Abstract |
After the Fukushima nuclear disaster in March 2011, an international review of nuclear safety indicated that two of the three nuclear power plants ( NPPs) operating in Taiwan were listed as the most dangerous in the world. To understand the perception of NPP risks by the public in Taiwan and their attitudes regarding a planned fourth NPP after the Fukushima nuclear incident in 2011, a study was conducted in August 2011. A sample of 2819 individuals responded to the survey, with 66% perceiving that Taiwan's safety management of NPPs was inferior to Japan's, while 40% perceived a higher possibility of nuclear accidents like that in Japan. On average, a 'safe' distance of 94 km from an NPP was expected. 56% opposed the planned fourth NPP, with females (adjusted odd ratios (aOR) 2.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.71-2.41), residence near the planned fourth NPP (aOR/CI 13.90/7.79-24.80), distrust of safety management (aOR/CI 1.98/1.45-2.69) and emergency planning (aOR/CI 1.89/1.49-2.40) as the main determinants. Others included those who expected larger safe distances from an NPP (trend test, p < 0.001), perceived excess cancer risks of living within 30 km of an NPP (aOR/CI 2.74/2.02-3.71), and projection of no electric shortage without NPPs (aOR/CI 1.93/1.50-2.49). Given that Taiwan's large population lives close to the existing NPPs and long-term concerns about the safety of these nuclear plants, the Fukushima incident in Japan likely augmented public risk perceptions on nuclear power in general and on the planned fourth NPP.
|
Authors | Jung-Chun Ho, Shu-Fen Kao, Jung-Der Wang, Chien-Tien Su, Chiao-Tzu Patricia Lee, Ruey-Yu Chen, Hung-Lun Chang, Marco C F Ieong, Peter Wushou Chang |
Journal | Journal of radiological protection : official journal of the Society for Radiological Protection
(J Radiol Prot)
Vol. 33
Issue 4
Pg. 773-89
(Dec 2013)
ISSN: 1361-6498 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 24048022
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
|
Topics |
- Adult
- Attitude to Health
- Female
- Fukushima Nuclear Accident
- Humans
- Japan
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Nuclear Power Plants
(statistics & numerical data)
- Public Opinion
- Radiation Protection
(statistics & numerical data)
- Risk Assessment
(methods)
- Socioeconomic Factors
- Taiwan
- Trust
|