Perspectives for Measures against Harmful Rumors regarding Treated Water from Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station

Abstract

There is concern about harmful rumors associated with the discharge of treated water from the Advanced Liquid Processing System from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the ocean, scheduled for the spring of 2023. This letter briefly introduces the mechanism of harmful rumors about foods after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident, and discusses perspectives for measures for production, processing, distribution, and consumption, as well as fostering public and international understanding of treated water. The letter highlights that it is important to ensure the effectiveness of thorough measures at each stage of production, processing, distribution, and consumption measures, and in particular, the sufficiency of communication among these sectors. In addition, we mentioned the necessity of information disclosure through explanations, monitoring, and collaboration with various international organizations regarding radionuclides other than tritium, as well as the appeal of foods from production sectors, in terms of fostering public and international understanding of the issue.