FAQs: Japan nuclear concerns

Current risk

Radiation-related health consequences will depend on exposure, which is dependant on several things, including: the amount and type of radiation released from the reactor; weather conditions, such as wind and rain; a person’s proximity to the plant; and the amount of time spent in irradiated areas.
The Government of Japan’s recent actions in response to events at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant are in line with the existing recommendations for radiation exposure. The Government has evacuated individuals who were living within a 20-kilometre radius around the Fukushima Daiichi plant. Those living between 20 km and 30 km from the plant are being asked to evacuate voluntarily. In general, people living farther away are at lower risk than those who live nearby.
Now, in light of new information on levels of environmental radioactivity in the 20-30 km zone and some surrounding areas beyond the 30km zone, the Government of Japan is preparing new planned evacuation zones from which residents will be evacuated within the coming month.
In addition, an emergency evacuation preparedness zone has also been identified in which residents are being asked to prepare their affairs in case they are asked to evacuate. These zones also follow administrative boundaries and extend beyond the 30 km radius.