Progress on Japan nukes, but radiation fears real
CBS News producer Erin George reports from Tokyo
There seems to be good news coming from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant. Workers have been able to hook up external electrical power to one of the reactors, and hopefully in the next 24 hours they'll know if that electricity can power the failed water pumps. Radiation levels have stabilized to some extent, and one International Atomic Energy Official said Sunday those levels "remain below those which are dangerous for human health."
"Today there are reports of radioactive iodine found in spinach and milk from farms located 60 miles from Fukushima, outside of the so-called danger zone... and in fava beans exported from Japan to Taiwan. The government is also reporting that radioactive iodine is in Tokyo's water - at levels not harmful to human health.
But as Bill Whitaker reported earlier this week, people (and we here at CBS News) have every reason to be wary of information coming from the government and TEPCO, the power company that owns the nuclear reactor.
They may not be lying, but they may not have all the right information - which can be VERY worrisome as one showers and drinks tea here in Tokyo. We're trying to avoid dairy and fresh vegetables... but with all of the local markets still under-stocked (due to fuel and food shortages) and a SERIOUS run on Cups of Noodles, food options are limited..."
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503543_162-20045232-503543.html