Mobile apps for environmental and health monitoring after a nuclear accident: Towards a better resilience with involvement of citizen science and general public

Abstract

Background/Aim: One of the lessons learned from nuclear accidents is the need to increase stakeholder engagement in accident preparedness and response, including data collection by citizens (and citizen scientists). In particular, the use of personal dosimeters, including sensors connected to mobile phones, was widely used after the Fukushima accident, leading to the collection and sharing of many ambient radioactivity measurements, dedicated web-platforms for exchanging questions and advice, as well as attempts to initiate participative epidemiological studies. Methods: The SHAMISEN-SINGS European project combined 3 approaches: 1) review and testing of existing mobile apps for dose measurements; 2) review of relevant mobile apps on health & welfare that could be used after a nuclear accident, and 3) on-line anonymous survey & group discussions on awareness, experiences and willingness to use mobile apps for dose and health monitoring.Results: A Tool-kit for using apps for dose measurements has been developed, summarised in infographics for the general public, and described together with recommendations on developing and use of mobile apps for health monitoring in a booklet. A brief cost-benefit analysis based on data collected by citizens was performed to complement those existing from official sources. A data management plan was proposed, in which data from the apps can be used with benefits at the individual and societal level. Ethical issues related to apps development, data collection and sharing were explored. Conclusions: The Recommendations and Tool-kits for use and development of mobile apps for dose and health monitoring after a nuclear accident, as developed by the SHAMISEN SINGS project, are directed toward the general public, apps developers and relevant professional stakeholders. If implemented in collaboration with stakeholders and citizen scientists, they should provide individual and societal benefits, and may contribute to national and regional monitoring networks for radiation and health surveillance programs in post-accidental situations.