• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Nuclear fallout from Japan question.

Bassist Jay

Bassist Jay

Dec 28, 2009
2,053
1,380
Sterling, CO.
Disclosures
Endorsed by K.B. Guitars, Nordstrand Audio Pickups, Von York Strings and Gallien-Krueger Amps.
#1
I am curious if any of you are concerned to buy anything from Japan in the coming future over fear of nuclear fallout from the reactors that exploded getting radioactive fallout on anything shipped around the world. I was on Ibanezes website today and they had a post on the main page saying their Japan factory was not effected by the earthquake and tsunami but then I wondered about any fallout getting on any guitars or basses being shipped throughout the globe. I then got to thinking about all of the other products as well. Electronics like televisions and so on, Motorcycles and ATV's or other things made there.

So what are your thoughts?
 
#3
I know that if it is obvious detectable radiation, you are right but what about low levels and long term exposure that maybe some people in charge let slip through the cracks. Like let's say you buy a Japanese made bass that makes through all inspections but has low levels of radiation on it and you own it for several years which thus raises your chances of having something bad happen to you. I was wondering if that is a concern for anyone?
 
#4
Jay Ralston said:
I know that if it is obvious detectable radiation, you are right but what about low levels and long term exposure that maybe some people in charge let slip through the cracks. Like let's say you buy a Japanese made bass that makes through all inspections but has low levels of radiation on it and you own it for several years which thus raises your chances of having something bad happen to you. I was wondering if that is a concern for anyone?
Click to expand...

Low levels of radiation over the long term is less harmful for you than a single x-ray.

lowsound
 
#5
That's a question I cannot answer save to have the item in question tested. I know tha's obvious,but... Many electronic items, most notably cell phones, already give off types of radiation, hell, even concrete emits low-level radiation.

I knew what you meant, I just don't know how it truly effects goods as you fear. I would almost say it'd be negligible....
 
#8
Oh come on already. It isn't insensitive asking a question like this.

Does radiation stay on something like a sticker would, or does it wash/blow/fade off? How would you get radiation off something like a bass, article of clothing, or DVD player?

-Mike
 
#10
I never said I was not concerned about the people of Japan. That is a horrible thing to suggest. I am praying for all of those involved and if I was able to go there and help out I would. With the post I made, I saw something on another site and it made me ponder a question in my head so I asked it on here to get others opinions.
 
#11
Media fear mongering is doing more harm than good. Read about the actual facts, not some hack's propaganda. Even if they had the technical understanding of what happens in a nuclear plant, they would probably choose to ignore the scientific facts to sell more newspapers. Sorry for the rant, but I think the media does a very evil thing when they increase their profits by exploiting other people's misfortunes. (read this, a long but very informative article: Invalid Link Removed)

End of rant.

Short answer: Your brand new Ibanez won't kill you. The radiation is neither strong enough or concentrated enough.

If you did order a new Ibanez, you would be doing the right thing, helping out their economy! better than donating to the red cross, man :)
 
#12
MJ5150 said:
Oh come on already. It isn't insensitive asking a question like this.
Click to expand...

I agree. But it's a little silly. The radiation dissipates incredibly fast, and will not, even in the worst case scenario, reach the Ibanez factory.

MJ5150 said:
Does radiation stay on something like a sticker would, or does it wash/blow/fade off? How would you get radiation off something like a bass, article of clothing, or DVD player?
Click to expand...

You'd wipe/brush it off. But it wouldn't last on there long enough to get to you in the US anyway. This is just paranoia. I'm in Tokyo, and I've seen articles in the foreign press that have nothing whatsoever to do with the reality on the ground here, and seem to be totally made up with no real reporting of any kind. I guess they want to scare the crap out of people to increase ratings. CNN and FOX in particular, shouldn't be allowed to "report" on this anymore.

The long term danger is from the material seeping into the earth. If that happens, you might not want to eat apples from Fukushima prefecture for a while.

"Nuclear fallout" BTW, is something that comes from a nuclear explosion. Don't confuse exploding hydrogen (which is happening) with a hydrogen bomb explosion (which is not). My father, who was a science teacher, pointed out many people are having a hard time distinguishing these two.

If you're really having a hard time wrapping your head around this, watch here:
YouTube - A Nuclear Reactor Explained by Poop and Farts: Nuclear Reactor Boy's Tummy Ache
It's for children, but understandable... :-)

As you can see, contrary to rumours in the other thread, youtube is running fine here.
 
#13
Jay,

I saw your last post after writing mine. I hope you don't take what I said to mean I think you're silly for asking the question. If you don't know what to think, you should ask. There's so much misinformation out there, people don't know what to think. I hope my and other's explanations have put your mind at ease.
 
#16
No offense taken Brent. I truly am concerned for these people. I remember when Katrina hit, we had people from work preparing to go and volunteer there to help out. With Japan, because it is half way around the world, it is a little harder to do. On a good note though, some ministries that I know and trust and really doing some pretty big things to help the people of Japan out. One has already sent one 747 filled with supplies over there and is hoping to send even more later on. Another ministry I know is also collecting funds to send over there to help the people out so good things are happening as far as getting those people help.

With nuclear stuff that is radioactive, I admit, I don't know everything about it. When I first heard about the nuclear reactors the first thing I thought about was the short and long term effects on the people over there. The commerce question that I posed in the thread, was literally something that just made me wonder about after the fact.
 
#20
MJ5150 said:
People are selling potassium iodide pills on eBay for up to $1000. Maybe I should get a few bottles at WalMart tonight and see how much money I can make.

-Mike
Click to expand...

what about iodine tabs at a camping/sporting good store? they are great for purifying water with only the slightest crappy taste. those have to be in stock. they also permanently stain a camel back bladder pee pee yellow. its a win win.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back