If our Geiger count’s too high, we can’t go outside to play
Fears of Fukushima’s children
Pupils scan their school playground Science teacher Takahira Abe Explosion at plant Device shows reading equal to chest X-ray those last just seconds, these children are exposed constantly. The government has declared Fukushima safe, with a 20-mile no-go zone around the crippled power station itself. Science teacher Takahira Abe, 52, leads workshops designed by Save the Children to educate about the dangers. He said: “Fukushima will be a shadow these children live with for the rest of their lives. Most were so young life seems normal, but often when we teach them about radiation they get flashbacks.” They are taught about monitoring radiation in local crops and fish. After the disaster Mr Abe and his wife Hiromi decided not to flee – despite protests from their son and daughter, then nine and 13. He said: “The school had a geiger counter for science, so I took readings. Levels were not too high. “My duties as a teacher were more important. I had to stay and educate others.” His textbook was created by Save the Children to help those living under a radiation threat. And counsellors have been brought in to help deal with mental health issues. Mr Abe adds: “That’s one positive – we’re encouraging kids to talk openly. That’s not happened before in Japan.” alan.selby@mirror.co.uk Radiation level for a hospital X-ray Highest level children recorded at their school is equal to 50 scans at the dentist