Abstract
The first large-scale commercial nuclear fuel cycle facilities in Japan are now under construction in Rokkasho-mura, Aomori Prefecture. Prior to the implementation of operations, we conducted this study to collect sociological data in relation to the estimation of radiation dose by radionuclides released from the facilities. Food intake in Aomori Prefecture was surveyed by dividing the prefecture into four areas and having the residents answer a questionnaire. The results of the survey in the final area (Shimokita Peninsula area) are reported in this paper, together with the combined results for the whole prefecture. The 50 families surveyed in Shimokita Peninsula area were divided into three different groups based on primary occupation: fishery worker, farmer and other occupation. The average total daily food consumption of the whole survey group was 2, 238 grams/day/person (g/d/p), and showed no significant seasonal variation. The consumption rates for marine, agricultural and livestock products were 244, 1, 205 and 372g/d/p, respectively, and were relatively constant year-round. The consumption rate of other products was 417g/d/p, with a slightly higher value during the summer. The category of other products included confectioneries, drinks and seasonings. The foods with the highest consumption rates in the area were: (a) squid, salmon and wakame among marine products, (b) rice, radish, tofu (soybean curd), cucumber, apple and potato among agricultural products, and (c) milk, eggs and pork among livestock products. The average total daily food consumption rate in the whole prefecture was 2, 117g/d/p, which was weighted by proportion of types of occupations in Aomori Prefecture. Some slight but statistically significant differences were recognized in the consumption patterns of families as determined by occupation and area of residency in the prefecture. The consumption of marine products was the highest for fishery workers, and that of agricultural products was higher for farmers than fishery workers. The food consumption data were compared with the results of a nationwide nutrition survey carried out by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare. The present intakes were re-calculated applying the method used in the national nutrition survey for comparison. The re-calculated results were approximately 10% higher than the national average. This indicates that specific data are important for evaluating food intake in local areas. Food intake rates were used to assess the safety of the reprocessing plant in Rokkasho. In comparing the present data with that used in the safety assessment, the present results were mostly lower than that applied in the assessment.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have