ABSTRACT
Long-term recovery after any serious nuclear accident is a multi-faceted, complex process, different from non-nuclear disasters. Difficulties in recovering from a nuclear accident include not only the immediate direct health impacts on people and damaged infrastructure but also on technical, environmental and financial problems that extend to psychological, societal and ethical challenges. Results of the Fukushima Health Management Survey (FHMS) indicate severe mental health issues especially among different vulnerable groups, including senior citizens and mothers with small children. Complex psycho-social consequences related to well-being and mental health have noticeably emerged in the post-accident phase of the nuclear accident. These health problems tend to be connected with sudden and prolonged evacuation, and with perceived high risk and anxiety regarding radiation in the affected area. It is essential to continue monitoring both direct and indirect health effects and mitigate the overall health risks in order to improve the health and living conditions of the affected population while simultaneously helping with revitalization and recovery. This chapter provides an overview of indirect health consequences in the Fukushima Prefecture area resulting from the nuclear accident of 11 March 2011. Learning from this experience will better prepare the world for similar possible accidents in the future.
