FUKUSHIMA Lives on the Line

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277chap.VConveying to PosterityFUKUSHIMA: Lives on the Linerendered nonfunctional by the damage to their regional infrastructure from the nuclear accident. Consequently, a robust medical system with sufficient communication and capacity was not provided during the disaster. Thus, it is necessary to seriously consider the recent lessons and implement the requisite solutions in problem areas.(5) Medical health experts and scientists must collaborate to enhance the public’s understanding of the health hazards of radiation and situations in which there may be impacts. Further, they must devise ways to communicate the current information in an easily comprehensible manner. Thus, transparency is required regarding the assessment of radiation dose rates and official decision-making. The corresponding scientific evidence and explanations must then be communicated to the general public in layman terms.(6) It is necessary to incorporate social and psychological support in all forms of medical services.(7) Long-term international support from various organizations with extensive experience in radiation-related matters, such as ICRP, WHO, IAEA, and UNSCEAR, is vital. Moreover, it is necessary to strengthen the mutual relationships and cooperation among international organizations.(8) It must be determined how the lessons from this disaster can be used in furthering the long-term, fruitful cooperation between the government of Japan and international organizations. A possible route for accomplishing this is creating a task force on the Fukushima accident. The task force would comprise representatives of the government, local municipalities, international organizations, and citizens from within and outside Fukushima.On this point, I would like to direct attention to the Nippon Foundation’s website, in particular the news report dated November 10, 2011: Eight proposals from the Fukushima international symposium with world experts on radiation and health (http://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/org/news/2011111001.html).2. Monitoring the Health of Fukushima ResidentsAs a symbol of recovery efforts, the Fukushima Health Management Survey was initiated at FMU as a prefectural project with central government funding. Starting from scratch, in May 2011, the dedicated efforts of many individuals brought about the formal launch of the Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey administered on campus in September. At present, a basic survey and four detailed surveys are in progress (Figure 2).1. Basic SurveyThe basic survey includes questionnaires mailed to the prefecture’s residents, asking them to record their activities in the four months after the earthquake. The purpose is to estimate the external radiation dose rates of people when the airborne radiation peaked following the nuclear accident. By carefully examining these individual activity records and the data for airborne radiation levels, it is possible to estimate cumulative radiation dose rates (mSv/4 mos.) using analytical software developed by NIRS.[Interim progress]As of January 31, 2012, approximately 2.05 million people have been mailed questionnaires for the basic survey. Of this number, approximately 430,000 (21%) have responded. For prioritized areas, which were believed to have comparatively high radiation dose rates (Iitate, Namie, and the Yamakiya district of Kawamata), 15,000 replies (52%) were received from the 29,000 who were mailed. Data for 10,468 people was analyzed and publicized on February 20.Of the 9,747 people who were not directly working on projects close to or involved with radiation and the nuclear power plants, 99.3% had less than 10 mSv of radiation exposure; the highest amount of exposure measured was 23.0 mSv. This data has been assessed as indicating that “health hazards from this level of radiation exposure are minimal.” However, future efforts are required for health management and the minimization of radiation exposure. Individually analyzed results have also been mailed to each respondent.2. Detailed SurveysThe detailed surveys being conducted are as follows: 1) Thyroid examinations 2) Health checkups 3) Mental health and lifestyle surveys, and 4) Surveys of expectant and nursing mothers.1. Thyroid ExaminationAs of March 11, 2011, prefecture residents 18 years or younger, with some exceptions, were given ultrasound thyroid examinations. Judging from the current levels of radiation, it is extremely difficult to argue for any health hazards. After the Chernobyl disaster, however, there were reports of pediatric thyroid cancer from exposure to radioactive iodine. Thus, from March 24–30, the Japanese government sponsored thyroid examinations after the Fukushima Existing and Future Initiatives after the Great East Japan Earthquake

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