2013 Volume 13 Issue 1 Pages 23-29
The March 11th 2011 radiation incident in Fukushima, Japan, led to severe problems of low-dose radiation contamination of the surrounding environs. This has been causing panic and confusion among the population. Additionally, evaluating to what degree low-dose radiation will affect humans is a controversial issue among scientists. To help alleviate the confusion and panic, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science dispatched a team of scientists (of which I am a member) to measure radiation contamination in Fukushima prefecture and explained the effects of low-dose radiation. Through these efforts we have provided the following information to residents: 1) Genes are not directly affected by low-dose radiation, but indirectly affected by radicals. 2) Radiation-damaged cells take more than 20 to 30 years to develop into clinical cancer. 3) Our immunological surveillance system is important to disease prevention and impairment of this system due to psychological stress, can result in an increased risk of cancer development. 4) Risks from exposure to radiation could be overcome or greatly reduced through lifestyle changes that include eating more anti-oxidant rich foods. The residents in Fukushima appreciate the efforts made by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. The scientists have benefitted as well since we have an opportunity to improve our ability to assess and communicate risk in disaster areas. Additionally, it is important to establish a more collaborative network with scientists from many fields, in order to help alleviate the critical situation that has resulted from the Fukushima radiation incident.
