After the major Fukushima disaster in Japan on March 11, 2011, the residents of the area are at a higher risk of certain types of cancers, due to their proximity to the Fukushima nuclear power disaster. An analysis was carried out by a group of international experts who predicted that there were risks of these people developing cancer, among other diseases.
Fukushima was hit by a massive and deadly earthquake, measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale, which was then followed by tsunami. This water body then struck the plant, causing a meltdown. Apart from causing the failure of equipment, it also released radioactive material into the atmosphere. This resulted in the largest nuclear calamity since the Chernobyl disaster of the year 1986.
The two disasters were the only ones to measure Level 7 on the International Nuclear Nuclear Event Scale. Due to this disaster, thousands of people had to flee their homes to avoid radiation poisoning. The World Health Organizations has identified the risk of certain cancers in people living in Fukushima.
Females are at 4% risk of all solid cancers and they are also at a 6% higher risk for breast cancer. Around 70% of the women from the area are at risk of developing thyroid cancer, while the males are at 7% risk of leukemia. The workers in the area are at an increased health risk due to radiation exposure.
