Radioactive Water Leak at Fugen Nuclear Plant in Japan During Decommissioning
A leak of approximately 20ml of water containing a high concentration of the radioactive isotope tritium occurred at the Fugen nuclear plant in Fukui Prefecture, Japan, which is currently undergoing decommissioning. Investigations are being conducted to determine if any workers were exposed to the water, although internal exposure via inhalation has been ruled out.
The Nuclear Regulation Authority reported that no radioactive material has leaked outside the controlled area of the plant, and radiation levels in the vicinity remain normal. The Japan Atomic Energy Agency is set to provide further updates.
Tritium, a weaker radioactive form of hydrogen, poses limited risk unless ingested or inhaled. Japan has been managing tritium from decommissioned plants, including releasing diluted water from the Fukushima plant since 2023 following the 2011 disaster.
