Studies on the Role of Experts in Conveying Safety Information to the Affected Residents of Iitate Village in the Aftermath of the Fukushima Nuclear Accident: How Mistrust Towards Science and Scientists Developed During the Nuclear Emergency

Abstract

Drawn from qualitative interviews conducted between 2011 and 2012 with local residents of Iitate Village, Fukushima, this paper investigates how mistrust towards experts and radiological science has been built in the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear accident. It demonstrates that a sole focus on conveying accurate safety information about health effects from radiation did not gain sufficient credibility on radiological safety from the residents concerned about the radiation exposure they have experienced. This paper suggests that the role of scientists engaged with local residents in disaster-affected areas needs to be more readily investigated, and learning and education on issues, such as empathy and care, are to be integrated in a part of training for those to take part in disaster response programmes.