Living conditions and health status of populations living in territories impacted by nuclear accidents – Some lessons for developing health surveillance programme

Abstract

This paper explores how health concerns of populations living in contaminated areas following radiological accidents can be considered in developing health surveillance. The research was performed in the framework of the SHAMISEN project, and aimed at identifying the impacts on, and challenges associated with, living and social conditions of affected populations. These objectives were achieved through the analysis of specific Case Studies in different situations observed after the Chernobyl accident (Belarus and Norway) and the activities carried out after the Fukushima accident. It incorporates an analysis of testimonies of medical experts and local stakeholders from contaminated territories in Japan within two Case Studies as well as through a dedicated workshop jointly organised with Fukushima Medical University in Japan in March 2016. The analysis addresses the following topics: • Expectations and worries of the people regarding their health and welfare; • Role of the different stakeholders (health professionals, radiological protection professionals, local population, authorities, etc.) in improving living and social conditions in contaminated areas; • Contribution of the implemented protective actions to well-being and their direct benefits for populations; • Sustainability and continuity of the projects/actions; • Ethical considerations; • Stakeholder participation, dialogue, information and communication issues; • Education and training provision and need.Thus, this paper outlines key lessons learned from each of these topics, by providing tangibles examples from the analysis of the various Case Studies.

Keywords

• Public health
• Well-being
• Nuclear accidents
• Chernobyl
• Fukushima
• Experts