The Role of Experts in Post-Accidental Recovery: Lessons learnt from Chernobyl and Fukushima

GARIEL JC. (IRSN), LOCHARD J., SCHNEIDER T.

ICRP - 4th International Symposium on the System of Radiological Protection.
Paris, 10-12 October 2017.

Abstract

Following a nuclear accident, a main dilemma for affected people is to decide to stay or to leave from the affected area, or, for those who have been evacuated, to return or not in the decontaminated zones. Populations who have to make such decisions have to take into consideration many parameters among which the radiological situation is only one among many others. Feedbacks from Chernobyl and Fukushima have demonstrated that the involvement and the empowerment of affected population is a manner to provide them elements to take informed decisions and, if they decide to be back on decontaminated areas, to minimize exposure by contributing to the development of a prudent attitude and vigilance towards exposure. However, involving stakeholders in the post-accident management raises the question of the role of experts (and public authorities) with regard to their support to the inhabitants who have to take decisions about their future. Based on several experiences in Chernobyl and Fukushima, this presentation will discuss about some principles that have to be taken into account by experts and public authorities about their role and position when dealing with stakeholders involvement in a post-accidental recovery process.

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