Review of health issues of workers engaged in operations related to the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant

Abstract

Review of health issues of workers engaged in operations related to the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant: Koh Hiraoka, et al. Occupational Health Training Center, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan Objective The aim of this review was to summarize the lessons learned from the experience in protecting the health of workers engaged in operations following the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). Methods We reviewed all types of scientific papers examining workers’ health found in Medline and Web of Sciences as well as some official reports published by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan and other governmental institutes. Results The papers and reports were classified into those investigating workers at the Fukushima Daiichi and Daini NPPs, workers engaged in decontamination operations in designated areas, and other workers. Regarding workers at the NPPs, many efforts were made to establish an emergency‐care and occupational health system. Risk management efforts were undertaken for radiation exposure, heat stress, psychological stress, outbreak of infectious diseases, and fitness for work. Only a few reports dealt with decontamination workers and others; however, the health management of these workers was clearly weaker than that for workers at the NPPs. Conclusions Many lessons can be learned from what occurred. That knowledge can be applied to ongoing decommissioning work and to future disasters. In addition, it is necessary to study the long‐term health effects of radiation exposure and to accumulate data about the health of workers engaged in decontamination work and other areas.

Non-communicable diseases in decontamination workers in areas affected by the Fukushima nuclear disaster: a retrospective observational study

“…The number of decontamination workers in Fukushima Prefecture was ∼30 000 in 2015,12 and a considerable proportion of these workers are hired from other parts of Japan, due to a severe shortage of workers in Fukushima. Decontamination work is carried out in contaminated areas with the goal of minimising the level of external radiation to the general public 9. The work is generally carried out under the following working conditions: 8 hours of work per day, 5 days a week, with a 1-hour break per day.…”

The longitudinal mental health impact of Fukushima nuclear disaster exposures and public criticism among power plant workers: the Fukushima NEWS Project study

“…Last, there is little evidence about the physical and/or mental health influence of their radiation exposure. There has been no acute radiation syndrome or any other serious radiation-related health crisis to the Fukushima nuclear power plant workers during this time period (Hiraoka et al 2015; Shimura et al 2015). Still, more potential predictors should be included in future studies of nuclear power plant workers after major meltdowns as happened in Fukushima.…”

Identity Health

“…Sampling data accumulated by agricultural scientists endorsed that many of crops absorbed radioactive substances such as 90 Sr, 134 Cs, 137 Cs, and others (Takahashi 2016). And excessive intake and exposure of radioactive pollutants will endanger citizens' and workers' health (Hiraoka et al 2015).…”