No detectible threat of radiation in thyroids of Fukushima youths yet

A child living in a children's home in Fukushima Prefecture.

Photo credit: Derek Yamashita 

Japanese researchers in the fields of medicine and disaster policy released a study published by PLOS ONE on Monday, suggesting that the health of youths in Fukushima Prefecture are not yet in immediate danger from the nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daichi Nuclear Plant. Among the 1222 youths tested, the study found no discernable effects of emitted radioactivity. 

            Following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986, thyroid cancer among youths began after a period of 2-3 years. Concerned that the development of cancer might start at an earlier period, Japanese officials decided to compile data 20-30 months following the nuclear meltdown. 

            Sampling children up to the age of 18 across Fukushima prefecture, this study focused on the thyroid, a highly susceptible organ towards emitted radiation.  Children 18 and younger are also far more at risk to develop radiation related abnormalities compared to adults. 

            Methodologies employed included questionnaires, iodine measurements of urine, blood tests and ultrasonography.

            Researchers found no solid evidence of radiation-induced abnormalities in the thyroids of tested subjects.  However, whether or not this means Fukushima youths will develop abnormalities at a later time remains unknown. 

            These efforts are part of ongoing assessments of the effectiveness of disaster response measures taken by the Japanese government following the hydrogen explosion of Unit 1.

            This study compares the disaster response of this incident to the measures undertaken following the Chernobyl accident.  Researchers believe swift measures undertaken in Fukushima have helped to mitigate damages. 

            The report states that the radioactive contamination in Chernobyl was far greater than in Fukushima.  Further, there was a lack of food safety response and a shortage of iodine available to help protect youths against ingested radiation.  

            By contrast, Japanese officials swiftly culled and quarantined livestock in Fukushima following the incident and distributed iodine pills to the public.  These “rigorous” safety standards are purported to have potentially reduced the risk of thyroid abnormalities in Fukushima.    
        

            The results of this study suggest that Fukushima youth may have benefited from swift response measures.  However, this study underlines the need for continued assessment of the situation in Fukushima to ensure proper treatment and compensation for those affected by this nuclear disaster. 

Cycling up Mt. Fuji,  Photo by Derek Yamashita

Raised in the sunny city of Huntington Beach. Derek Yamashita has long been interested in making waves in the Japanese-American Culture.  This interest sparked after he visited Japan in high school as part of a sister city exchange program.  Derek was born a fourth-generation Japanese-American.  Despite this distance from the native culture of his ancestors.  The fourth year global studies major at UCSB has since expressed deep interest in connecting with his roots.  

Derek jumped at the opportunity to study abroad in Japan during his junior year and he even plans to return for work after he graduates.  For now, he is a peer advisor at the UC Education Abroad Office where he helps others get the chance to study abroad all over the world and experience different cultures. When he's not busy expanding the cultural horizons of himself and others, Derek enjoys photography and being a part of the cycling team at his university. 

-Sierra Gordon