Environmental risk countermeasures and issues in Japan

Abstract

As lifestyles continue to change toward a more convenient and affluent life, we are exposed to many hazards and risks every day, such as unregulated compounds, radioactive substances due to nuclear power plant accidents, non-ionizing radiation due to the spread of 5G systems, and food poisoning accidents caused by bacteria and viruses contained in daily necessities and encountered in living environments. In recent years, although the use of known highly toxic substances has been banned or regulated, risks of natural disasters related to abnormal weather and infectious diseases such as the novel coronavirus have exerted huge impacts on our lives. Regarding the contribution of these risk factors to major diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated the Disability-adjusted life year (DALY) as an index, and has also presented environmental risks as indices for disease prevention. Based on the philosophy of regulatory science, risk assessments based on scientific knowledge through environmental surveys including environmental epidemiological studies, and efforts for safety management through the implementation of regulations and practical measures are becoming increasingly necessary. Furthermore, environmental risks in the world range from man-made factors such as industry and industrial activities, to natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, as well as cross-border problems such as cross-border pollution and marine pollution. At the same time, complex and uncertain problems that are difficult to deal with have been emerging in succession. For this reason, Japan needs to contribute to measures to reduce environmental risks based on our experience in responding to natural disasters, both as a developed country, and with a shared international understanding. In dealing with solutions, it will become increasingly necessary to promote cross-disciplinary research such as in chemistry, physics, biology, and medicine, and to collaborate with experts from industry, academia including the social sciences, and government.