & Information
Video: IAEA reports on Fukushima Daiichi ALPS treated water release
Article: IAEA Finds Japan’s Plans to Release Treated Water into the Sea at Fukushima Consistent with International Safety Standards
Report: IAEA Comprehensive Report on the safety reiew of the ALPS-treated water at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station