This paper provides novel evidence of the unintended health effects stemming from the halt in nuclear power production after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident. After the accident, nuclear power stations ceased operation and nuclear power was replaced by fossil fuels, causing an increase in electricity prices. We find that this increase led to a reduction in energy consumption, which caused an increase in mortality during very cold temperatures, given the protective role that climate control plays against the elements. Our results contribute to the debate surrounding the use of nuclear as a source of energy by documenting a yet unexplored health benefit from using nuclear power, and more broadly to regulatory policy approaches implemented during periods of scientific uncertainty about potential adverse effects.

本文提供了福岛第一核电站事故后停止核电生产对健康造成意外健康影响的新证据。事故发生后，核电站停止运行，核电被化石燃料取代，导致电价上涨。我们发现，考虑到气候控制对元素的保护作用，这种增加导致了能源消耗的减少，这导致了在极冷温度下死亡率增加。我们的研究结果通过记录使用核电的尚未探索的健康益处，以及更广泛地用于在科学不确定性潜在不利影响期间实施的监管政策方法，为围绕使用核作为能源的辩论做出了贡献。