Journal of radiological protection : official journal of the Society for Radiological Protection
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Observational Study
Low dose from external radiation among returning residents to the former evacuation zone in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture.
After the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident, evidence on the real-life conditions of returnees to areas once designated as legal no-go zones, including their radiation dose levels, is scarce. In the present study, using a radiation dosimeter and lifestyle survey, we evaluated the lifestyle characteristics and dose levels in 2017 from external exposure among those who returned to the no-go zones after the evacuation orders were lifted. A total of 112 returnees to Odaka district, Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture, were considered and compared to 266 non-returnees. ⋯ We also found that while returnees were older on average than non-returnees, they had similar life conditions (i.e. occupation and time spent outdoors). It should be particularly emphasised that the expected lifetime doses from the incident in addition to the natural background dose are a very small among returnees. This study contributes to enhancing societal debates and risk communication regarding how government can provide returnees with the support they need, improve their outlook for radiation doses, and continue to improve crucial infrastructure in former no-go zones so that communities can be rebuilt.