Beginning in March 2011, the Tokyo Electric Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant catastrophe continues even now with no end in sight. We have sought out ways to reduce even a little, or possibly prevent, health effects due to radiation exposure. Whether radiation exposure leads to health effects, or what the potential health effects might be, has generated much interest in our society. However, up to now, no discussion has been openly carried out amongst scientists with various viewpoints. The nuclear power plant accident and the dispersed radioactivity exert influences over extensive social areas, affecting individuals as well as the society. What is called for now is societal decision-making regarding such influences for the purpose of radiation protection, through discussions between the victims, the political decision-makers, the researchers, and the non-governmental organizations.

 

Currently, the exposed and the highly exposed human populations are either ignored by the government or they become inadvertent subjects of observation by scientists, while silently and helplessly observing incidences of illness creeping up within themselves. Epidemiological studies, deemed essential in putting public health into practice, are not cold science by any means. The purpose of epidemiological studies should include, in addition to the elucidation of frequency and causes of illnesses, the creation of frameworks to minimize health effects by reducing or preventing them. Furthermore, the true goal of epidemiological studies is for them to be utilized in reducing or preventing societal effects which could worsen the catastrophe.

 

What approaches are needed for science to become a survival tool for humans in the challenge of radiation protection? We shall think about this issue together at the Fifth Citizen-Scientist International Symposium on Radiation Protection,

 

On Day 1 of the symposium, we will approach this issue from the diverse intellectual interactions between science and art. On Day 2, we will explore epidemiology as a science in addition to a general overview of radiation protection measures based on the latest biological findings. Lastly, on Day 3, we will verify from societal aspects what language, law and ethics are necessary in order to put such measures into practice.