Fukushima... 88 Page Government Report

It is apparent from the Chernobyl accident, radioactive fallout that spread over a broad area remains in mountain and forest areas for many years, and their levels do not naturally diminish for many decades. Wildfires, floods and other causes can spread contamination further.

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Continuing public health and welfare issues

The Commission recognizes that the residents in the affected area are still struggling from the effects of the accident.

They continue to face grave concerns, including the health effects of radiation exposure, displacement, the dissolution of families, disruption of their lives and lifestyles and the contamination of vast areas of the environment.

There is no foreseeable end to the decontamination and restoration activities that are essential for rebuilding communities.

The Commission concludes that the government and the regulators are not fully committed to protecting public health and safety; that they have not acted to protect the health of the residents and to restore their welfare. (see Recommendation 3) [...]

It is estimated that as much as 1,800 square kilometers of land in FukushimaPrefecture has now been contaminated by a cumulative radiation dose of 5 millisieverts orhigher per year.

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Recommendation 3: Government responsibility for public health and welfare

Regarding the responsibility to protect public health, the following must be implemented as soon as possible: 1. A system must be established to deal with long-term public health effects

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Damage from the nuclear power plant accident The effects of the accident, of course, are still being felt, and will continue to affect the country. [...] Residents are greatly concerned about their radiation exposure levels.

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Those medical institutions with capacity for emergency radiation treatment did not function as anticipated.

Current and future health damage from radiation

One of the biggest concerns among residents is the impact of radiation on their health.

Nevertheless, the government and Fukushima Prefecture have yet to make a proper response to the pressing concerns of residents regarding radiation doses in their neighborhood, its impact on their health, and other radiation issues.

What the government needs to do is convey detailed information to the residents and provide options for informed decision-making.

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Radiation exposure not only causes thyroid cancer in infants, but affects the whole body.

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The Commission places the mental and physical health of the residents as the first priority, and concludes that action needs to be taken urgently.

Surveys that monitor the health conditions of residents of Fukushima are necessary, but an adequate inspection system with inspection equipment is urgently needed.

Measures need to be taken with a priority on public health. Unfortunately, we see few signs of anything being done.

Prolonged environmental and decontamination issues

Once radioactive substances are released, they continue to affect the environment, and must be effectively dealt with.

Of all the issues from the accident, the Commission considers the problem of environmental pollution to be the least addressed.

As is apparent from the Chernobyl accident, radioactive fallout that spread over a broad area remains in mountain and forest areas for many years, and their levels do not naturally diminish for many decades.

Wildfires, floods and other causes can spread contamination further.

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July 5, 2012 - ENENews

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