Article
Environmental Sciences
Wu Men, Fenfen Wang, Wen Yu, Jianhua He, Feng Lin, Fangfang Deng, Tao Yu, Hao Ma, Zhi Zeng
Summary: This study assessed the radioactive contamination in blue sharks captured in the Northwest Pacific from 2011 to 2018 following the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident. The research found that while Cs-134 and Cs-137 were present in the sharks' muscles, as well as Ag-110m in their guts, these contaminations decreased over time and were not at levels harmful to the sharks or humans.
Article
Plant Sciences
Gian Marco Ludovici, Andrea Chierici, Susana Oliveira de Souza, Francesco d'Errico, Alba Iannotti, Andrea Malizia
Summary: This study analyzes the effects of ionizing radiation and radionuclides on higher plants around the Fukushima nuclear power plant, finding that plants have certain radiation adaptive ability and that radiation affects the genetic structure of plants.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Norbert Kavasi, Hideki Arae, Tatsuo Aono, Sarata Kumar Sahoo
Summary: Sr-90 and Cs-137 activity concentrations in soil samples from the Fukushima exclusion zone were determined using radiometric methods. The results showed that Sr-90 and Cs-137 activity concentrations ranged from 3 to 1050 Bq kg(-1) and 0.7 to 6770 kBq center dot kg(-1), respectively. A strong positive correlation between Sr-90 and Cs-137 activity concentration was found, and it was confirmed that Sr-90 has higher mobility in Japanese soil samples. The activity ratio of Sr-90/Cs-137 indicated that the Sr-90 released to the atmosphere was negligible compared to other nuclear accidents, and Cs-137 remains the primary pollutant of the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station accident.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Social Issues
Hoseok Nam, Satoshi Konishi, Ki-Woo Nam
Summary: The decision-making processes of nuclear policies in Germany and Japan after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident in 2011 differed substantially due to various factors such as political stability, economic and technical considerations, and geopolitical factors. While Germany was able to transition to renewable energy sources due to reduced costs and an interconnected grid for electricity import, Japan may need to restart its nuclear power plants unless political stability is compromised by public sentiment. Lessons derived from this comparison suggest that social factors can influence political decisions, mature renewable technologies can replace nuclear power, and geopolitical situations may impact nuclear policy but are not critical factors.
TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hiroyuki Arai, Takehiko Fukushima, Yuichi Onda
Summary: This study analyzed the changes and migration of radiocesium concentrations in sediments and suspended solids in Lake Kasumigaura following the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011. The results showed that the radiocesium concentration decreased due to riverine input and atmospheric deposition, but remained relatively high. Furthermore, the difference in input between different rivers into the lake is gradually decreasing.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hitomi Matsunaga, Makiko Orita, Mengjie Liu, Yuya Kashiwazaki, Yasuyuki Taira, Noboru Takamura
Summary: This study examined the timing and factors related to residents returning to or newly settling in Kawauchi village after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. The findings showed that residents who returned in the early phase had higher satisfaction with their current lives and better stress management, despite experiencing a serious nuclear disaster.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Masakazu Ota, Shogo Takahara, Kazuya Yoshimura, Azusa Nagakubo, Jun Hirouchi, Naho Hayashi, Tomohisa Abe, Hironori Funaki, Haruyasu Nagai
Summary: After the Fukushima nuclear accident, both soil particle resuspension and bioaerosols were found to contribute to the atmospheric 137Cs concentration, with bioaerosols (fungal spores) playing a greater role in summer-autumn. The study provides important information for assessing the atmospheric 137Cs concentration in the difficult-to-return zone (DRZ).
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Cecile Asanuma-Brice, Olivier Evrard, Thomas Chalaux
Summary: Large volumes of radionuclides were deposited on the soils in North-eastern Japan after the accident at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear Power Plant in 2011. The evacuation of the village of Iitate, located in the main radioactive plume, lasted from 2011 to 2017. Despite reopening, less than ten percent of the original population had returned to live in the village by January 2022, mostly elderly people. The difficulty of adjusting to the post-accident environment, contaminated forests, and lack of facilities are major challenges.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Takahiro Nakanishi, Hironori Funaki, Kazuyuki Sakuma
Summary: The study found that the Cs-137 concentration in river water after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident was closely related to the mean Cs-137 deposition in the catchment and the Cs-137 deposition ratio for forests. Additionally, Cs-137 concentrations near the FDNPP increased due to inflow from downstream plain areas.
JOURNAL OF RADIOANALYTICAL AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kazuyuki Sakuma, Masahiko Machida, Hiroshi Kurikami, Ayako Iwata, Susumu Yamada, Kazuki Iijima
Summary: Estimation of H-3 discharge from river catchments in Fukushima coastal region shows significantly higher values than the discharge from Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, indicating the importance of H-3 discharge through rivers. This estimation is useful for evaluating and predicting H-3 concentrations and inventories in the coastal region.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Keiri Imai, Yutaka W. Watanabe
Summary: We conducted long-term monitoring of radiocesium released from Fukushima in the North Pacific surface water using the Oshoro-maru cruise of Hokkaido University from May 2011 to June 2016. We found that the decreasing rate of Cs-137 from the ocean surface was almost constant regardless of the distance from Fukushima, at 0.0033 +/- 0.0005 day(-1). This finding suggests that 96% of Cs-137 in the North Pacific surface water was removed to the ocean interior within 1000 days after the accident, excluding the decrease due to radioactive disintegration.
JOURNAL OF RADIOANALYTICAL AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Takumi Yomogida, Kazuki Ouchi, Toshitaka Oka, Yoshihiro Kitatsuji, Yoshikazu Koma, Katuhiro Konno
Summary: This study identified particles containing alpha nuclides from the sediment in stagnant water in the torus room of the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station's Unit 2 reactor. The particles consisted of uranium and other elements, with different morphologies and composition for uranium and other alpha nuclides. The uranium particles were smaller in size and contained fuel cladding elements, while the alpha nuclide particles were mainly composed of iron.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tomohisa Abe, Kazuya Yoshimura, Yukihisa Sanada
Summary: After the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, the concentration of atmospheric radiocesium decreased significantly over a seven-year period, with anthropogenic activities potentially playing a role in accelerating the reduction of radiocesium levels in the environment. Ongoing monitoring is recommended based on the findings, which surpass the rate observed in the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident.
AEROSOL AND AIR QUALITY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Anton Pshenichnikov, Hiroki Shibata, Takuya Yamashita, Yuji Nagae, Masaki Kurata
Summary: The paper reviews the research results of the JAEA and some international activities on understanding core components melting and debris formation in boiling water reactors over the past decade.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Tsubasa Ikenoue, Hideyuki Kawamura, Yuki Kamidaira
Summary: This study conducted numerical simulations and statistical analysis to investigate the dispersion of dissolved radionuclides released from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant. The results showed that the coastal current and the Kuroshio Extension played a significant role in the transport of these radionuclides. The amount and range of dispersal varied between summer and winter seasons.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yoshiko Fukushima, Koji Yoshida, Makiko Orita, Noboru Takamura, Shunichi Yamashita
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
(2020)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Makiko Orita, Keisuke Mori, Yasuyuki Taira, Yumiko Yamada, Masaharu Maeda, Noboru Takamura
JOURNAL OF NEURAL TRANSMISSION
(2020)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Toshihiko Kamasaki, Keisuke Mori, Yasuyuki Taira, Makiko Orita, Izumi Miyamoto, Toshiya Usui, Kenya Chiba, Takashi Kudo, Noboru Takamura
NUCLEAR MEDICINE COMMUNICATIONS
(2020)
Letter
Emergency Medicine
Hitomi Matsunaga, Makiko Orita, Yasuyuki Taira, Noboru Takamura
PREHOSPITAL AND DISASTER MEDICINE
(2020)
Article
Otorhinolaryngology
Yuji Shimizu, Hirotomo Yamanashi, Yuko Noguchi, Jun Koyamatsu, Miho Higashi, Shoichi Fukui, Shin-Ya Kawashiri, Kazuhiko Arima, Noboru Takamura, Takahiro Maeda
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Hitomi Matsunaga, Makiko Orita, Yasuyuki Taira, Takashi Kudo, Hisayoshi Kondo, Shunichi Yamashita, Noboru Takamura
Summary: This study aimed to understand the intentions of residents to return to Tomioka town in Fukushima Prefecture and their risk perception of health effects from radiation exposure, stratified by gender and generation. The results showed that younger residents, particularly young females, had lower intentions to return. They also expressed more concerns about health risks associated with drinking tap water and consuming food collected in Tomioka town.
DISASTER MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hitomi Matsunaga, Makiko Orita, Yasuyuki Taira, Noboru Takamura
Summary: This study evaluated the risk perceptions and acceptance of pre-distribution of stable iodine (PDSI) among guardians of children living around the Genkai Nuclear Power Plant in Japan. The results showed that living closer to the nuclear power plant, awareness of preferential implementation of stable iodine for children, and knowledge of the prophylaxis booklet published by the local government were independently associated with PDSI acceptance.
Article
Environmental Sciences
T. Schneider, J. Lochard, M. Maitre, N. Ban, P. Crouail, E. Gallego, T. Homma, M. Kai, J-F Lecomte, N. Takamura
Summary: Lessons from the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power plant accident highlight the challenges of restoring socio-economic activities in affected areas, particularly regarding radiological protection. Collaboration with experts, providing protective measures, information dissemination and fostering a culture of radiation protection among employees are essential. Respecting employee decisions and deploying socio-economic programs are effective strategies for restoring business activities, while involving local communities is crucial for ensuring the integrity and choices of the communities.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hitomi Matsunaga, Makiko Orita, Mengjie Liu, Yasuyuki Taira, Noboru Takamura
Summary: The study evaluated the life satisfaction and related factors of residents in Kawauchi village, Fukushima Prefecture, revealing that most residents were satisfied with their current life and felt a sense of community belonging. Factors such as mental health state, sense of belonging, perception of recovery in the community were found to be independently associated with life satisfaction. The study suggests the importance of continued risk communication, especially for new residents, even though 10 years have passed since the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident.
RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Keiko Oishi, Makiko Orita, Yasuyuki Taira, Yuya Kashiwazaki, Hitomi Matsunaga, Noboru Takamura
Summary: A survey conducted in January 2021 revealed that resident anxieties regarding the health effects of radiation exposure in Okuma were independently associated with specific factors such as the individual PCL score, recognition of consultation services with radiation experts, and planned request for consultation service, as well as gender and living with a child. Therefore, it is important for radiation experts to promote periodic communication of risks with individuals, provide accurate information, and offer services and support to reduce concerns and facilitate healthy living in Okuma.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hitomi Matsunaga, Makiko Orita, Mengjie Liu, Yuya Kashiwazaki, Yasuyuki Taira, Noboru Takamura
Summary: This study examined the timing and factors related to residents returning to or newly settling in Kawauchi village after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. The findings showed that residents who returned in the early phase had higher satisfaction with their current lives and better stress management, despite experiencing a serious nuclear disaster.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuya Kashiwazaki, Hitomi Matsunaga, Makiko Orita, Yasuyuki Taira, Keiko Oishi, Noboru Takamura
Summary: Local government officials play a crucial role in post-disaster community reconstruction, but there is limited research on the challenges they face during complex disasters involving nuclear accidents. A survey of public employees in four municipalities near the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station found that interpersonal problems and service years were related to job satisfaction, while radiation-specific factors were only related to intention to leave the job due to radiation anxiety. A sense of coherence acted as a moderator between universal occupational factors and radiation disaster-specific factors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Varsha Hande, Makiko Orita, Hitomi Matsunaga, Yuya Kashiwazaki, Yasuyuki Taira, Noboru Takamura
Summary: This study examined temporal trends in risk perception and intention to return to Tomioka among residents and evacuees with the aim of aiding community recovery. The results showed that in 2021, the proportion of responders who had already returned/wanted to return and those who did not want to return increased, while the proportion unsure about returning decreased. Anxiety for self-health, genetic effects, and food consumption decreased and remained significant factors among responders unsure of returning and those who did not want to return in 2021.
DISASTER MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS
(2023)
Letter
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Hitomi Matsunaga, Makiko Orita, Xu Xiao, Yuya Kashiwazaki, Yasuyuki Taira, Noboru Takamura
DISASTER MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Susumu Fukahori, Yasushi Obase, Chizu Fukushima, Daisuke Takao, Jun Iriki, Mutsumi Ozasa, Yoshiaki Zaizen, Noboru Takamura, Junya Fukuoka, Kazuto Ashizawa, Hiroshi Mukae
Summary: TNF alpha inhibitors are commonly used for treating inflammatory conditions, but there have been reports of bronchocentric granulomatosis development in some patients. Traditional spirometry may not accurately assess treatment efficacy due to lesions in small airways, but FOT has shown to be useful for evaluating small airway disease in various conditions, including bronchocentric granulomatosis.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2021)
