High internal radiation exposure associated with low socio-economic status six years after the Fukushima nuclear disaster [PDF]

Abstract Rationale: Managing the health of vulnerable groups is an important component of health care. Given the long-term burden ofradiation-release incidents among those exposed, managing the health of vulnerable groups following a nuclear disaster is veryimportant. However, there is limited information available concerning the long-term management of the health effects of radiationexposure in vulnerable groups following nuclear disasters. After the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident,Minamisoma City launched internal radiation exposure monitoring program for local residents, using whole body counter (WBC)units. In 2017, a man of low socio-economic status (SES), was found to have the highest level of internal contamination detected in aperson living in the Soma District in recent years. This report describes the case so that the lessons learned can be applied in future nuclear disaster settings.