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What
is Radiation?
- Radiation
is a form of energy that is present all around us.
- Different
types of radiation exist, some of which have more energy than others.
- Amounts
of radiation released into the environment are measured in units called
curies. However, the dose of radiation that a person receives is measured
in units called rem.
For more information
about radiation, check the following Web sites: www.epa.gov/radiation, www.orau.gov/reacts/define.htm
How Can Exposure Occur?
- People
are exposed to small amounts of radiation every day, both from naturally
occurring sources (such as elements in the soil or cosmic rays from the
sun), and man-made sources. Man-made sources include some electronic
equipment (such as microwave ovens and television sets), medical sources
(such as x-rays, certain diagnostic tests, and treatments), and from
nuclear weapons testing.
- The
amount of radiation from natural or man-made sources to which people
are exposed is usually small; a radiation emergency (such as a nuclear
power plant accident or a terrorist event) could expose people to small
or large doses of radiation, depending on the situation.
- Scientists
estimate that the average person in the United States receives a dose
of about one-third of a rem per year. About 80% of human exposure comes
from natural sources and the remaining 20% comes from man-made radiation
sources – mainly medical x-rays.
- Internal
exposure refers to radioactive material that is taken into the body through
breathing, eating, or drinking.
- External
exposure refers to an exposure to a radioactive source outside of our
bodies.
- Contamination
refers to particles of radioactive material that are deposited anywhere
that they are not supposed to be, such as on an object or on a person's
skin.
For more information
about radiation, check the following Web sites: www.epa.gov/radiation, www.orau.gov/reacts/define.htm
What Happens When People Are
Exposed to Radiation?
- Radiation
can affect the body in a number of ways, and the adverse health effects
of exposure may not be apparent for many years.
- These
adverse health effects can range from mild effects, such as skin reddening,
to serious effects such as cancer and death, depending on the amount
of radiation absorbed by the body (the dose), the type of radiation,
the route of exposure, and the length of time a person was exposed.
- Exposure
to very large doses of radiation may cause death within a few days or
months.
- Exposure
to lower doses of radiation may lead to an increased risk of developing
cancer or other adverse health effects later in life.
For more information
about health effects from radiation exposure, check the following Web sites:
What
Types of Terrorist Events Might Involve Radiation?
- Possible
terrorist events could involve introducing radioactive material into
the food or water supply, using explosives (like dynamite) to scatter
radioactive materials (called a “dirty bomb”), bombing or destroying
a nuclear facility, or exploding a small nuclear device.
- Although
introducing radioactive material into the food or water supply most likely
would cause great concern or fear, it probably would not cause much contamination
or increase the danger of adverse health effects.
- Although
a dirty bomb could cause serious injuries from the explosion, it most
likely would not have enough radioactive material in a form that would
cause serious radiation sickness among large numbers of people. However,
people who were exposed to radiation scattered by the bomb could have
a greater risk of developing cancer later in life, depending on their
dose.
- A
meltdown or explosion at a nuclear facility could cause a large amount
of radioactive material to be released. People at the facility would
probably be contaminated with radioactive material and possibly be injured
if there was an explosion. Those people who received a large dose might
develop acute radiation syndrome. People in the surrounding area could
be exposed or contaminated.
- Clearly,
an exploded nuclear device could result in a lot of property damage.
People would be killed or injured from the blast and might be contaminated
by radioactive material. Many people could have symptoms of acute radiation
syndrome. After a nuclear explosion, radioactive fallout would extend
over a large region far from the point of impact, potentially increasing
people's risk of developing cancer over time.
For more information
about radiation terrorist events, check the following Web sites:
What
Preparations Can I Make for a Radiation Emergency?
- Your
community should have a plan in place in case of a radiation emergency.
Check with community leaders to learn more about the plan and possible
evacuation routes.
- Check
with your child's school, the nursing home of a family member, and your
employer to see what their plans are for dealing with a radiation emergency.
- Develop
your own family emergency plan so that every family member knows what
to do.
- At
home, put together an emergency kit that would be appropriate for any
emergency. The kit should include the following items:
- A
flashlight with extra batteries
- A
portable radio with extra batteries
- Bottled
water
- Canned
and packaged food
- A
hand-operated can opener
- A
first-aid kit and essential prescription medications
- Personal
items such as paper towels, garbage bags, and toilet paper
For more information
about preparing for a radiation emergency event, check the following Web
sites:
How
Can I Protect Myself During a Radiation Emergency?
- After
a release of radioactive materials, local authorities will monitor the
levels of radiation and determine what protective actions to take.
- The
most appropriate action will depend on the situation. Tune to the local
emergency response network or news station for information and instructions
during any emergency.
- If
a radiation emergency involves the release of large amounts of radioactive
materials, you may be advised to “shelter in place,” which means to stay
in your home or office; or you may be advised to move to another location.
- If
you are advised to shelter in place, you should do the following:
- Close
and lock all doors and windows.
- Turn
off fans, air conditioners, and forced-air heating units that bring
in fresh air from the outside. Only use units to recirculate air
that is already in the building.
- Close
fireplace dampers.
- If
possible, bring pets inside.
- Move
to an inner room or basement.
- Keep
your radio tuned to the emergency response network or local news
to find out what else you need to do.
- If
you are advised to evacuate, follow the directions that your local officials
provide. Leave the area as quickly and orderly as possible. In addition –
- Take
a flashlight, portable radio, batteries, first-aid kit, supply
of sealed food and water, hand-operated can opener, essential medicines,
and cash and credit cards.
- Take
pets only if you are using your own vehicle and going to a place
you know will accept animals. Emergency vehicles and shelters usually
will not accept animals.
For more information
about emergency response, check the following Web sites: www.fema.gov; www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/, www.epa.gov/swercepp/, www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bja
Should
I Take Potassium Iodide During a Radiation Emergency?
- Potassium
iodide (KI) should only be taken in a radiation emergency that involves
the release of radioactive iodine, such as an accident at a nuclear power
plant or the explosion of a nuclear bomb. A “dirty bomb” most likely
will not contain radioactive iodine.
- A
person who is internally exposure to radioactive iodine may experience
thyroid disease later in life. The thyroid gland will absorb radioactive
iodine and may develop cancer or abnormal growths later on. KI will saturate
the thyroid gland with iodine, decreasing the amount of harmful radioactive
iodine that can be absorbed.
- KI
only protects the thyroid gland and does not provide protection from
any other radiation exposure.
- Some
people are allergic to iodine and should not take KI. Check with your
doctor about any concerns you have about potassium iodide.
For more information
about KI, check the following Web sites: www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/ki.asp, www.fda.gov/cder/drugprepare/KI_Q&A.htm, www.fda.gov/cder/guidance/4825fnl.htm
The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people's health
and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances
health decisions by providing credible information on critical health
issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with
local, national, and international organizations.
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