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Masako Fukuden
Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital & Atomic-bomb Hospital

Report on participation in medical support team for criticality accident in Tokaimura, Ibaragi Prefecture

On September 30, 1999, a criticality accident occurred in Tokaimura, Ibaragi Prefecture, and the residents within a 10-kilometer radius from the accident site were ordered to stay indoors. Hiroshima Prefecture was requested to dispatch a relief team, in which I was included as a HICARE member. The relief team was headed by Dr. Tanaka from the Hiroshima University Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine and composed of two physicians, three radiological experts, one nurse, and two administrative staff members. On October 2, we left the Hiroshima Airport to Mito City, Ibaragi Prefecture.

Initially, we were scheduled to conduct health examinations at the Mito Health Center. However, because only a few people visited the center, we moved to a junior high school in Naka-machi at a distance of 2 km from the accident site. On the following day, we initiated our relief activity on a full scale at the Naka Central Community Center.

After conducting radiation dosimetry, we provided guidance on medical-related, radiation-related, and lifestyle-related issues based on the results of our environment survey. Questions frequently asked by the residents were related to the usability of well water, effects on agricultural products and whether they are eatable or not, effects of getting wet in the rain, anxiety about being pregnant, and health concerns for the future.

Some of the residents brought their agricultural products, pets and laundry with them for examination, which showed how they were seized by strong anxiety. To our relief, no special problems were observed in most cases.

Starting from October 4, the situation returned to normal, and a declaration of safety was issued from various parties. We therefore returned to Hiroshima. The imminent concern seemed to be eradicated. Nevertheless, those who were near the accident site at the time of the accident, those who stayed outdoors for many hours, and those who were in pregnancy seemed to have great anxiety. I sincerely hope that accidents of this kind will never occur again in the future.

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