Units related to radiation exposure and radioactivity in mass media: the Fukushima case study in Europe and Russia

摘要: Using an analysis of the way European newspapers covered Fukushima nuclear accident, this article explores how mass media transmit information about radiation risks from experts to general public. The study applied a content method on total 1340 articles 12 leading in 6 countries: Belgium (N = 260), Italy 270), Norway 133), Russia 172), Slovenia 190) and Spain 315). All analysed were selected as being directly or indirectly related accident by containing word 'nuclear' and/or 'Fukushima' published between 11th March May 2011. data presented here focus specifically cross-cultural comparison use quantitative units. Results suggest that although are accustomed communicating radiological technical language, often using units describe risks, do not tend these their reporting. Although found large variation measurement used different countries, it appeared journalists all countries preferred radioactivity comparing exposures, rather than reporting actual measured paper concludes with some practical guidelines for sound public communication risks.