ABSTRACT
The hazards Fukushima nuclear plant accident causes to human beings might be the second only to Chernobyl nuclear plant accident in the former Soviet Union. The accident has deleterious health effects on Japanese rescue workers, nearby residents and other contaminated subjects, and there are not only short-term irradiation injuries, but also long-term biological effects, with the long-term biological effects caused by low-dose irradiation being the leading one. The radioactive dusts falling to our country is far from enough to cause damage to human health. The main protective measures include shielding with buildings, clothing, and masks, cleaning/removing the radioactive contamination timely, and taking protective drugs. While developing our nuclear power cautiously and scientifically, we should also enhance the corresponding research on medical rescue and protection in case of nuclear accidents. We should also reinforce our emergency response system, training of personnel, technique and equipment, and special protective measures, so as to minimize the damages in case of any nuclear accidents and effectively protect the physical and psychological health of the people. In this paper, we discusse the possible health influence and medical protection of Fukushima nuclear plant accident, the proper attitude towards development of nuclear power, and strengthening of security measures and related scientific research.
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to measure and evaluate the food and nutrient intakes of the people living near the nuclear plant and to investigate the relationship between the household income level and the food and nutrient intake patterns. A total of 552 cases (263 males and 289 females) were surveyed during the period from April 1 to December 21 of 2005. Dietary intake was measured by means of the 24-hour recall method. The data were analyzed using SPSS Windows (ver. 14.0). The household income level of the subjects was classified into two groups : Low income group (LIG; 2,000,000). The subjects at large had less energy and nutrient intakes than did the population in town and village who participated in the 2005 National Health and Nutrition Survey. The intake of calcium, zinc, vitamin A, riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and folic acid was less than the Estimated Average Requirement in case of 50~95% of the subjects. The LIG consumed less beans, vegetables, fruits, meats, and beverages than did the HIG in male, while the LIG consumed less eggs and beverages than did the HIG in female. The LIG consumed less nutrients than did the HIG in male, except for carbohydrate, while the LIG consumed less nutrients including zinc, vitamin A, riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin C, folic acid than did the HIG in female. In addition, the LIG had higher percentage energy consumption from carbohydrate. These results suggest that higher food and nutrient intake is associated with higher income.