Social and Psychological Consequences of Radiological Misconceptions Following the Fukushima Disaster
Category: Oral Presentation
Author(s): Ashley Morris
Presenter(s): Ashley Morris
Mentors(s): Thomas Johnson
Significant studies have been conducted on the medical effects of radiation, but the social impacts remain less studied. The societal impacts on the residents and evacuees following the tsunami caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake and resulting explosion involving the Fukushima Daiichi reactors is seldom emphasized in non-scientific literature. The medical effects of radiation from the accident have been minimal but the scientific communication regarding this has not been properly expressed to the public. Radiation can be dangerous, but there are known parameters which must be exceeded to express cellular damage, as well as regulatory limits, shielding and proximity. Additionally, non-scientific media tend to exaggerate radiation dose effects, even when radiation doses resemble natural background radiation levels. However, the social effects of radiation in Japan after this accident have lasted into the present day. Research indicates both psychological distress following the incident and a harmful misunderstanding of radiation stemming from the belief that individuals exposed to radiation are radioactive, damaged, or infectious. Psychological and social effects have been measured through the use of surveys of the general populus, as well as interviews, focus groups, and longitudinal studies including those directly affected. Contrary to popular belief, the physical effects of radiation from this incident are non-existent compared to the social effects that remain to this day. Exposure to radiation and the resultant evacuation changed Fukushima Prefecture lives forever. The majority of lingering effects stem from scientifically unsubstantiated fears regarding radiation, impacting individuals and communities.