3/10/13
Forests that cover 70 percent of Japan's Fukushima Prefecture have been found to contain high concentrations of radioactive cesium - not only in the fallen leaves and soil, but in the trees themselves.
This suggests that radiation has permanently found its way into the ecosystem.
Scientists suggest cutting the trees as soon as possible because the cesium will gradually be transferred to the earth itself.
The Japanese government is already spending billions of dollars decontaminating various towns in Fukushima, but the forests continue to emit radioactivity, putting the residents at risk.
Many residents are now suing Tepco, the nuclear plant's operator, for the impact the disaster had on surrounding communities.
It's estimated the power company will pay some 400 billion in cleanup costs and compensation.
Al Jazeera's Steve Chao reports from Fukushima.
