What is “Chernobyl Syndrome?” The Use of Radiophobia in Nuclear Communications

This article examines the use of “radiophobia,” “Chernobyl syndrome,” “irrationality,” and other similar concepts in communications on nuclear issues. Historically, these terms have been used in two ways: to describe psychological effects among people affected by nuclear disasters such as Hiroshima or Chernobyl, and to explain the concerns of the unaffected lay public about radiation or nuclear power projects. The latter was actively used in the Soviet Union and in post-Soviet countries such as Belarus to rejects citizens’ complaints and to denounce the arguments of the anti-nuclear camp. This study argues that although the terms can legitimately be used in many situations, their use in communications about nuclear issues can be problematic.