Level of perception of technical terms regarding the effect of radiation on the human body by residents of Japan

Risk communication regarding radiation exposure by experts using two concepts of regulatory science and ALARA

In the Tohoku region of Japan, risk communication programs on radiation exposure are of great importance, especially with respect to reducing the stress and anxiety among those affected by radiation exposure. Although the concepts of 'as low as reasonably achievable' (ALARA) and regulatory sciences (RS) were very important for the smooth operation of risk communication among a wide range of stakeholders, our previous research showed that only 23.5% and 16.5% of medical doctors in Japan had an accurate awareness of them, respectively. To make risk communication more effective, this study examined the levels of awareness of the concepts of ALARA and RS among academic experts in Japan and compared their level of awareness of technical terms regarding radiation to that of the expected level for a layperson. This study also showed that, even among faculty working at graduate schools in Japan, only 29.8% and 39.4% had an accurate knowledge of ALARA and RS. To improve the knowledge of laypeople and experts on these concepts, they should be added to the primary education curriculum. This study demonstrated that among experts in many academic fields, a significant range of estimates existed of lay knowledge of technical terms regarding radiation. The highest scores were assigned by faculty in the field of humanities. Thus, before conducting risk communications, experts from all fields should identify the expected level of awareness among laypeople on the topic. In addition, risk communications regarding radiation should be conducted by academic experts and healthcare professionals together with facilitators or lecturers.

Association of Anxiety over Radiation Exposure and Acquisition of Knowledge Regarding Occupational Health Management in Operation Leader Candidates of Radioactivity Decontamination Workers in Fukushima, Japan: A Cross-Sectional Study

An operation leader (OL) of radioactivity decontamination workers is required by law to have accurate knowledge of occupational health management (OHM) such as working environment management, control of operations, and health management as a field supervisor in Japan. The purpose of the current study is to examine the association between anxiety over radiation exposure and the possession/acquisition of the OHM knowledge required for OLs. In this cross-sectional study, data were collected before and after training sessions held by Fukushima Prefecture Labor Standard Associations in Fukushima, Japan, in 2017. Eighty-seven males who completed the questionnaires were enrolled to this study. As a result, acquisition of knowledge of working environment management was significantly associated with an increase of anxiety over radiation exposure after the session comparing the situation before and after the session (knowledge possession; odds ratio = 4.489; 95% confidence interval = 1.216, 16.571). In conclusion, acquisition of accurate knowledge of how to manage working environment management was associated with anxiety over radiation exposure. Although acquisition of said knowledge may contribute to the reduction of physical health risks, it may increase mental health risks. Both mental health support for OLs with accurate knowledge and educational support for those without accurate knowledge are required.