Half of Residents Near Fukushima Say "We Worry About Our Health, So We Don't Eat Local Food"

A survey revealed that half of the residents in nearby areas avoid consuming food from their hometowns due to the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to the international academic journal BMC Public Health on the 27th, a research team from Nagasaki University’s Atomic Bomb Survivors Medical Research Institute recently conducted a survey on residents' perceptions and mental health damage related to the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. The survey targeted 10,000 households in two areas near the plant, Okuma and Tomioka.

The research team received valid responses from 1,268 people in a survey conducted from November to December. Among them, 48.0%, nearly half, responded that they avoid consuming Fukushima-produced food due to health concerns. More than half, 54.3%, reported having some mental health issues currently, and 38.7% expressed anxiety about the health impact of the contaminated water discharge. Those worried about genetic effects accounted for 45.3%.

Regarding the discharge of contaminated water, 40.0% were in favor, while 29.7% opposed it. The majority of those in favor were men, and they were found to have little or no awareness of the health effects of radiation or the risks associated with consuming food produced in Japan.

The research team stated regarding these results, “The current focus should be on the human aspects of regional revitalization and the wise combination of transparent science, as well as emphasizing dialogue between local stakeholders and experts so that local residents and the general public can make objective, informed decisions about their future.”

Additionally, the researchers said, “Considering the interest and concerns expressed at the international level, such dialogue should also be conducted with foreign stakeholders and experts.”