Lessons learned from the risk communication with the public after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident

On March 11, 2011, the huge tsunami from the Great East Japan Earthquake caused a nuclear reactor core meltdown and hydrogen explosive accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant owned by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) in Fukushima Prefecture. Due to a release of large amount of artificial radionuclide to the environment, including cesium and iodine, the government ordered residents of the surrounding areas to evacuate. Even in areas not subject to the order, residents were confused and upset about the accident, and deeply concerned about the environmental pollution, and possible health effects from radioactive materials. This was not limited to Fukushima Prefecture or north-east Japan. Radiation became a serious cause of concern for people all over Japan, so that traditional and social media were filled with discussions on radiation, its health effects, and what could be done to avoid harmful effect. In addition to experts on radiation or radioactive protection, risk communication specialists took part in disseminating accurate information about radiation and prevented the spread of inaccurate and harmful rumors.