International Experts Symposium on Radiation and Health Risks -1 [2011年10月03日(Mon)]
International Experts Symposium on Radiation and Health Risks -1 —The world’s wisdom collected to deliberate on the future of Fukushima— As reported by many media, the Nippon Foundation organized an International Symposium on Radiation and Health Risks at the Fukushima Medical University on September 11 and 12. It was planned with the wish to collect world’s wisdom regarding the effects of exposure to residents of the radiation from the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, undertake scientific studies and correctly evaluate health risks and support Fukushima Residents’ Health Management Survey as well as consider new international radiation safety and protection measures and contribute to the reconstruction of the beautiful land of Fukushima. The lack of transparency and consistency of the information on the part of the government has not only increased uneasiness of the international public opinion with damage caused by rumors suffered to this day. Issues surrounding Fukushima nuclear power plants are probable around the world as long as nuclear power plants are in operation. The government’s response is unacceptable by all measures. This also applies to the issues of health risks of citizens exposed to radiation. The lack of government’s explanation left the Fukushima citizens with more apprehension. Some time mid June, I wanted to do something about it. So I decided to call an international conference with the attendance of world-class authorities and specialists on radiation around September 11, six months from the accident. It is usually said that such international conferences would have to be planned and announced a year ahead to convene, let alone be successful. I had a good young team of seven headed by Tatsuya Tanami whose thorough and swift preparatory work contributed to the success of the conference. Its importance can be underwritten by the quick positive response for participation received from thirty-one world-class radiation disaster experts. At first I thought of convening the conference in Tokyo, but it was held for the first time at the Fukushima Medical University at the strong request of the Governor of Fukushima. Internationally, no public is admitted to experts meetings. In particular, there was a large participation of Japanese experts this time, so that from the point of view of space, it was not possible for the public to participate. Thinking, however, of the citizens’ high interest, we responded to USTREAM in Japanese and English the whole proceedings in Japan as well as throughout the world with the cooperation of the Fukushima Central Television Station. In this way, we were able to ensure transparency of the discussions. This international conference will be shared in six installments including statements of the meeting, beginning with my own ideas and thoughts as the organizer in the next installment. Please check them out. |