Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

(Abridged)

Q&As

• Collection of data on children's external radiation exposure estimates by Fukushima Prefecture

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to change the topic and would like to ask a question concerning children who underwent thyroid gland examinations in Fukushima. Currently less than 40% (only just over 30%) have been assessed to determine their external radiation exposure.

(Abridged) I believe that the Prefectural Government is taking the initiative in completing these tests, but how does the National Government view this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: According to the Fukushima Health Management Survey covering the period up to August 31, 2012 and made public on September 11, the first round of testing was completed for 80,000 of the 360,000 citizens under the age of 18. Furthermore, it was also reported that external radiation exposure estimates were completed for just under 20,000 citizens under the age of 18. In this sense, approximately 30% of the 80,000 - or 20,000 children - have been assessed for external radiation exposure. In order to estimate external radiation exposure, citizens are required to complete a detailed survey of their activities following the accident. In fact, since the questionnaire requires long and detailed answers, the response rate for all age groups in Fukushima has been only 22.9%. This estimate will form the foundation of ongoing long-term health management and is an important opportunity to discover each individual's level of exposure. Therefore, I believe that the Prefectural Government is planning to undertake initiatives to help improve the response and collection rates by, on a number of occasions, informing citizens of the survey's purpose and providing assistance in completing the questionnaire. In light of this, the Government will exert every effort to support the Prefectural Government in order to ensure effective and accurate collection of data in relation to the effects of radiation on the citizens of Fukushima Prefecture.

(Abridged)