Radiophobia: Useful concept, or ostracising term?

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The term ‘radiophobia’ has been a cornerstone in the nuclear discourse over the past 70 years. It has been used extensively to dismiss fears of radiation as being emotional overreactions to a risk that is actuarially very low, stemming from public ignorance. Despite its longevity, little attention has been afforded to the term, its history, and the factors that underpin the extreme divergence in risk perception that the term de facto refers to, threatening to severely hamper any efforts to redress said divergence. This article will explore these factors, mostly sociopsychological in nature, and conclude that the powerful affective imagery associated with radiation, compounded by various heuristics and biases, renders public discomfort with ionising radiation from nuclear power plants rational – despite the actuarial safety record of nuclear energy globally. The article will note that, whilst its often ostracising usage towards the public should render the term obsolete, radiophobia can still be regarded as a useful concept to try and explain the extreme risk perception divergence that exists between nuclear experts and the public. However, in order for a more constructive nuclear discourse, a paradigm shift will be required, acknowledging the complex historical and sociopsychological factors that have shaped radiation into becoming a uniquely feared process. Such an acknowledgement will likely be a prerequisite for any efforts towards normalising humanity's relationship with radiation, and would require considerable changes in communication practices.