Changing topics, choose and tell―Radiation Classroom

Masaharu Tsubokura, M.D., Ph.D.

Chief Professor, Department of Radiation Health Management,

School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University

This is the 500th time this series has been published, and it's almost 10 years old. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who always supports us, and to the editorial staff who work until the last minute every week to meet the deadline. Thank you very much.

Compared to 10 years ago, the information about radiation that citizens of the prefecture need and their interests and concerns have changed, but the information about radiation that is being discussed outside the prefecture has also changed significantly. Of course, this is not information that is not necessary at this moment, but when the series first began, the main topics were the health effects of radiation exposure after the nuclear accident, and the basics of what radiation actually is. I explained what types of food are easily contaminated and how much radiation people would be exposed to by driving along National Highway Route 6.

10 years have passed since then, and the information that is being discussed, especially outside the prefecture, has changed significantly. Last year, the treated water became a hot topic, but coupled with the movement to restart nuclear reactors, the focus has shifted to energy issues, (high-level) radioactive waste, and nuclear disaster prevention measures. Looking outside the country, there is a lot of talk about nuclear weapons and war due to conflicts in Israel and Ukraine.

All of the current elementary school students were born after Grate East Japan Earthquake, so I would like to continue to think together with them about what kind of information they should continue to share with them, how they can give even the slightest boost to the many citizens of the prefecture affected by the disaster, and how it can help dispel unnecessary prejudice and discrimination.

I would like to thank everyone who joins us every week. I look forward to your continued support.

Originally published in Fukushima Minyu Newspaper, October 5^th, 2024