Implication of radiological consequences from contamination of the environment due to the Fukushima Daiichi accident

Homma, Toshimitsu

The accident at the Fukushima Daiichi NPP resulted in a substantial release of radioactive material to the atmosphere and marine environment and caused extensive contamination of the environment. This paper provides an overview of releases of radioactive material to the atmosphere and ocean, and the subsequent distributions of radioactive material in the environment, which are the basis of estimating radiological consequences to people and the environment. In addition, this paper will describe the protective actions that were implemented during the accident to protect people against radiation exposure. By providing an overview of the releases and distribution of radioactive material to the environment and the protective actions that were implemented in Japan, in combination with a comparison of the Chernobyl accident, this paper will contribute to an improved understanding of the radiological consequences from contamination of the environment due to the Fukushima Daiichi accident.