Japan Lifts Evacuation Near Nuclear Plant

Japan has lifted evacuation advisories for five cities around its crippled nuclear power plant, allowing 59,000 people to return home. However, radiation is still higher than normal in that area, and questions remain about its effect on children and pregnant women. An elementary school in one town measures 6.75 millisieverts a year—above the 1 millisievert exposure recommended for civilians, but far below the 50 millisievert limit for radiation workers in the U.S. Japan's government defended its decision, citing progress in bringing the Fukushima plant under control. The 12-mile exclusion zone around the plant will remain in effect.