Howdy,
I have a question about the American Redoubt [1] in light of the pending and probable total failure of the Fukushima reactors spent fuel rod pool. When this thing goes, the release will be massive and long term. [I have read that the] radiation release will cover most of the US and Canada and that most of Canada and the northern two thirds of America may be unlivable. How advisable would be moving to the American Redoubt?
I’m not one for conspiracy theories. I don’t buy the one about HAARP causing the earthquake and tsunami. However, the sheer lack of any effort to contain this pending disaster like building a coffin around it like Chernobyl to be disturbing. We’ve invaded many counties that pose less danger to the US, if not the world.
What are you thought on safety should this thing collapse? – Sasquatch
JWR Replies: All of the recent Internet rantings that I’ve seen about Fukushima’s impact on the in the U.S. and Canada are not being written by folks with any background in nuclear physics or NBC defense.
This piece that I wrote pretty well sums up my position: Useful Tidbits on Radiation and Journalists–The Season of Isotopes and Misanthropes [2]
And this piece [3], posted four days later by the well-informed editor of Modern Survival Blog, echoed what I wrote, with some greater detail: Radiation, Japan, and the Inverse-Square Law [3] (Also be sure to see the follow-up comments.) The rates at which radionuclides (radioactive atmospheric dust) drop out of rain clouds with precipitation are similar. In essence, the radiation risk drops off to negligible levels around 800 miles downwind, unless weather conditions are very unusual.