Abstract
Expert’s risk evaluation of radiation exposure strongly influences the public’s risk perception. Experts can inform laypersons of significant radiation information including health knowledge based on experimental data. However, some experts’ radiation risk perception is often based on non-conclusive scientific evidence (i.e., radiation levels below 100 millisievert), which is currently under debate. Examining perception levels among experts is important for communication with the public since these individual’s opinions have often exacerbated the public’s confusion. We conducted a survey of Korean radiation researchers to investigate their perceptions of the risks associated with radiation exposure below 100 millisievert. A linear regression analysis revealed that having ≥ 11 years’ research experience was a critical factor associated with radiation risk perception, which was inversely correlated with each other. Increased opportunities to understand radiation effects at < 100 millisievert could alter the public’s risk perception of radiation exposure. In addition, radiation researchers conceived that more scientific evidence reducing the uncertainty for radiation effects < 100 millisievert is necessary for successful public communication. We concluded that sustained education addressing scientific findings is a critical attribute that will affect the risk perception of radiation exposure.
Highlights
Public concerns about radiation exposure have intensified due to an increased amount of radiation use [1]
Factors associated with risk perception of extremely low level radiation exposure The research scientists’ perceptions about radiation risk associated with extremely low levels of exposure were explored depending on the respondents’ characteristics (Table 1)
We hypothesized that researchers’ experience period and frequency of radiation use would affect their risk perception of radiation exposure. These radiation familiarity factors might discriminate between research scientists and lay people
Summary
Public concerns about radiation exposure have intensified due to an increased amount of radiation use (e.g., for medical diagnosis and disease treatment, industrial applications, and scientific and educational uses) [1]. The Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power plant accident in March 2011 spread great fear and anxiety about the health risks of radiation exposure, even at extremely low levels of radiation (several microsieverts), which is found in natural background levels. Severe public confusion in Korea resulted in temporary closures of schools, massive selling of masks that protect from radioactive dust inhalation, and obstinate refusal of Japanese farming products. These consequences occurred even though there were several official announcements from the Korean government that there was no evidence of substantial radioactive contamination [2]. The stigma that arises from nuclear disasters such as the atomic bombings in Japan and the Chernobyl accident has affected the overall public
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