2019.1.25
How IRIDeS Researchers Have Worked on Recovery Since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake #1
Working on research and communication on radiology and radiation exposure
Disaster Medical Science Division, Professor Koichi ChidaWell before the Great East Japan Earthquake, I was already involved in research, education and practice in the field of radiology and radiation exposure. Following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (F1NPS) accident, Miyagi prefectural government requested Tohoku University to help their accident response. Thus Tohoku University Hospital became the center for the examination of evacuees from within 30 km of the F1NPS and performed decontamination of evacuees when required. I cooperated in the creation and implementation of this work.
On March 15, 2011, I also started providing support for the “Nuclear accident inquiry counter,” established in the Miyagi Prefectural Office. Many telephone inquiries were made, asking about the influence of radiation, among other things. In general, prefectural officials responded directly to telephone queries, and I acted as an advisor to the officials. But in cases specialized knowledge was required, I answered the queries myself. Responding to a wide range of inquiries from local governments, medical institutions, and the public over a period of about a month, I become keenly aware of the extent to which the scientific knowledge of radiation was lacking in society. Thus later I decided to create pamphlets for the public, especially for children and their families, that provide basic knowledge of radiation and its impact on life. The contents include definitions and descriptions of radiation and exposure, their impact on health, necessary precautions in daily life, and things that are not yet completely understood in science. These pamphlets are now widely used especially in Fukushima Prefecture. Other than the pamphlets, I have been making efforts for science communication with the public, through a lecture on radiation education held in collaboration with an IRIDeS disaster risk reduction education specialist, joint development of radiation education materials with Fukushima Medical University faculty members, and public seminars on radiation and protection.
I have also conducted research to illuminate the effects of radiation on the human body from a new perspective. Recent studies have found that exposure to an even smaller dose than previously thought could damage lens of the eye, causing cataracts and other injuries. Research team members and I published a paper to show a new means to accurately measure exposure dose for the lens of the eye, making a recommendation for appropriate protective methods for radiation-related medical personnel 1). This study outcome has the future potential for protecting the eyes of workers involved in decommissioning work. We have also found a means of estimating the dose of radiation received using a small amount of blood 2). In the future, even when dosimeters are not available, it could become possible to measure exposure easily. In addition, I was involved in development of radiation-related equipment, including radiation inspection equipment that can be used even during power outages and patented real-time radiation exposure dosimeters for patients. Those dosimeters are safer and easier to use and can measure radiation effects more reliably than conventional ones. 3)
Four kinds of pamphlets on radiation targeting at four different age groups: for early/ senior elementary school children, for their parents, and for their grandparents. The pamphlets were created responding to the results of questionnaire surveys conducted beforehand at elementary schools in Fukushima prefecture.
