Perception of Radiation Risk

Four months have passed since the nuclear accident occurred in Fukushima. A huge number of information flows with respect to radiation risks is still spreading our society. A remarkable point of the information flow is that the radiation risks are expressed purely based on scientific languages. This makes it difficult for me to understand and evaluate current and prospective risks; thus, I cannot make a priority how to respond this issue.

This sounds contradiction. Scientific language should provide us with reasonable explanations, and I believe that other languages, such as intuitions, arts, astrology, cannot play the same role as science. Then, why cannot I grasp the radiation risks surrounding me even though I am in a position where I can gain scientific information? An answer is easy. My scientific literacy is limited, and a complexity of the radiation risks exceeds my limitation.

“No acute toxicity arising from the radioactive substances to our health is expected”, the Japanese government have been repeatedly expressing to its citizens. However, the government statement lacks scientific explanations; thus, I cannot accept the government explanation without hesitations.

For example, last night I bought a pack of cherries, which have been produced in Yamagata prefecture. If the cherries were to be produced in Fukushima, I would have hesitated to buy them. However, I cannot make a reasonable decision in buying the one produced in Yamagata. I do not know whether or not agricultural products produced outside Fukushima prefecture are safe. Thus, I stop thinking the safety issues in buying the cherries. That was not an act that those who have scientific knowledge should have done.

Since March 11, 2011, I started studying safety issues relating to radioactive substances in my private time. However, I am still uncertain whether or not my life in this Tokyo is safe.

In any way, if similar accidents to the one in Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant occur in Japan in future, the Japanese government will collapse easily. No more nuclear power plants are requested, and current operating nuclear power plants should be abolished in an adequate manner in near future.