The Perception of Radiation Effects on Humans: The Case of Chernobyl

Abstract

Hesitation seems to exist worldwide with regard to activities involving radiation and radioactive materials and, in particular, towards using nuclear power as an alternative source of energy. This paper postulates that public perception of the effects of radiation is the root cause that, directly or indirectly, has negative effects on the acceptance of these activities.* The word public in this case means a wide spectrum of the population: from traditional housewives to the highest decision makers and politicians; from opinion formers in the powerful modern multi-media to respected scientists — even Nobel laureates — who are not radiation specialists. All of them, the public at large, appear to be convinced that radioactive materials are an undesired, evil by-product of the nuclear era and that the radiations they emit and the toxicity they entail are the fifth rider of the Apocalypse — a menace to the survival of mankind. From this skepticism an antinuclear gut feeling has evolved, not because these people are part of a global conspiracy but simply because they are afraid. They are sincerely and genuinely afraid; afraid that radiation will harm them and their loved ones; afraid that radioactive materials will pollute the earth forever and destroy the human environment.