Offering an overview of the consequences of major nuclear accidents, particularly the phenomenon of "radiophobia." Several sources discuss the Fukushima and Chernobyl disasters, emphasizing that the fear of radiation (radiophobia) often resulted in more harm, particularly to the elderly through rushed evacuations, than the actual low-level radiation exposure. This concern about unnecessary fear is paralleled by discussions of the trade-offs of applying the precautionary principle to energy policy, which critics argue leads to increased reliance on fossil fuels that cause far more deaths from air pollution.