Thursday, December 27, 2012

Fukushima radiation fears are linked to increase in obesity among children

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/dec/27/fukushima-radiation-child-obesity-fears


Fukushima radiation fears are linked to increase in obesity among children

Almost two years after nuclear disaster, Japanese education ministry report suggests children are still kept indoors


Lingering fears of radiation have turned children from Fukushima into the most obese in Japan, according to a government study, as parents and schools continue to restrict the amount of time they spend outdoors.
In a preliminary report released this week, the education ministry found that children from Fukushima prefecture aged five to nine, as well as those aged 14 and 17, toppped the nationwide obesity rankings. The report defined as obese children who were at least 20% heavier than the standard weight for their age.
The report, released almost two years after the triple meltdown at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, linked the rise in obesity to lack of exercise, amid concern among teachers and parents over the possible health effects of prolonged exposure to low-level radiation.


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