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Yajima K, Kim E, Tani K, Arae H, Iwaoka K, Hosoda M, Tokonami S, Kurihara O, Aono T. External dose measurements to investigate the body-size dependence of personal dosemeter responses in areas affected by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2023; 199:2000-2004. [PMID: 37819292 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncac274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
To formulate necessary protective measures after a large-scale nuclear accident, it is crucial to understand the levels of radiation to which persons living in radionuclide-contaminated areas are exposed. Individual monitoring using personal dosemeters (PDs) plays a role in this, although PDs were not originally intended to be used by members of the public. The present study investigated PD responses in areas highly affected by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident, as well as the dependence of those measurements on body size. Three types of commercially available electronic PDs, including D-shuttle, which has often been used in Fukushima, were placed on the front surfaces of three age-specific anthropometric phantoms imitating a 5-y-old, a 10-y-old and an adult male, and these phantoms were then exposed to radiation in an open field in the affected area. In the case of D-shuttle, the ratios of PD readings to the ambient dose rate for the 5-y-old phantom and the adult male phantom were 0.79 and 0.72, respectively. The ratios were somewhat higher for the other PDs; any PDs showed higher readings than the effective doses estimated by simulations based on the assumed ground deposition of 134Cs and/or 137Cs over the affected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Yajima
- National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, 4-9-1, Anagawa, Inage, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - E Kim
- National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, 4-9-1, Anagawa, Inage, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - K Tani
- National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, 4-9-1, Anagawa, Inage, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - H Arae
- National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, 4-9-1, Anagawa, Inage, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - K Iwaoka
- National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, 4-9-1, Anagawa, Inage, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - M Hosoda
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8564, Japan
| | - S Tokonami
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8564, Japan
| | - O Kurihara
- National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, 4-9-1, Anagawa, Inage, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - T Aono
- National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, 4-9-1, Anagawa, Inage, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
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Yajima K, Hasegawa S, Takahashi T, Aono T. Development of a dose estimation system for external exposure assessment at the late phase for individuals living in areas affected by the Fukushima nuclear accident. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2023; 199:2005-2009. [PMID: 37819340 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncac288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Although the elevated ambient dose equivalent (ADE) rates in areas radiologically affected by the 2011 Fukushima nuclear plant accident decreased as time passed, the assessment of Fukushima residents' external dose is still important. A dose estimation system for external exposure assessment at the late phase for individuals living in Fukushima Prefecture was developed for this purpose. The developed system enables the estimations of external doses over the future based on an individual behavioral pattern and ADE-rate distributions from aerial monitoring data and its predicted ADE rate. To validate the system, the estimated results were compared with the measured readings of personal dosemeters. The results indicate that the developed system properly reproduced the individual external doses of subjects living in areas where the outdoor ADE rates exceeded 0.2 μSv h-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuaki Yajima
- National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, 4-9-1, Anagawa, Inage, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Shin Hasegawa
- National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, 4-9-1, Anagawa, Inage, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Takahashi
- Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University, 2, Asashiro-Nishi, Kumatori-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka 590-0494, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Aono
- National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, 4-9-1, Anagawa, Inage, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
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Naito M, Tamakuma Y, Yajima K, Kim E, Obara S, Tani K, Kurihara O. Response of personal dosemeters on various age-specific anthropometric phantoms under external irradiation applied to areas affected by the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2023; 199:2030-2034. [PMID: 37819283 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncad187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
We experimentally obtained the responses of two personal dosemeters (PDs, D-shuttle and Dose-i) attached on five age-specific phantoms under rotational irradiation geometry, which simulated an environment that was radiologically affected by the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident using of a 137Cs source. Although the PD responses showed an angular phase shift by the PD position on the phantoms, the angular dependence was small when the contamination was widely distributed. The PD responses decreased as much as ~10% with the increase in the phantoms' body size. Although there were ~17% variations in the PD/ADE (ambient dose equivalent) ratio depending on the different PDs, this variation was due to the fact that D-shuttle was calibrated with the inclusion of a safety margin. The PD/ADE ratios were similar to the effective dose to ADE ratios for corresponding age-specific phantoms. Our results suggest that these two PDs can provide reasonable estimates for age-dependent effective doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Naito
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Yuki Tamakuma
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
- Center for Radiation Research and Education, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Yajima
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Eunjoo Kim
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Satoshi Obara
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Kotaro Tani
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Osamu Kurihara
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
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Poltabtim W, Musikawan S, Thumwong A, Omori Y, Kranrod C, Hosoda M, Saenboonruang K, Tokonami S. Estimation of Ambient Dose Equivalent Rate Distribution Map Using Walking Survey Technique in Hirosaki City, Aomori, Japan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2657. [PMID: 36768021 PMCID: PMC9916362 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
At present, much emphasis is placed on the health risks associated with radioactivity present in the environment, especially since the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. In this study, a walking survey was conducted in Hirosaki City using a NaI(Tl) scintillation spectrometer to estimate and map the distribution of the ambient dose equivalent rate to monitor the radiological safety of the general public in Hirosaki City, where many nuclear facilities are located nearby. The average (±standard deviation) ambient dose equivalent rate was 0.056 ± 0.020 µSv h-1. By comparison with the measurement data, it was found that the values of 85% of the data obtained using the walking survey technique deviated within ±20% relative to those obtained by spot measurements. Furthermore, the distribution of dose rates obtained in the nighttime survey was not significantly different from those obtained in the daytime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Worawat Poltabtim
- Department of Radiation Science, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Honcho, Hirosaki 036-8564, Aomori, Japan
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Honcho, Hirosaki 036-8564, Aomori, Japan
- Special Research Unit of Radiation Technology for Advanced Materials (RTAM), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Saowarak Musikawan
- Department of Radiation Science, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Honcho, Hirosaki 036-8564, Aomori, Japan
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Honcho, Hirosaki 036-8564, Aomori, Japan
| | - Arkarapol Thumwong
- Special Research Unit of Radiation Technology for Advanced Materials (RTAM), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Yasutaka Omori
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Honcho, Hirosaki 036-8564, Aomori, Japan
- The Research Center for Safety, Metrology, and Nuclear Quality Technology (PRTKMMN), Research Organization for Nuclear Energy, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), JI. Lebak Bulus Raya No. 49, Jakarta Selatan 12440, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Chutima Kranrod
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Honcho, Hirosaki 036-8564, Aomori, Japan
| | - Masahiro Hosoda
- Department of Radiation Science, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Honcho, Hirosaki 036-8564, Aomori, Japan
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Honcho, Hirosaki 036-8564, Aomori, Japan
| | - Kiadtisak Saenboonruang
- Special Research Unit of Radiation Technology for Advanced Materials (RTAM), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Department of Applied Radiation and Isotopes, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Shinji Tokonami
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Honcho, Hirosaki 036-8564, Aomori, Japan
- The Research Center for Safety, Metrology, and Nuclear Quality Technology (PRTKMMN), Research Organization for Nuclear Energy, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), JI. Lebak Bulus Raya No. 49, Jakarta Selatan 12440, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
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Omori Y, Sasaki R, Otsuki Y, Sorimachi A, Ishikawa T. Walking survey technique for ambient gamma dose rate measurement established in Fukushima Medical University. J NUCL SCI TECHNOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00223131.2021.2023370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasutaka Omori
- Department of Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Ryo Sasaki
- MD Program, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yuto Otsuki
- MD Program, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Atsuyuki Sorimachi
- Department of Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
- Integrated Center for Science and Humanities, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ishikawa
- Department of Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
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Omori Y, Ishikawa T, Sorimachi A, Ishikawa T. DISTRIBUTIONS OF INDOOR GAMMA DOSE RATES IN RELATION TO GAMMA-RAY EMISSIONS FROM BUILDING MATERIALS: CASE STUDY OF HIGH-RISE CONCRETE BUILDING IN FUKUSHIMA. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2019; 184:116-126. [PMID: 30445477 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncy192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The spatial distribution of ambient gamma dose rates in a high-rise steel-reinforced concrete building in Fukushima, Japan, was examined relative to the gamma-ray emissions from building materials and radionuclides derived from the 2011 nuclear accident. The results revealed the minor role of accident-derived radionuclides in ambient gamma dose rates ~7 y after the accident. The ambient gamma dose rates were higher in the upper floors because of gamma-ray emissions from natural radionuclides in the floor slabs. The fractional contribution of natural radionuclides to the ambient gamma dose rates indicated compositional differences in concrete between the upper- and lower-floor slabs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasutaka Omori
- Department of Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Takuma Ishikawa
- MD Program, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Atsuyuki Sorimachi
- Department of Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ishikawa
- Department of Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, Japan
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Tsubokura M, Nomura S, Yoshida I, Sawano T, Miyazaki M, Tomita S, Tomoyoshi O, Watanabe M. Comparison of external doses between radio-contaminated areas and areas with high natural terrestrial background using the individual dosimeter 'D-shuttle' 75 months after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2018; 38:273-285. [PMID: 29235452 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/aaa147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
After the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident, the air dose gradually decreases every year due to the physical decay of radioactive materials and environmental changes, as well as countermeasures. However, there is little information on personal behavioural patterns and individual dose from external exposure among the inhabitants around the nuclear power plant. To evaluate the dose from external exposure in Minamisoma city, and compare the differences with outside Fukushima Prefecture, we started the external dose assessment project in cooperation with city officials in Minamisoma and three other cities in Japan where the natural terrestrial background radiation level is relatively high. In these four cities, external dose was measured every hour for two weeks using an individual electronic dosimeter D-shuttle. The places of activity of participants were recorded every hour to compare and evaluate the dose from external exposure, and to clarify whether there is a difference in the exposure dose by behaviour. The annual effective doses from external exposure for 100 participants from four municipalities ranged from 0.566 to 1.295 with a mean value of 0.784 mSv, which was below the level where it is necessary to initiate further remedial actions. Mean external dose in Minamisoma city (0.820 mSv/year) was comparable to those in municipalities with a relatively high natural radiation background in Japan (0.793, 0.806, and 0.718 mSv/year in Fukuyama, Nanto, and Tajimi, respectively). The time spent at home and in the workplace accounted for most of the time of the participants, and this also contributed to the majority of the total dose from external exposure. The amount of exposure at times other than while at home or in the workplace was very small regardless of the indoor or outdoor location in the city. For future dose reduction and radiation protection, continuous dosimetry and countermeasures at home and in the workplace are important for individuals who present high values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaharu Tsubokura
- Department of Radiation Protection, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Minamisoma, Fukushima, Japan. Department of Radiation Protection, Soma Central Hospital, Soma, Fukushima, Japan
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Sproull MT, Camphausen KA, Koblentz GD. Biodosimetry: A Future Tool for Medical Management of Radiological Emergencies. Health Secur 2017; 15:599-610. [PMID: 29193982 PMCID: PMC5734138 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2017.0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With the threat of future radiological or nuclear events, there is a need to model and develop new medical countermeasures for managing large-scale population exposures to radiation. The field of radiation biodosimetry has advanced far beyond its original objectives to identify new methodologies to quantitate unknown levels of radiation exposure that may be applied in a mass screening setting. New research in the areas of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) applications have identified novel biological indicators of radiation injury from a diverse array of biological sample materials, and studies continue to develop more advanced models of radiation exposure and injury. In this article, we identify the urgent need for new biodosimetry assessment technologies, describe how biodosimetry diagnostics work in the context of a broad range of radiation exposure types and scenarios, review the current state of the science, and assess how well integrated biodosimetry resources are in the national radiological emergency response framework.
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Sproull M, Camphausen K. State-of-the-Art Advances in Radiation Biodosimetry for Mass Casualty Events Involving Radiation Exposure. Radiat Res 2016; 186:423-435. [PMID: 27710702 DOI: 10.1667/rr14452.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
With the possibility of large-scale terrorist attacks around the world, the need for modeling and development of new medical countermeasures for potential future chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) has been well established. Project Bioshield, initiated in 2004, provided a framework to develop and expedite research in the field of CBRN exposures. To respond to large-scale population exposures from a nuclear event or radiation dispersal device (RDD), new methods for determining received dose using biological modeling became necessary. The field of biodosimetry has advanced significantly beyond this original initiative, with expansion into the fields of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and transcriptomics. Studies are ongoing to evaluate the use of lymphocyte kinetics for dose assessment, as well as the development of field-deployable EPR technology. In addition, expansion of traditional cytogenetic assessment methods through the use of automated platforms and the development of laboratory surge capacity networks have helped to advance our biodefense preparedness. In this review of the latest advances in the field of biodosimetry we evaluate our progress and identify areas that still need to be addressed to achieve true field-deployment readiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Sproull
- Radiation Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Kevin Camphausen
- Radiation Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
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Sutou S. A message to Fukushima: nothing to fear but fear itself. Genes Environ 2016; 38:12. [PMID: 27350831 PMCID: PMC4918197 DOI: 10.1186/s41021-016-0039-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The linear no-threshold model (LNT) has been the basis for radiation protection policies worldwide for 60 years. LNT was fabricated without correct data. The lifespan study of Atomic bomb survivors (LSS) has provided fundamental data to support the NLT. In LSS, exposure doses were underestimated and cancer risk was overestimated; LSS data do not support LNT anymore. In light of these findings, radiation levels and cancer risk in Fukushima are reexamined. RESULTS Soon after the Fukushima accident, the International Commission on Radiological Protection issued an emergency recommendation that national authorities set reference highest levels in the band of 20-100 mSv and, when the radiation source is under control, reference levels are in the band of 1-20 mSv/y. The Japanese government set the limit dose as low as 1 mSv for the public and stirred up radiophobia, which continues to cause tremendous human, social, and economic losses. Estimated doses in three areas of Fukushima were 0.6-2.3 mSv/y in Tamura City, 1.1-5.5 mSv/y in Kawauchi Village, and 3.8-17 mSv/y in Iitate Village. Since even after acute irradiation, no significant differences are found below 200 mSv for leukemia and below 100 mSv for solid cancers. These data indicate that cancer risk is negligible in Fukushima. Moreover, beneficial effects (lessened cancer incidence) were observed at 400-600 mSv in LSS. Living organisms, which have established efficient defense mechanisms against radiation through 3.8 billion years of evolutionary history, can tolerate 1000 mSv/y if radiation dose rates are low. In fact, people have lived for generations without adverse health effects in high background radiation areas such as Kelara (35 mSv/y), India, and Ramsar (260 mSv/y), Iran. Low dose radiation itself is harmless, but fear of radiation is vitally harmful. CONCLUSIONS When people return to the evacuation zones in Fukushima now and in the future, they will be exposed to such low radiation doses as to cause no physical effects. The most threatening public health issue is the adverse effect on mental health caused by undue fear of radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizuyo Sutou
- School of Pharmacy, Shujitsu University, 1-6-1 Nishigawara, Naka-ku, Okayama 703-8234 Japan
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Radioactive Doses — Predicted and Actual — and Likely Health Effects. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2016; 28:245-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2015.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Yamashita S. Comprehensive Health Risk Management after the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Accident. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2016; 28:255-262. [PMID: 26817782 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Five years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident on 11 March 2011. Countermeasures aimed at human protection during the emergency period, including evacuation, sheltering and control of the food chain were implemented in a timely manner by the Japanese Government. However, there is an apparent need for improvement, especially in the areas of nuclear safety and protection, and also in the management of radiation health risk during and even after the accident. Continuous monitoring and characterisation of the levels of radioactivity in the environment and foods in Fukushima are now essential for obtaining informed consent to the decisions on living in the radio-contaminated areas and also on returning back to the evacuated areas once re-entry is allowed; it is also important to carry out a realistic assessment of the radiation doses on the basis of measurements. Until now, various types of radiation health risk management projects and research have been implemented in Fukushima, among which the Fukushima Health Management Survey is the largest health monitoring project. It includes the Basic Survey for the estimation of external radiation doses received during the first 4 months after the accident and four detailed surveys: thyroid ultrasound examination, comprehensive health check-up, mental health and lifestyle survey, and survey on pregnant women and nursing mothers, with the aim to prospectively take care of the health of all the residents of Fukushima Prefecture for a long time. In particular, among evacuees of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant accident, concern about radiation risk is associated with psychological stresses. Here, ongoing health risk management will be reviewed, focusing on the difficult challenge of post-disaster recovery and resilience in Fukushima.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Yamashita
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan; Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.
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