The Mutant Butterflies of Fukushima: Radiation Deformation

Fukushima Daiichi Radiatin Mutates Local Wildlife

The radiation leak at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is not yet contained, and its effects are visible in the local ecosystem.

A paper published by Nature details the mutations found in adult pale grass blue butterflies.

These butterflies display mutations in their wings, legs, eyes, and antennae, but that's not the worst part. These mutations are getting worse in the butterflies' offspring, whether or not those offspring are born near the Fukushima Daiichi site.

• Mutant Butterflies: Photo
  

This is an ominous sign for humans. While only around 100 nuclear-plant workers have received enough radiation to signal an elevated cancer risk, those exposed to lower-level radiation over a longer timeframe could develop health problems, which may be exacerbated in those victims' children.