Lecture in Hiroshima on the effects of radiation on children, in connection with Fukushima nuclear accident
Mar. 20, 2014
by Hisashi Kawate, Staff Writer
On March 15, a lecture on the effects of the radiation that was released as a result of the nuclear accident at the Fukushima No. 1 (Daiichi) nuclear power plant, operated by the Tokyo Electric Power Company, was held at Aster Plaza in downtown Hiroshima. Helen Caldicott, 75, an Australian pediatrician who is versed in radiation exposure, served as speaker and issued a warning about the damaging impact of low-dose radiation exposure on the health of children.
Dr. Caldicott pointed out that radioactive contamination has been spreading, mainly from Fukushima, and introduced a world map published by EU’s European Commission in February that shows radioactivity density by region. She also stressed that, compared to adults, children and fetuses are more susceptible to the effects of radiation exposure, even at low doses. She also argued that countermeasures designed for children and expectant mothers are needed.
The lecture was organized by a U.S. foundation that pursues activities involving peace and the preservation of the environment. The aim was to deepen discussion on nuclear issues in the A-bombed city of Hiroshima, following the third anniversary of the nuclear accident in Fukushima. About 200 people attended the lecture. Etsuko Nakatani, 66, a resident of nearby Hatsukaichi City, said, “I was surprised, because there was so much information that I hadn’t known. I hope the government will consider countermeasures from the standpoint of the people.”
(Originally published on March 16, 2014)
On March 15, a lecture on the effects of the radiation that was released as a result of the nuclear accident at the Fukushima No. 1 (Daiichi) nuclear power plant, operated by the Tokyo Electric Power Company, was held at Aster Plaza in downtown Hiroshima. Helen Caldicott, 75, an Australian pediatrician who is versed in radiation exposure, served as speaker and issued a warning about the damaging impact of low-dose radiation exposure on the health of children.
Dr. Caldicott pointed out that radioactive contamination has been spreading, mainly from Fukushima, and introduced a world map published by EU’s European Commission in February that shows radioactivity density by region. She also stressed that, compared to adults, children and fetuses are more susceptible to the effects of radiation exposure, even at low doses. She also argued that countermeasures designed for children and expectant mothers are needed.
The lecture was organized by a U.S. foundation that pursues activities involving peace and the preservation of the environment. The aim was to deepen discussion on nuclear issues in the A-bombed city of Hiroshima, following the third anniversary of the nuclear accident in Fukushima. About 200 people attended the lecture. Etsuko Nakatani, 66, a resident of nearby Hatsukaichi City, said, “I was surprised, because there was so much information that I hadn’t known. I hope the government will consider countermeasures from the standpoint of the people.”
(Originally published on March 16, 2014)
