Calls for fish testing in U.S. west grows

Joining the American Medical Association, nuclear scientists who were once wary of voicing concerns over the potential effects of Japan's Fukushima disaster on U.S. waters are now calling for seafood testing. This push is in response to the recent revelation that at least 300 tons of poisoned ground water has bled into the Pacific Ocean from the damaged nuclear plant.

Recent: Fukushima poisoning the Pacific

The biggest concern is the discovery of elevated levels of strontium 90, a radioactive material that gathers in a fish's bones. Though these spikes have only been recorded in and around Japan, specialists are concerned seafood in the United States is now at risk. While expressing said-concerns, scientists were quick to downplay their own calls for action, making every effort to avoid causing a panic among consumers.

Exposure to strontium 90 can cause certain types of cancers, in addition to endangering expectant mothers and their unborn children. Regarding to the latter, long-time supporters of testing have noted a rise of certain birth defects in babies born on the U.S. west coast - especially hypothyroidism - since the nuclear accident occurred in March 2011.

Severe drought batters central China

Oppressive heat in Central China continues to feed drought conditions in the region. The provinces of Hunan, Guizhou and Hubei are taking the brunt of the emergency, with well over a million people being left without adequate drinking water. As of Saturday 186 rivers and 252 reservoirs have completely dried up.

Agriculture has also been affected adversely, with widespread crop-failures and dying livestock a lingering probability if conditions do not improve soon; in one area it is already estimated that 33,300 hectares will bear no harvest this season. While the burden is being felt immediately in China, a sustained drought in this region could eventually impact the entire global food chain.

Chinese officials have been pouring resources of manpower, water, and materials into the region, with varying results. The crisis, which began in mid-June, is not expected to abate for - at minimum - the next few months.

Severe drought batters central China

Oppressive heat in Central China continues to feed drought conditions in the region. The provinces of Hunan, Guizhou and Hubei are taking the brunt of the emergency, with well over a million people being left without adequate drinking water. As of Saturday 186 rivers and 252 reservoirs have completely dried up.

Agriculture has also been affected adversely, with widespread crop-failures and dying livestock a lingering probability if conditions do not improve soon; in one area it is already estimated that 33,300 hectares will bear no harvest this season. While the burden is being felt immediately in China, a sustained drought in this region could eventually impact the entire global food chain.

Chinese officials have been pouring resources of manpower, water, and materials into the region, with varying results. The crisis, which began in mid-June, is not expected to abate for - at minimum - the next few months.

Fukushima poisoning the Pacific

Japanese Prime Minster Shinto Abe has directed his government to investigate all possible means of placing a halt on radioactive groundwater spreading from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. The facility, which was heavily damaged during the earthquake (and subsequent tsunami) of March 2011, is still poisoning the Pacific Ocean via the runoff, per reports. Japanese scientists are considering all options, including 'freezing' the affected water, which many believe will stymie its advance.

Nuclear watchdog groups have been warning about the damage the plant could be causing to the Pacific Ocean since the accident occurred, but Tokyo Power and Light Company (TEPCO) has resisted admitting to any potential crisis. That ended two weeks ago, when the beleaguered company conceded that what the watchdogs had feared was actually transpiring.

While Authority remains hesitant about labeling this a global situation, critics assert that irreversible damage has already been done, and shall continue to occur. They cite independent reports of radioactivity as far away as the U.S./Canadian west coasts, especially in evidence discovered via the fishing industry in the region. Officialdom (representing both government and corporate fishing interests) is not confirming such reports, however, fueling accusations of cover-ups from one side and conspiracy-mongering by the other.