When Dr. Masaharu Tsubokura began checking the internal radiation exposure levels of Minamisoma residents four months after the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant experienced three reactor core meltdowns, many were living in fear, not knowing what kind of dangers they were being exposed to by living in Fukushima Prefecture.
All available dates for checking internal exposure levels at Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital had been quickly booked for the next eight months. Due to those fears and a mounting distrust of the authorities, some residents were visibly angry at Tsubokura upon hearing their checkup results, which they had difficulty interpreting.
It was chaotic, he said. But things have changed since.