What is ALPS treated water?

Japanese

What is "ALPS treated water"?

It is water that contains radioactive substances from inside the buildings of the Tokyo Electric Power Company’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, and has been purified and treated until it satisfies safety standards for all radioactive substances besides tritium.

For tritium, the water is significantly diluted with seawater before discharge so that it fully satisfies safety standards.
The tritium concentration after dilution is less than 1/40 of the safety standard (or 1/7 of the WHO drinking water standard).

Because the water satisfies safety standards before it is discharged and the total amount discharged is also controlled, there is no concern about effects on human health or the environment.

* ALPS: Advanced Liquid Processing System. It is a system that removes multiple radionuclides from water.

What is "Tritium" in ALPS treated water?

Tritium is a relative of hydrogen (H-3), and is an element produced naturally every day. As a result, it is contained in tap water, rainwater and also in our bodies. It is a radioactive material that is broadly present in the natural environment.

The energy of radiation emitted by tritium is extremely weak and can be blocked by a single sheet of paper.

Tritium is being discharged into the seas from many nuclear facilities around the world, and no adverse effects from tritium have been found in the areas surrounding these facilities.
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Commitments by Leaders of the Government of Japan

Japan-Micronesia Summit Meeting
As committed at PALM 9, the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea would be conducted while firmly ensuring no harm to the environment and human health, and that Japan would continue to provide the Pacific Islands countries and regions with explanations based on scientific evidence in a highly transparent and sincere manner, while continuing to undergo review by the IAEA. (Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan)
（Link to the press release）
Japan-Marshall Islands Foreign Ministers' Meeting
Japan addresses the discharge of ALPS treated water with the highest priority on safety, which is also vital for the revitalization of Fukushima. The discharge will not be allowed in a manner that dangers human health and the marine environment. （Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan）
（Link to the press release）
Foreign Minister Hayashi’s Meeting with the Delegation of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)
The discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea would be conducted while firmly ensuring no harm to the environment and human health based on the PALM 9 commitment. The discharge would be conducted in accordance with domestic and international safety standards, and Japan will conduct monitoring prior to and after the discharge under reviews by the IAEA, and make the information available in a transparent manner. （Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan）
（Link to the press release）
Minister Nishimura Holds a Video Conference with H.E. Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Agency (IAEA)
Japanese government continues to take steps firmly to the rigorous review by the IAEA.（Mr. NISHIMURA Yasutoshi, Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan）
（Link別ウィンドウで開く to the press release）
Foreign Minister Hayashi Meets with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency
Japan, in coordination with the IAEA, will continue to provide thorough explanations to the international community in a highly transparent manner based on scientific evidence to foster understanding in the international community. （Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan）
（Link to the press release）
The discharge of ALPS treated water from Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station of TEPCO and the safety of Japanese foods
Japanese food products are inspected for radioactive materials in accordance with our standards, which are extremely strict even compared to global standards, and there are stringent safety measures in place, such as shipment restrictions.We hope that consumers at home and abroad will continue to enjoy Japanese food products.（Mr. KONO Taro, Minister forMinister for Consumer Affairs and Food Safety of Japan）
（Link to the content）