Already, experts are starting to focus on how "radiation
anxiety" - the chronic stress, fear and worry that the mere
thought of being exposed to radiation can cause - will impact
the region’s long—term recovery. Like characters from a science
fiction film, the radiation screeners at this Japanese
evacuation centre wear futuristic white suits, surgical masks
and hoods. Silver gamma ray monitors gleam in their hands as
they wand all who enter. The sight alone is enough to make some
children cry. Adults, too, say the uniforms and unfamiliar
gizmos give them the shivers. “It’s like a bad dream that won’t
end,” construction worker Takeshi Nemoto said, cradling his
four—year—old son. The March 11 earthquake and tsunami caused
massive death and destruction across north-eastern Japan. But
those who live near the crippled Fukushima Dai—ichi nuclear
plant face an additional burden - a fear of radiation that
experts say could prove more unhealthy in the long run than the
still—low levels of leaked radiation itself. Alre