The failure of emergency vents in Japan nuclear plants caused the hydrogen gas explosions following the March tsunami. The New York Times reports the failure of vents at the Fukushima Daiichi plant was the primary cause of explosions and puts into question the safety of nuclear plants in the U.S. and Japan.
After the tsunami, it was critical to relieve pressure inside reactors but the failing vents caused hydrogen gas explosions, emitting radioactive materials into the atmosphere. U.S. reactors are equipped with new and stronger venting systems, American officials assert, making reactors safe from such disasters. Tokyo Electric Power Company challenges this claim saying the Fukushima Daiichi plant installed the same General Electric vents years ago, says Times. (more…)
