Japan's Nuke Adviser Quits

Bloomberg reports:

A nuclear adviser to Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan resigned because of a misunderstanding with the government over setting radiation limits in schools.

The government accepted the resignation of Toshiso Kosako, a professor at the University of Tokyo, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said at a press conference in the capital today. The adviser disagreed with the maximum annual radiation exposure allowed in elementary schools, Edano said, adding there was a “misunderstanding.”

Japan is struggling to contain the worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl in 1986. Four reactors at Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant were damaged by hydrogen blasts after a 9-magnitude earthquake and ensuing tsunami March 11 knocked out backup power and cooling systems, and radiation leaks have forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people. At least one worker at the plant has been exposed to radiation levels near the maximum allowed by the government, Tokyo Electric said today.

Kosako resigned in protest against the government’s “impromptu” handling of the crisis and delays in bringing the situation under control, Kyodo News reported, citing comments made by the adviser at a press conference yesterday. Kosako disagreed with the maximum annual radiation exposure of 20 millisieverts allowed by the government in elementary schools, according to Edano.

“We’re not saying it’s OK for children to get exposed up to 20 millisieverts,” he said. “We’re trying to reduce children’s radiation exposure as much as possible. Our plan would be much lower than 20 millisieverts a year.”

Kosako did not respond to an e-mail seeking comment. A spokesman at the prime minister’s office was not available for comment when contacted by telephone.