Radiophobia and reality

Radiophobia can interfere with scientific and technological progress. It is important to understand radiation issues without resorting to panic.

A relatively new phenomenon has appeared in modern society – radiophobia. This is not exactly a fear of radio waves, this is a state of some part of our society associated with the attitude towards ionizing radiation, radiation.

Man’s mastery of nuclear fusion in the mid-20th century was first marked by the creation of nuclear weapons and their use against people, the emergence of an “arms race” with testing of nuclear weapons at test sites in different countries, the development of the peaceful atom, an increase in the number of nuclear power plants, use in medicine and other forms of radiation use In human life. These steps of humanity are undoubtedly a manifestation of scientific and technological progress. But the increasing use of the atom in the life of mankind and cases of man-made disasters have formed an adequate reaction on the part of society – the fear of an “invisible” phenomenon.There is a definition of Radiophobia (from ancient Greek φόβος – fear; also radio anxiety) as fear of ionizing radiation   Man-made disasters in Chernobyl and Fukushima, nuclear explosions at the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, revealed that the most serious and lasting consequences of disasters are those of a socio-psychological nature. The secrecy surrounding everything related to nuclear energy and atomic bombs has led to widespread ignorance and fear of radiation throughout the world.Today it is obvious that the preservation of the planet, progress in ecology, medicine, technology, and space exploration cannot be imagined without atomic energy. Radiation for peaceful purposes penetrates into all areas of life.There is an urgent need for society to overcome radiophobia as a relic. Representatives of the nuclear industry play a leading role in shaping the “green” image of the peaceful atom. The exact description of this mission was expressed by IAEA Director General (2009-2019) Yukiya Amano, who said: “The main thing for nuclear energy is gaining public trust.”