The Future of Radiation Protection after the Fukushima Accident - an IRPA Perspective

Many initiatives to measure the internal and external exposures of the residents of Fukushima have been undertaken since the accident at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. However, residents have had few, if any, opportunities for face-to-face explanations to understand the meaning of such measurements. Although the personal data of tens of thousands of residents were collected, these data were not analysed adequately, and were therefore not used to implement large-scale programmes to manage/reduce exposures. One of the lessons learned from the Fukushima accident is that it is imperative for the government to implement these measures for radiation protection, and to build an effective functioning service for the residents. The author, as a physician from the region, has worked as an explainer/interpreter of exposure dose measurements to individual residents. Another lesson learned from this experience is that local medical and health professionals can contribute to building a public system for radiation protection, by acting as ‘liaising officers’ to connect residents, the authorities, and experts from outside the region. This paper describes the author’s experience and lessons learned in the hope that this information will be useful in the event of a future accident.

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The Future of Radiation Protection in Society

Japanese Journal of Health Physics ◽

10.5453/jhps.56.160 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 56 (3) ◽

pp. 160-166

Author(s):

Seiko HIROTA

Keyword(s):

Radiation Protection ◽

The Future

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Lessons learnt by IRSN about the involvement of experts towards the population in contaminated areas in Fukushima Prefecture

Annals of the ICRP ◽

10.1177/0146645316666497 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 45 (2_suppl) ◽

pp. 99-104 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

F. Rollinger ◽

J. Lochard ◽

T. Schneider

Keyword(s):

Radiation Protection ◽

Daily Life ◽

Living Conditions ◽

Ethical Principles ◽

International Commission ◽

Radiological Protection ◽

Fukushima Accident ◽

Fukushima Prefecture ◽

Local Actors ◽

Measurement Devices

Since November 2011, Institut de radioprotection et de sûreté nucléaire (IRSN) experts have participated in the International Commission on Radiological Protection’s (ICRP) dialogue initiative for the rehabilitation of living conditions after the Fukushima accident. In 2013, IRSN and Centre d’étude sur l’Evaluation de la Protection dans le domaine Nucléaire (CEPN) launched a study to identify the main lessons that can be learned from these dialogues, and benefit French IRSN experts in the event of a postaccident situation. The main lesson is that in order to protect the inhabitants of contaminated areas efficiently, experts must work in cooperation with local actors to develop a co-expertise process. The availability of measurement devices for inhabitants is crucial to allow them to assess their own radiological situation. Measuring radioactivity makes it visible, and allows individuals to discuss the results in their communities and develop local projects to improve their daily life. Eventually, inhabitants create a practical radiological protection culture to manage their situation. However, helping people to protect themselves does not mean that authorities and experts have no responsibilities, and this calls for strong ethical principles such as not making decisions for people about their future. To be helpful, scientists need to understand that, as necessary as radiation protection is, it is not the only problem that inhabitants are facing and it cannot control people's lives. Radiation protection experts must commit themselves to be at the service of individuals and the community, and the issues they want to address.

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Key topics in radiology: contrast media, radiation protection and the future of radiology

Radiology for Undergraduate Finals and Foundation Years ◽

10.4324/9781315375854-3 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 9-12

Author(s):

Tristan Barrett ◽

Nadeem Shaida ◽

Ashley Shaw ◽

Adrian K. Dixon

Keyword(s):

Contrast Media ◽

Radiation Protection ◽

The Future ◽

Key Topics

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Experience in implementing ICRP recommendations: IRPA's perspective on the role of the radiation protection professional

Annals of the ICRP ◽

10.1016/j.icrp.2012.06.016 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 41 (3-4) ◽

pp. 305-312

Author(s):

K.R. Kase

Keyword(s):

Radiation Protection ◽

Ionising Radiation ◽

International Congress ◽

International Commission ◽

Radiological Protection ◽

International Organisations ◽

The Future ◽

International Body

The International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) has a membership of approximately 17,000 individuals who are members of 48 national societies in 60 countries worldwide. As such, IRPA's vision is to be recognised as the international voice of the radiation protection professional. This article will discuss elements of the outcome of the 12th International Congress of IRPA (‘Focus on the future’), objectives and current activities of IRPA, criteria and priorities for the engagement of IRPA with international organisations, current IRPA initiatives in the areas of radiation protection culture and certification/qualification of radiation protection experts, planning for the 13th International Congress of IRPA, comments on the implementation of recent recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), and suggestions about IRPA and ICRP collaboration in their implementation. IRPA recognises that ICRP is the international body to determine policy and to make recommendations for protection against ionising radiation, and IRPA is in a position to participate in and facilitate the implementation of those recommendations.

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