Constructing a New U.S. Military Base: A Health Threat to Okinawan People

Abstract

Abstract

Okinawa, a group of small islands between Japan and Taiwan and a formerly independent kingdom, has been the site of wars conducted by foreign armies for hundreds of years. Since World War II, the mainland of Okinawa has been the principal focus of the American military presence in Japan. The people of Okinawa experience a number of adverse health and environmental effects from U.S. military bases. Environmental effects include aircraft noise, asbestos exposure, and pollution of sea, land, and air along with disrupted biodiversity. Adverse health consequences have been identified as severe hearing loss, sleep disturbance, poor quality of life, and increased cancer risk in local Okinawan people, and impaired learning among Okinawan school children. Furthermore, the central government of Japan recently approved construction work on a new U.S. military base despite strong opposition by the local population. Healthcare professionals are in a position to recognize and understand the adverse health and environmental effects of the existing military bases. However, no medical professional societies in Japan or the United States has ever commented on this issue. We believe that healthcare professionals have a responsibility to educate citizens and politicians concerning the adverse health and environmental effects of military bases, and to advocate for a more peaceful world.