Radioactive iodine levels are more than twice the recommended safe level.
People in the Fukushima prefecture, where engineers are still trying to cool the reactors, have now been warned not to eat 11 types of leafy green vegetables because they, too, have suffered contamination.
Campaigners say the problems at the plant – including the long term effects on people exposed to radiation – coupled with the familiar pattern of denial by the authorities has seriously undermined the case for nuclear power.
The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Friends of the Earth and Scientists for Global Responsibility held a vigil for Fukushima outside Downing Street on March 20.
Kate Hudson, general secretary of CND, said: “As the world watches in horror at the events unfolding at Fukushima, we want to express our sympathy for those affected by the earthquake and tsunami and those who may suffer further. We regret that statements from the Japanese government and the Tokyo Electric Power Company have contradicted each other. It is not only the Japanese people but the wider world that needs to know the full truth.”
Mike Childs of Friends of the Earth said: “We can do nothing to stop earthquakes and tsunamis but we can use alternative energy sources to nuclear power. We must build a cleaner, safer future in the UK and the world.”
