1Public Official, Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, Republic of Korea
2Research Scientist, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Science, Republic of Korea
4Ph. D Candidate in Science & Technology Policy Dept. from Hanyang Univ
3Medical Doctor, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Science, Republic of Korea
Despite the continuing improvement of the radiological emergency preparedness plan (REPP) after the Fukushima nuclear accident, increase in disaster vulnerable population (DVP) due to the transition to aging society renders the preparedness for nuclear disasters more difficult. The present study aims to examine major issues of REPP and propose an improvement direction considering DVP.
This study focused on the issues of REPP established by the central and local governments and on resident-protection measures, in particular. Technical measures such as technological measures for nuclear facilities and environmental radiation monitoring are described in detail.
According to the analytical results, major issues of REPP include inconsistency in the range of emergency planning zone (EPZ) between local governments, lack of cooperation, lack of budget for radiation emergency preparedness, and the effectiveness of resident evacuation plan and education and/or training on radiation emergency preparedness. Furthermore, there is a lack of consideration for DVP in the preparation, response, and recovery processes for nuclear disasters.
Considering the increase in DVP in the future, the REPP should be supplemented in terms of the resident evacuation plan, education and training on radiation emergency preparedness, preparation of shelters and relief supplies, and preparedness for the prolongation of a nuclear disaster.
Radiological emergency preparedness plan, aging society, disaster vulnerable population,
