The Current State and Problems of Radiation Risk Communication: Based on the Results of a 2012 Whole Village Survey

This study analyzed data from a questionnaire sent to all Iitate residents after the evacuation to determine what residents wanted in risk communication. Methods 1. Survey Method An anonymous self-response survey was sent out by the Iitate local government by mail from 22 May to 1 June 2012 to 2914 heads of households (or main income earners) with addresses registered in Iitate. This study used some of the results of that survey. 2. Survey Items The survey comprised 30 items on opinions regarding life after evacuation, contamination in the village, and returning to the village. This report focused on 2 items relevant to radiation. The analysis for this study targeted items relating to radiation risk communication and basic attributes (age group, gender, occupation). Iitate’s risk communication committee identified two items relevant to radiation risk communication. The first concerned the self-evaluated level of understanding. In answer to the question “When we think of the village residents’ health and future, we believe that radiation study groups (on risk communication) are necessary. What is your level of understanding about radiation and radioactive materials?”, respondents could choose from the following: I do not have much information and do not know much about it(Q1-1). I do not know much about it, so I want to learn more(Q1-2). There are numerous opinions and I do not know which one is true(Q1-3). I ...
Source: PLOS Currents Disasters - Category: Global & Universal Authors: Source Type: research