Health outcomes and radiation exposure among Fukushima residents four years after nuclear accident
Y Tsuchiya, T TsujiuchiAbstract
Objectives
After the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, many residents continue to experience concerns about newly developed diseases, yet few studies have examined this issue. This study investigated newly developed diseases and potential radioactive effects among Fukushima residents four years after the accident.
Methods
A mixed methods design was used, combining quantitative and qualitative analyses from a questionnaire survey. Participants reported their attributes at the time of the accident and any newly developed diseases. Cs-134/137 soil deposition data from MEXT and the U.S. DOE were used to classify towns and villages according to whether their area included soil deposition ≥100K Bq/m². Participants were categorized according to the contamination level of their residential address at the time of the accident. Logistic regression was conducted with newly developed disease as the dependent variable, adjusting for age, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, and regular exercise.
Results
A total of 966 residents participated; 518 (53.6%) reported one or more newly developed diseases. Quantitative analysis showed higher odds of newly developed disease in the higher contamination group (aOR=1.98, p<.001). Qualitative findings highlighted the burden of multiple physical and psychological conditions.
Conclusions
Fukushima residents continue to experience substantial physical and psychological difficulties years after the accident. Long-term monitoring and sustained support remain essential for affected populations.
Key messages
• Newly developed diseases were common among Fukushima residents four years after the nuclear accident, with higher radiation exposure associated with increased multimorbidity.
• Understanding the social and environmental determinants of post‑disaster health is essential for long‑term public health planning and support for affected communities.