FUKUSHIMA Lives on the Line

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275chap.VConveying to PosterityFUKUSHIMA: Lives on the LineNuclear weapon tests by the U.S. and the U.S.S.R.Nuclear weapon tests by ChinaChernobyl nuclear disasterCesium-137Strontium-90MarchAprilBecquerel/m2Amount of radioactive falloutFukushima Daiichi nuclear disasterFigure 1: Monthly Trend of Radioactive Fallout*Created based on measurement data from the Meteorological Research Institute. March and April 2011 data are estimates from measurements by the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health.Until 1980, the measurement collection center was in Koenji, Tokyo; thereafter, it was moved to Tsukuba, Ibaraki.accident and that from the fallout in the 1960s, which emanated from residual atmospheric radiation (artificial radionuclides) from nuclear tests conducted from the mid-1940s. The generations that make up Japan’s current elderly population, much vaunted for their longevity, grew up during this era. Radiation risks are lower than the risks of smoking, drinking, or riding a bicycle without a helmet. Relevant scientific facts and radiation protection policies are clearly noted and explained for open perusal at http://www.kantei.go.jp/saigai/senmonka_g16.html. We encourage readers to make use of this valuable reference.Responses by Fukushima Medical University A recovery plan was formulated based on the rallying call of “from tragedy to miracle.” The first stage of the plan is to gather intelligence from across the globe. Fukushima Medical University (FMU) promptly worked to attract people, knowledge, and expertise from within and outside Japan and become a hub for these resources.- April 2011: An inter-university alliance was formed with Nagasaki and Hiroshima universities, world leaders in radiation medicine. The Cooperative Alliance for Radiation Impact Research Organizations was formed (members: the National Institute of Radiological Sciences [NIRS], the Kyoto University Radiation Biology Center, Nagasaki University, Hiroshima University, the Radiation Effects Research Foundation [RERF], and the Institute for Environmental Sciences [IES])- June: Commencement of the Fukushima Health Management Survey- August: Professor Yamashita from Nagasaki University and professor Kamiya from Hiroshima University invited to serve as vice presidents. Cooperative agreement signed with NIRS and RERF - September: Inauguration of the Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey- October: Introduction of two courses on radiation medicine in the FMU Medical School curriculumIn addition, in June 2011, a Recovery Headquarters Committee was established at FMU based on the proposal for the Government Restoration Committee and the vision for recovery in Fukushima. The Recovery Committee worked toward realizing a Disaster Medicine Research Center, creating bases for early-stage medical examinations and state-of-the-art medical treatment, and boosting employment and training in the health care industry. More importantly, FMU is being called upon to realize the strength of its wisdom and expertise, give voice to the powerful vision of recovery, and embrace Fukushima Prefecture.1. Convening a SymposiumAmid these rapid developments, a symposium for international experts was held on campus on September 11 and 12, exactly six months after the disaster. The symposium, “Radiation and Health Risks: Considering the Case of Fukushima through the Eyes of International Experts,” aimed at gaining a comprehensive view of the health hazards of radiation from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident. Over 30 international experts attended the conference, including members of organizations such as the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCREAR), World Health Organization (WHO), the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA), and experts from inter-

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