Japan Nuclear Plant Explosion Acid Rain Hoax

First of all, I would like to convey my condolences to Japan for the recent earthquake and tsunami. It’s heartbreaking seeing so many homes destroyed and so many lives lost in such a short time. In conjunction with the latest nuclear plant leak, there are rumours being spread regarding acid rain that might cause burnt or skin cancer.

Yesterday, I received so many different versions of such message on my BBM:

“A nuclear power plant in Fukumi, Japan exploded at 4.30am today. If it rains tomorrow or later, don’t go outside. If you are outside, be sure that you have rain protectors. It’s acid rain. Don’t let it touch you. You may burn your skin, lose your hair or have cancer. Please pass, stay safe and remind everyone you know.”

“新闻台最新消息：日本政府证实因第二波地震而波及的福岛县的核子厂，辐射外泄抢救失败，以开始蔓延至亚洲区域国家。在接下来24小时尽量不要外出，穿长袖衣物，保护身体买免受辐射攻击，尤其是颈项部位最容易受害。”

People’s minds are so easily manipulated. When we receive the message, we panic and forward the message to everyone we can possibly reach, who then forward it to their friends and causing even more panic. Did anyone actually care to do some research and get the facts right before spreading the unwanted rumour? All the mass sendings must have really pleased the Telco companies. LOL.

In Manila, the rumour caused so much panic among the people they started buying antiseptic for radiation protection! It was reported that Betadine in pharmacies are all sold out! More info here.

Wow, looks like Telco companies aren’t the only business that should feel pleased.

If you receive such message, do not worry as it’s a mere hoax. The radiation would not form acid rain and neither would it be blown over to our country as the wind from Japan is traveling towards the Pacific Ocean. Click to read the article.


Instead of wasting our time on the hoax, why not focus on how we can help the unfortunate nation that was struck by the disaster? :)

Update：It was further assured by The Straits Times that the forwarded text was indeed a hoax.