An Overview of Health Impact Caused by the Fukushima Nuclear Accident

Abstract

Health impact caused by the 2011 Fukushima Nuclear Accident was not limited to that by radiation exposure. It included abandonment of evacuees, collapse of local healthcare system, health problems among decontamination workers with low socio-economic status, and mental issues. We also have health problems that seems common across the world, such as health deterioration due to long-term dislocation, and impact on the well-being of children. Through risk communication, we can get a holistic view of health risks not only in disaster settings but also in our daily life. Such a view may help us ‘optimize’ our health risks based on our own sense of value.