JAEA Develops More Accurate Radiation Exposure Estimation Method for Fukushima Recovery

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JAEA Develops More Accurate Radiation Exposure Estimation Method for Fukushima Recovery

Visitors Return to Tomioka as Evacuation Order is Lifted

On April 1, 2023, a portion of Tomioka, Fukushima Prefecture, saw the lifting of its evacuation order, allowing residents to return to their homes for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. The streets, once deserted, were now filled with visitors eager to witness the town's rebirth. Among them was photographer Sayuri Ide, who captured the scene of people strolling beneath the blooming cherry blossom trees, a symbol of hope and renewal.

JAEA Develops More Accurate Radiation Exposure Estimation Method

The Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) has made significant strides in improving the accuracy of radiation exposure estimations for individuals residing or working near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The new method, developed in 2017, takes into account individual daily life patterns, providing a more realistic assessment of exposure compared to previous methods that relied on simplified assumptions.

New Method Utilizes Detailed Data and Verification

JAEA researchers leveraged data from the Nuclear Regulation Authority to calculate average air dose rates for specific areas. They also incorporated information on residents' and workers' movements and frequented locations, including the mode of transportation used. To ensure accuracy, the researchers conducted a verification study involving personal dosimeters worn by individuals in former and current evacuation zones. The results demonstrated that the new method's estimations were within 10% of the actual measured doses, even at the threshold level for lifting evacuation orders.

Method Assists in Evacuation Decisions and Public Access

The JAEA's new method has been instrumental in assisting local governments with evacuation decisions. Cleanup review committees have utilized the method's forecasts to determine the feasibility of lifting evacuation orders. Additionally, dose evaluation systems based on the method are publicly accessible through online bulletin boards in various municipalities within Fukushima Prefecture. These systems allow individuals to input their daily life patterns and receive personalized exposure dose estimations.

Contributing to Fukushima's Recovery and Future Preparedness

Kazuya Yoshimura, a JAEA official involved in the research, emphasizes the method's potential to contribute to Fukushima's recovery by informing evacuation decisions. He also highlights its broader application in future nuclear emergencies, enabling the swift evaluation of exposure doses and optimization of evacuation routes. The JAEA's innovative approach represents a significant advancement in radiation exposure assessment, offering a more accurate and personalized tool for protecting individuals and communities in the aftermath of nuclear incidents.