Risk communication regarding radiation exposure by experts using two concepts of regulatory science and ALARA

Abstract

In the Tohoku region of Japan, risk communication programs on radiation exposure have great importance, especially with respect to reducing the stress and anxiety among those caused by radiation exposure. Although the concepts of ALARA (that is, abbreviation of as low as reasonably achievable), and RS (that is, abbreviation of Regulatory Sciences) were very important for the smooth operation of risk communication among a wide range of stakeholders, our previous research showed that only 23.5% and 16.5% medical doctors in Japan had accurate awareness of them, respectively. To enhance risk communication more effectively, this study examined the levels of awareness of concepts of ALARA and RS among academic experts in Japan and compared their level of awareness of technical terms regarding radiation to that of the expected level that a layperson might have. This study also showed that, even among faculty working at graduate schools in Japan, only 29.8% and 39.4% had accurate knowledge of ALARA and RS. To improve the knowledge of laypeople and experts on these concepts, they should be added to the primary education curriculum. This study demonstrated that among experts in many academic fields, a significant range of estimates existed of lay knowledge of technical terms regarding radiation. The highest scores were assigned by faculty in the field of humanities. Thus, before to conducting risk communications, experts from all fields should identify the expected level of awareness among laypeople on the topic. In addition, risk communications regarding radiation should be conducted by academic experts and healthcare professionals together with facilitators or lecturers.