Set against a backdrop of the recent disaster at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, "Hiroshima to Fukushima" examines the issue of radiation safety. The author provides important and accurate scientific information about the radioactive substances arising from nuclear power plants and weapons, including the effects of this radiation on living organisms. Currently, humankind is at a crossroads and must decide whether to phase out or increase its reliance on nuclear power as weapons and an energy source. Although a few countries, mostly European, have vowed to abolish nuclear power as an energy source, many other countries are about to increase their nuclear power programs. This book is written from a Japanese perspective and thus provides an alternative to views of Western writers. The author includes rigorous scientific analyses, however maintains a broad scope, which allows the book to be accessible to decision-makers and non-specialists.

Part I The Scientific Bases of Nuclear World, Radiation and Chemical World

The Nuclear World and Nuclear Power
Radiation
The Chemical World
Part II The Military Uses of Nuclear Power
The Development of the Atomic Bomb
Dropping of Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki - The Devastation
Depleted Uranium Bombs
Part III The "Peaceful" Uses of Nuclear Power
Development of Nuclear Power Reactors
Examples of Major Failures at Nuclear Power Plants
Part IV The Scientific Basis of Interaction of Radiation with the Chemical World
General Consideration of Interactions of Radiation with the Chemical World
Chemical and Biological Interactions of Chemical Compounds
What Happens if a Chemical Compound is Radioactive?
(High-energy) Radiation is Incompatible With Life
Part V Health Effects of Radiation Revealed So Far
Data From Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Data From Chernobyl
Data From Fukushima
Part VI The Future of Human Use of Energy
Non-Nuclear and Renewable Energy Sources and Uses.