- In 2011, a major earthquake followed by a destructive tsunami totally disrupted the power supply and cooling of the Fukushima Daiichi reactors causing a nuclear accident. This led to the release of large quantities of radioactive element over a prolonged period of time.
- A recent report by United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) has stated that cancer levels are not likely to rise following this incident as the exposure was lesser than that received by people in Japan.
- The most important effect is on the mental and social well being because of the trauma associated with the calamities and the precieved risk of exposure to radiation.
- An increase in thyroid cancer incidences in kids was also observed.
- Impact on the aquatic flora and fauna has been restricted to those in area adjacent to the power station.
- Discrepancies in the data provided by the exposure values, and environmental factors recorded by the committee and the management were observed. However, the committee’s report is considered more authoritative because:
- It is based on estimates of exposure values of various population groups.
- Committee relied on scientific knowledge of health impacts following radiation exposure.
- Read at:http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-sci-tech-and-agri/final-word-on-the-health-risks-from-fukushima-accident/article6035206.ece
Exams Perspective:
What is United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR)?