What about the Fukushima 50?

Question:

Are they still alive? And I'm just wondering. Half a year ago, everyone was stating they'd be sure they would die within a few weeks. They all just absorbed 250 millisieverts, which is of course a lot. But apparently it also increases the lifetime risk of getting cancer with just a few percent max. How is this a certainty? Basically means there would be quite a minimal amount of victims if even they survive.

Answer:

They are fire fighters of Tokyo Fire Department. A total of 139 fire fighters were sent to Fukushima for a several days. "Fukushima 50" were their first group dispatched to the power plant. None of them were injured. All of them are now back to their usual job back in Tokyo.

We appreciate all of those 139 fire fighters who took part in the mission. So, there is no such word as "Fukushima 50" in Japanese media. In this sense, it was created and exaggerated by the foreign media.
Anyway, all of them are still alive and kicking. There is nothing to worry about.