WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION REPORT ON NEW FUKUSHIMA CANCER RISK ASSESSMENT

A new report from the WHO shows that people living near Fukushima have a small increased risk of developing cancer during their lifetime.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21614722

The biggest lifetime risks were seen in those exposed as infants.
For girls exposed to radiation from the accident as infants, the report found a 4% increase above expected lifetime risk for solid tumours, and 6% above for breast cancer. Boys exposed as infants have a 7% risk increase of leukaemia. The biggest risk was a 70 % lifetime increase of thyroid cancer for infant girls.

The report also found that a third of emergency workers working in the plant after the disaster are at an increased risk of cancer.

The WHO report emphasised that these risks were relative and remained small. They are small additional risks above existing low risks.

WHO's Dr Maria Neira said that the report underlined the need for long-term health monitoring of those who were at high risk, along with medical follow-up and support. 'This will remain an important element in the public health response to the disaster for decades' she said.