Perinatal mortality after the Fukushima accident.

This study investigates trends in perinatal mortality rates in Fukushima Prefecture and four neighboring prefectures (Miyagi, Gunma, Tochigi, and Ibaraki) before and after the Fukushima nuclear disaster in March 2011. Beginning in 2012, perinatal mortality rates deviate upwards from the trend in preceding years; the monthly data show significant peaks in May 2012 and March 2013. It is unlikely that these peaks are associated with external radiation exposures received during March 2011. They might rather be associated with internal radiation exposure from the ingestion of radioactively contaminated food. These findings agree with similar observations in Germany after Chernobyl, but they conflict with statements by WHO and UNSCEAR that no adverse effects of the Fukushima accident on pregnancy outcomes are expected.