The importance of trustworthy sources of scientific information in risk communication with the public.

In the event of a nuclear accident or radiological emergency, effective communication with the public on radiation risks is important in order to contain and rein in damage to physical and mental health, and social and economic consequences. The purpose of this paper is to summarize features of trustworthy sources of scientific information, and to convey their importance in radiation risk communication by recalling other aspects influencing the effectiveness of that communication. This will draw on key references in the literature, augmented with some experience and insight gleaned from a professional career of more than 35 years at the national and international level, including contributing to the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) work on the consequences of the Chernobyl accident (1990-1995), heading its incident and emergency centre (1996-2005), and as the secretary (2005-2018) of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), which conducts scientific reviews on the levels and effects of radiation exposure. The paper highlights the necessity of sound science and trustworthy sources, and recapitulates the main elements needed both to ensure solid conclusions on radiation epidemiology and to foster trust. The paper concludes that, while sound science and trustworthy sources are necessary, they are in themselves to a greater or lesser degree insufficient to ensure fully effective risk communication. Some of the major problems in communicating this science are highlighted to help others charged with preparing for and conducting this onerous task in the future.

Roles and Activities of International Organizations After the Fukushima Accident.

After the March 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, overseas experts and representatives of international organizations visited Japan to provide advice, technical support, and resources. Several international meetings on radiological protection and health issues have since been held in Fukushima to provide further advice. The content discussed has changed alongside local developments in health-related issues from radiation health effects and radiological protection to risk communication and psychological, public health, and social issues. The support of international organizations and experts has been valuable in implementing public health and support programs in Fukushima. The Fukushima accident showed that after a nuclear accident, authorities need to balance the risks of radiation with other health effects and develop programs to mitigate the overall effects on health (whole-health management), but there was little evidence of the importance of this at the time. Future research should examine international collaboration to assess this.