Concerns mount over the growing threat from Fukushima’s spent fuel – will the experts’ warning call be heard?
[link to www.bellona.org]

[snip]

Meanwhile, there is an aspect to these developments that drives it a little closer to home. One implication that bears direct significance for Russia is the geography, plain and simple. If the problem that experts deem too serious to leave to Japan’s handling without international help does escalate into a major catastrophe, this would mean new risks and new headaches for that country’s immediate neighbors – among which Russia is one. And while the UN considers this appeal, Russia, too, would do well to heed the warning voices and join the request for international action.

At issue is not only the risk of radioactive fallout that could affect Russia’s Far East – just the mere threat of contamination last year plunged the residents of Russia’s Far Eastern regions into a panic, with many rushing to local pharmacies to stock on iodine – but more radioactively contaminated export goods finding their way across the border. It was only roughly a month ago that Russian customs officials in the Far East reported of yet another (in Russian) batch of Japanese-made cars that had failed to pass radiation safety control upon delivery to a Russian port. And latest tests have revealed radioactive contamination still present in goods and produce in nine prefectures in Japan.