The effects of radioactive contamination on the forestry industry and commercial mushroom-log production in Fukushima, Japan

Abstract

The accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in 2011 left surrounding residential, agricultural, and forested areas contaminated with radiation on a massive scale. To encourage evacuees to return to their homes and resume agricultural practices, large-scale decontamination of radioactive zones is ongoing in residential and agricultural areas. However, contamination of forests is extensive and decontamination efforts have been limited by remote access, significant labor requirements, and the considerable amount of anticipated radioactive waste. Consequently, there has been no large-scale effort to decontaminate forests as there has been for residential and agricultural land. In this paper, we examine the current protection of forests from radioactive contamination and discuss measures required to promote forest restoration. In addition, we consider how forest contamination relates to radiation exposure in humans and summarize the state of the forestry industry since the Fukushima accident. We also consider how radiation affects forest products in Fukushima, emphasizing mushroom-log production. Finally, we examine the challenges surrounding the reconstruction and revival of forests and forestry in Fukushima.