Genes and Environment
Online ISSN : 1880-7062
Print ISSN : 1880-7046
MEETING REPORT
“Scientific Considerations Regarding Radiation Risk” JEMS Open Symposium 2012
Takayoshi Suzuki
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ジャーナル フリー

2013 年 35 巻 3 号 p. 57-62

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The health effects of low-dose radiation have generated considerable concern after the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant. Although the risk of acute direct exposure to high-dose radiation could be avoided, the risk remains for low-level continuous exposure to radiation by long-lived environmental contaminants, such as cesium-137 that is released from the nuclear plant. Scientists have engaged in a contentious debate regarding the actual risk of low-dose radiation. To understand the actual risk of radiation scientifically, the Open Symposium of Japanese Environmental Mutagen Society (JEMS) was held on May 26, 2012 at Keio University in Tokyo. Eight scientists and a special guest from Fukushima were invited to participate in this symposium. We understand that it is difficult to draw a proper conclusion scientifically concerning the actual (absolute) risk of low-dose and low-dose rate radiation from the available data. The risk of radiation exposure can only be estimated in a relative manner if we compare the risk to other confounding risk factors, such as smoking. Being unafraid and controlling risk factors in our lifestyle are important in helping us to cope with the inevitable exposure to low-dose radiation that was caused by the Fukushima accident. It is critical to communicate and to advise people in the nearby environment regarding their risk of radiation exposure and the need to make a rational decision to avoid undue exposure and excess risk concerning radiation emerging from the accident site.

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© 2013 by The Japanese Environmental Mutagen Society
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