Societal and ethical aspects of the Fukushima accident. (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Oughton, Deborah
• Is Part Of: Integrated environmental assessment and management. Volume 12:Number 4(2016:Oct.)
• Page Start: 651
• Page End: 653
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: Fukushima -- Chernobyl -- Radiation risk perception -- Ethical dimensions of accident management; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Periodicals; Environmental toxicology -- Periodicals; Environmental risk assessment -- Periodicals; Environmental impact analysis -- Periodicals; 628
• DOI: 10.1002/ieam.1831
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1551-3777

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The Fukushima Nuclear Power Station accident in Japan in 2011 was a poignant reminder that radioactive contamination of the environment has consequences that encompass far more than health risks from exposure to radiation. Both the accident and remediation measures have resulted in serious societal impacts and raise questions about the ethical aspects of risk management. This article presents a brief review of some of these issues and compares similarities and differences with the lessons learned from the 1986 Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident in Ukraine. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:651–653. © 2016 SETAC. Key Points: The societal and health consequences of evacuation after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident have been significant and raise important ethical questions as to whether the response has produced more harm than good. The decision to return to evacuated areas is affected not only by anxiety about radiation levels but also by concerns about the availability of infrastructure such as medical services, schools, shops, and employment. Reports of stigma and discrimination in Fukushima, as well, targeting Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) workers and school children, are reflected in parental concerns for their children which include worries about their opportunity to find marriage partners in later life, and the fear of hardships and discrimination similar to those experienced by the Hibakusha (victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki).