Misconceptions

The level of radioactivity in the Fukushima region today is comparable to the natural radioactivity of several regions of the world where no health effects have been demonstrated.

WHO has estimated about 8,000 potential deaths due to radiation at Chernobyl. As for Fukushima, UNSCEAR does not expect any detectable increase in cases of cancer or mortality due to radiation exposure given the low doses received.

Evidence suggests rewilding within the Fukushima and Chernobyl evacuation zones, with human presence creating greater pressure on animal populations than radioactivity levels. Some species appear to be more affected than others by the effects of radiation.

The 2011 Tohoku earthquake was of exceptional intensity, and the tsunami far exceeded the protections of the Fukushima plant. Nevertheless, new methods of assessing the seismic hazard had identified the possibility of such a tsunami. Unfortunately it was too late to take the necessary measures and avoid the accident.

While these two accidents originated in nuclear power plants, they differ markedly in their consequences and the sequence of events that caused them.

The natural disaster of March 11th, 2011 (the Tōhoku earthquake, followed by the tsunami) is directly responsible for nearly 18,500 deaths and disappearances. It also caused about 50 industrial accidents, which also had health and environmental consequences. However, the world has essentially retained only the Fukushima nuclear accident, despite its considerably lower consequences to human health.

The book "Voices from Chernobyl" was published in 1997 by Belarusian journalist and essayist Svetlana Alexievich, who interviewed people affected by the 1986 Chernobyl accident. Although some consequences are correctly presented, the author mixes personal experiences and unfounded speculation, painting a picture that falls far from the scientific truth.

In 1997, Belarusian journalist Svetlana Alexievich published "Voices from Chernobyl," based on interviews with hundreds of people affected by the Chernobyl accident. Although it presents some proven facts, the mixture of fact and speculation paints a picture that falls far from the scientific truth.