Japanese Nuclear Workers Hid Radiation Exposure, Sometimes ForcedElizabeth Renter According to a report in the online Japanese news source, The Asahi Shimbun, workers in Japans nuclear plants frequently hid and lied about radiation levelsputting their lives at riskif only to keep their jobs. Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) maintains they had no idea that workers were going to extreme lengths to conceal the radiation levels they were exposed to, but at least 10 workers and former workers have come forward to discuss the practices that kept them working without raising safety concerns. Frequently, the workers say, they would not wear the dosimeters designed to detect accumulated radiation levels. They would simply leave the safety gear in their cars for the day. According to Asahi: In reflecting on the practices, the man said, If a worker diligently carried a dosimeter, he would not be able to work because the radiation levels would increase and set off the alarm. I felt it was only natural to place the dosimeters in the lead container. I have no idea how much radiation I was really exposed to, the man said. The company also does not allow me to get health checks for cancer. I am very concerned about my health. The workers understand the risks of radiation exposure. But they also understand the risks of not working. Many of them have families to feed and without a job to go to on a daily basis, they would go hungry. Rather than rock the boat, the workers do whats necessary to hide their radiation levels in order to have consistent work. Explore More: 