Offsite Consequences of the Fukushima Nuclear Accident: Recovery and Return to Hometown After Evacuation

After the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, the Fukushima Prefectural Government commissioned Fukushima Medical University to conduct the "Fukushima Health Management Survey" to investigate long-term low-dose radiation exposure caused by the accident. The primary purposes of this survey are to monitor the long-term health of Fukushima residents and to promote their health and well-being. The survey consists of a Basic Survey and 4 detailed surveys (Thyroid Ultrasound Examination, Comprehensive Health Check, Mental Health and Lifestyle Survey, and Pregnancy and Birth Survey). Some physical and mental health problems have persisted. Survey participants who evacuated from Fukushima and continue to live outside Fukushima showed higher mental health deterioration than those who evacuated from Fukushima and came back to live in Fukushima. Problems arise from misunderstanding radiation health effects among non-Fukushima residents, and the dignity of "place of living" among Fukushima residents.