The difficulty of nuclear emergency prevention measures during natural disasters: Ongoing challenges in Japan

Journal of Radiological Protection, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 44(2), С. 024001 - 024001

Опубликована: Июнь 1, 2024

Abstract It is crucial to anticipate nuclear emergency scenarios and implement effective measures. Japan’s climate topography make it vulnerable natural disasters; thus, necessary address compounding cascading disaster involving the simultaneous occurrence of disasters. On 1 January 2024, an earthquake hit Noto region Ishikawa Prefecture, resulting in damage area around Shika Nuclear Power Plant, located 90 km from epicenter. This revealed that, event a complex disaster, possible that residents living within 30 Plant will be completely unprepared for disaster. In appropriate countermeasures while balancing responses both disasters optimizing radiation prevention

Язык: Английский

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Disaster response and older adult cancer care in super-aged societies: insights from the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake in Oku-Noto, Japan

Frontiers in Public Health, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 12

Опубликована: Окт. 24, 2024

Natural disasters can severely disrupt cancer care delivery systems, compromising the continuity and quality of oncological services.1 This issue has been a subject growing concern since Hurricane Katrina in 2005,2 with 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake further intensifying research discussions.3-6 Recent events, including 2015 Nepal Earthquake,7 2017 Hurricanes Irma Maria Puerto Rico,8 2023 Morocco earthquake,9 have highlighted critical need for effective management strategies during disasters, particularly low- middle-income countries (LMICs). These incidents demonstrate that impact on varies significantly based their nature, severity, resources available affected regions.In disaster preparedness response, protecting vulnerable populations, especially elderly, is crucial due to heightened susceptibility adverse health outcomes.10 relevant high-income like Japan, where 29.1% population 65 or older,11 (LMICs), projected house 80% world's elderly by 2030.12 While patients gained attention academic literature,13 there remains insufficient discussion managing disaster-stricken super-aged societies (where over 21% are older). distinction significant, as communities may be inherently more struggle respond without external support, presenting unique challenges maintaining crises.Here, we would present case Oku-Noto region, it exemplifies response society. area's reaches an unprecedented 48.9%,14 far exceeding Japan's national average. On January 1, 2024, Noto Peninsula caused significant damage Ishikawa, resulting 241 deaths February 16, 2024.15 event provides study examining societies.In Oku-Noto, was previous cases,5,8 acute phase earthquake most likely time treatment interruptions delays cancer. In earthquake's areas, many people were forced evacuate outside region early subsequent destruction buildings infrastructure. Preliminary observations indicate medical institutions effectively collaborated maintain disaster's initial phase. Notably, Wajima Municipal Hospital, primary healthcare facility City - which reported 102 disaster-related fatalities coordinated referral numerous facilities. exact number referred undetermined, this proactive approach ensured uninterrupted despite challenging circumstances. Such seamless coordination patient referrals amid major represents accomplishment services, addressing challenge Earthquake.5 The second author manuscript, professionally engaged at hospital, firsthand insight into these efforts.Conversely, faces pressing providing medium long-term patients. As nearly seven months elapsed earthquake, ongoing infrastructure restoration, evacuees gradually returning areas. Of particular psychological impacts patients, recent scoping review.13 Moreover, considering potential physical effects pronounced among population,16 older might require extensive support upon return. However, seen after Earthquake,17 experiencing exodus personnel, nurses. impacted staffing region. Reports end fiscal year March, Hospital lost approximately 25% its nursing staff about 30 out 120 nurses.18 trend not isolated; across Peninsula, total 60 nurses departed from positions four public hospitals region.19 Consequently, beds dramatically decreased 538 pre-earthquake just 240 June reduction than 55%.20 substantial decline both bed capacity undoubtedly compromised region's ability provide comprehensive care, services.Following restoration mid-March, begun incrementally recovering plans resume surgical operations March 21, reopening outpatient chemotherapy April. improvements, continues face reminiscent those observed Limited internet access restricts elderly's obtain information, while transportation barriers impede locally beyond.In Japanese Nursing Association (JNA) dispatched 2,982 areas 6 29.21 JNA local authorities meet on-ground needs recruited longer-term assignments (one month two years) hospitals, 13 deployed July's end.20 sustainable nurse deployment system aims address immediate shortages build resilience integrating temporary chronic conditions cancer, consideration.In respect, integrated home offers viable solution supporting disaster-affected long term. model requires fewer hospital providers travel patients' homes. demanding deeper understanding contexts, home-based alleviates strain, personalized familiar settings, potentially improves outcomes valuable traditional care.Our offer insights extend beyond geographical boundaries. area serves microcosm demographic future, mirroring nation's structure 40 years. scenario replicated other global populations age. priorities include: ensuring isolated regions, developing flexible networks, exodus, implementing less mobile creating models through dispatch programs. measures aim resilient capable withstanding adapting situations aging Other also adapt Oku-Noto's lessons resources: high-resource nations prioritize advanced transfer systems telemedicine, lower-resource focus basic community support. Key include tailoring demographics resources, training workers oncology specialist challenging. experience ultimately calls international collaboration adaptable best practices worldwide.

Язык: Английский

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Should the current radiation protection paradigm and its recommendations be modified to make them more fit to protect the public in future nuclear emergencies?

Radiation Protection Dosimetry, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 200(16-18), С. 1501 - 1506

Опубликована: Апрель 8, 2024

Abstract The present radiation protection paradigm and its associated recommendations as developed by bodies such the ICRP have performed very well over past decades both for those occupationally exposed to public in planned exposures. There is, however, growing evidence that role played this decision-making process protect nuclear emergencies may have, unwittingly unintentionally, caused more harm than good some sections of public. This seems been case use population evacuation principal response Chernobyl (1986) Fukushima (2011) accidents. is thus a need develop improved guidelines or tools on how apply compatible with Principle Justification event any future major emergencies. It can also be argued paradigm, emphasis primarily physical health detriments from radiation, should inclusive needs shift holistic total approach heretofore include mental effects For severe effects, consequences, suicide, even most likely suffered affected.

Язык: Английский

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Difficulties faced by three hospitals evacuated from the urgent protective action planning zone after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear power plant accident

Journal of Radiation Research, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 65(Supplement_1), С. i67 - i79

Опубликована: Дек. 1, 2024

Abstract In radiological disasters, evacuating institutionalized individuals such as hospitalized patients and nursing home residents presents complex challenges. The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear power plant (FDNPP) accident, triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE), exposed critical issues in evacuation planning. This case series investigates difficulties encountered three hospitals situated 20 to 30 km from FDNPP following GEJE accident. Data collection involved reviewing records, stakeholder interviews analyzing publicly available resources. Six key challenges emerged: acute phase influx—hospitals faced an abrupt surge patients, including trauma victims vulnerable individuals; initial discharge transfers—coordinating patient discharges transfers during chaotic aftermath proved daunting; staff shortages—evacuation personal factors lead reduced staffing levels strained hospital capabilities; infrastructure damage logistics suspension—infrastructure issues, burst water pipes, halted gas supplies, heavy oil shortage disrupted operations; unclear criteria—ad hoc decisions underscored lack of clear criteria; limited preparation time—minimal time hindered communication These findings underscore need for robust disaster planning, resource management, strategies ensure safety emergencies. Government interventions, early discharge, improved medical record may alleviate burden evacuation. lessons learned emphasize importance maintaining functions disaster-prone areas, particularly populations, highlight necessity comprehensive community-wide prevention

Язык: Английский

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