When it comes to seafood, many people may think of its rich taste and nutritional value. However, Japan's recent decision to discharge treated Fukushima nuclear power plant wastewater into the sea has attracted global attention. The ocean, as the largest ecosystem on Earth, plays a vital role in the health of human diets. The discharge of nuclear wastewater could change this balance, with health risks that cannot be ignored.
The radioactive material contained in nuclear sewage can enter seafood through the complex marine food chain, and ultimately affect human health. This potential risk makes the selection and consumption of common seafood categories a matter of careful consideration. Here's a look at what seafood might be affected by the contaminated water, why they are, and how to maintain a healthy diet while enjoying seafood.
With multiple rounds of plans to dump nuclear wastewater into the sea, the focus is not only on the immediate environmental impact, but also on the indirect effects that these actions may have on human health. The main focus here is the radioactive materials in nuclear wastewater, such as cesium and strontium, how they are transmitted in the marine ecosystem and the potential risks to human health.
The distribution of radioactive materials in the ocean is not uniform. They tend to accumulate in certain sea areas, especially in deep-sea sediments. These substances accumulate progressively up the food chain, eventually affecting humans at the top of the food chain. For example, small marine organisms such as plankton absorb water containing radioactive material and are then ingested by fish, which in turn are caught and eaten by humans.
The health risk of radioactive materials is that their radiation can damage human cells, and long-term exposure may increase the risk of cancer. For example,Cesium-137 is a common nuclear contaminant with a half-life of about 30 years in the human body, meaning its radioactive properties in the body last for decades. Strontium-90 tends to accumulate in the bones, which can lead to bone diseases or blood problems.
Real-life cases show that similar situations are not without precedent in history. After the Chernobyl nuclear accident, cows in nearby areas ate grass contaminated with radioactive materials, which led to an increase in the level of radioactive materials in the milk。This example reminds us that even indirect contamination of the food chain can pose a serious threat to human health.
Against the backdrop of multiple rounds of nuclear sewage discharge into the sea in Japan, certain seafood may carry higher health risks due to environmental changes. Here are six types of seafood that are recommended to be eaten less in the current situation, along with a scientific explanation for why they may be contaminated by nuclear weapons.
Deep-sea fish: Deep-sea fish, such as swordfish and sharks, live in a deep-sea environment, which makes it easier for them to accumulate nuclides through the food chain. Nuclides can persist in water for long periods of time and accumulate gradually through the food chain, especially in larger and longer-lived fish.
Shellfish: Shellfish, such as oysters, scallops, etc., act as filters for marine ecosystems and are capable of accumulating harmful substances in the environment, including radioactive materials. When they filter feed on the seafloor, they may ingest particles containing nuclides.
Fish for sushi: Some fish that are commonly used to make sushi, such as tunaThey may pass through or live in nuclear-contaminated waters due to their migratory nature, increasing the level of radioactive material in their bodies.
Eels: Eels undergo multiple migrations throughout their life cycle, including living in both freshwater and saltwater environments. This Xi makes them exposed to radioactive material in different environments.
Bottom-caught fish: Bottom-caught fish, such as flounder and flounder, are more likely to have direct contact with radioactive materials deposited on the seafloor because of their Xi on the seabed.
Kelp and seaweed: Although not fish, marine plants such as kelp and seaweed are also something to look out for. Due to their filtering role in the ocean, they are able to accumulate harmful substances in the environment, including nuclear contaminants.
In the context of the discharge of nuclear sewage into the sea, it has become particularly important to choose safe and healthy seafood. Here are some alternative options that are not only nutritious but also relatively safe to use as part of your daily diet.
Freshwater fish: such as carp, crucian carp, and trout. Freshwater fish live in an environment far from marine pollution, so they are generally not affected by nuclear contamination. These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health.
Farmed seafood: Choose seafood products that are labeled "farmed", such as farmed salmon and shrimp. The growing environment for farmed seafood is controlled and the risk of contamination is low. However, when purchasing, you need to pay attention to the ** of the product and the cultivation method.
Plant-based marine foods: Seaweed foods such as kelp and nori are excellent options. Not only do they provide abundant minerals and vitamins, but they also have a low chance of nuclear contamination due to their short growth cycle.
Small seafood: such as shrimp and scallops. Due to their small size, these seafood are less likely to accumulate harmful substances. At the same time, they are also good for protein and other important nutrients**.
When choosing seafood, you should pay attention to the best of the product, giving preference to those that come from unpolluted waters。In addition, eating seafood in moderation, combined with a variety of vegetables and grains, can help balance the diet and reduce reliance on single foods**, thereby reducing the risk of contaminated foods.