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Your Voice is Important! Developing an App to Engage Citizen Participation in Case of a Radiation Accident

01.6.2018

[This article has been written by the ISGlobal members: Adelaida Sarukhan, scientific writer, Liudmila Liutsko, postdoctoral fellow, and Elisabeth Cardis, Head of the Radiation Programme]

Would you be interested in using a mobile app that allows you to measure radiation?

How would you rate your knowledge of ionising radiation? Are you concerned about potential health risks of living near a nuclear power plant? Would you be interested in using a mobile app that allows you to measure radiation? These are some of the questions of the survey designed by the European-funded SHAMISEN-SINGS project, which aims to enhance citizen participation in case of a radiation accident.

 

The importance of engaging affected populations

Engaging stakeholders in general and communities in particular is fundamental in better preparing for and responding to a radiation accident

Indeed, one of the major lessons drawn from previous nuclear accidents is that engaging stakeholders in general and communities in particular is fundamental in better preparing for and responding to a radiation accident. In particular, experts and authorities should support affected populations in making their own dose measurements and taking their own informed decisions (for example whether and when to return to their homes) after the accident. And to this end, new information technologies such as mobile apps or devices stand out as ideal tools.

Tools to participate in radiation and health monitoring

SHAMISEN-SINGS proposes to develop new guidelines for mobile apps that could be used by the general population to perform their own radiation measurements or monitor their health

SHAMISEN-SINGS proposes to develop new guidelines for mobile apps that could be used by the general population to perform their own radiation measurements or monitor their health, if they wish to do so. Data collected by the population through these apps will help them survey radiation levels, visualize radiation conditions in real time, empower them to make informed decisions, and contribute to citizen science studies on radiation exposure and health. These apps could also provide a channel for practical information, professional support and dialogue.         

Your opinion is very valuable and it will only take ten minutes of your time

But these apps cannot be developed or adapted without first identifying the knowledge, needs and expectations of those who will eventually use them. It is also important to evaluate if and under what conditions the potential users are willing to share their data with the scientific community.

This is why we invite you to answer the survey – your opinion is very valuable and it will only take ten minutes of your time. 

Thank you!