Posted on Jan 16, 2026 / Travel

The main kinds of radioactive materials released during the accident were elements like iodine and cesium, which can be harmful in high doses because they emit radiation as they decay. Experts usually explain that most harmful short-lived isotopes drop off quickly, while others like cesium take longer to decay and need ongoing monitoring. Radiation in restricted areas can be higher, but outside those zones it’s closer to normal background levels that people are exposed to every day. Authorities measure radiation in food, water and the environment to keep track of any potential risk. Long-term health effects are a complex scientific area, but major public health organisations haven’t found clear evidence of widespread radiation-related sickness among people living near Fukushima. Officials stress that continued monitoring and safety measures help keep risks as low as possible. That said, people sometimes still worry about radiation because nuclear accidents are scary to imagine.
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