1. Fukushima Nuclear Accident Radiological Implications on Human Health 23 March 2011 Division of Radiation Transport and Waste Safety Department of Nuclear Safety and Security Division of Human Health Department of Nuclear Science and Applications

2. Radiation-related Health Effects Acute effects of radiation exposure? (Individual) NPP accident: Not likely in general population (doses NOT high enough) At risk: NPP workers, fire fighters and rescuers. Long-term effects? (population) Increased risk of cancer Risk of thyroid cancer: Prophylaxis by iodide pills. Noted: Iodine is NOT an antidote for radiation exposure.

3. Risk of radiation-related health problems Health problems depend on exposure. Exposure depends on: Dose received Duration of exposure Distance someone is from the plant Weather conditions

4. Human beings are exposed to natural/man-made radiation on a daily basis. 2-3 mSv/year Nuclear accidents with health hazards: External Radiation Internal contamination External contamination (can often be washed off the body)

5. Main radionuclides in Fukushima with health risk are: Iodine-131 Cesium-137 suspended air, food and drink Workers of NPP and civil defence teams: higher radiation doses - professional activities

6. Which public health actions to take? Prevention of exposure: evacuation sheltering of those near the site. Preventive Iodine pills to reduce the risk of thyroid cancer. Restriction of consumption of vegetables and dairy products produced in the vicinity of the power plant. Follow instructions by competent authorities Source: WHO

8. What general advice can be given to food consumers and producers? In early stages of an emergency: avoid consumption of locally produced milk, vegetables and seafood; avoid slaughtering animals; and avoid fishing, hunting or gathering mushrooms or other forest foods. Source: WHO

9. Are there rules for radioactivity in foods for international trade? Guideline Levels (GLs) Food below these GLs is safe for people to eat If GLs are exceeded - national policies Source: WHO

11. Daily deposition of Iodine-131 and Cesium-137 (Japanese authorities)

12. Radioactivity in food, milk and drinking waterFukushima and Ibaraki prefectures Japanese authority: Cease distribution and consumption of vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, cabbage and the like) in Fukushima area Cease distribution of fresh raw milk in Ibaraki Monitor seafood Tap water in Tokyo is not used as drinking water for infants

13. Drinking water I-131 concentration in Fukushima 14

14. Sea water contamination Sea water radionuclides concentration Samples collected 330 m South of discharge point (NPP Daichii NPP) Very high above the normal range IAEA dispatch a team to conduct marine environmental study