|
Q:
Is the United States in danger of a terrorist nuclear attack? Is the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prepared to respond
to such an attack?
A: CDC is not able to assess the level of threat
of a terrorist nuclear attack. However, for many years CDC has participated
regularly in emergency-response drills where we have worked closely
with other federal, state, and local agencies to develop, test, and
implement extensive national radiological emergency- response plans.
Q: What are the potential adverse health consequences from
a terrorist nuclear attack?
A: The adverse health consequences of a terrorist
nuclear attack vary according to the type of attack and the distance
a person is from the attack. Potential terrorist attacks may include
a small radioactive source with a limited range of impact or a nuclear
detonation involving a wide area of impact.
In the event of a terrorist nuclear attack, people may experience two types
of exposure from radioactive materials: external exposure and internal exposure.
External exposure occurs when a person comes in contact with radioactive material
outside the body. Internal exposure occurs when people eat food or breathe
air that is contaminated with radioactive material. Exposure to very large
doses of external radiation may cause death within a few days or months. External
exposure to lower doses of radiation and internal exposure from breathing or
eating radioactive contaminated material may lead to an increased risk of developing
cancer and other adverse health effects. These adverse effects range from mild,
such as skin reddening, to severe 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 of the exposure.
If there is a nuclear detonation, bodily injury or death may occur as a result
of the blast itself or as a result of debris thrown from the blast. People
may experience moderate to severe skin burns, depending on their distance from
the blast site. Those who look directly at the blast could experience eye damage
ranging from temporary blindness to severe retinal burns.
Q: How can I protect my family and myself
from a terrorist nuclear attack?
A: In the event of a terrorist nuclear attack, a national emergency-response
plan would be activated and would include federal, state, and local agencies.
You should seek shelter in a stable building and listen to local radio or television
stations for national emergency-alert information. Your local emergency-response
organizations, police agencies, and public health facilities may be able to
supply you with additional information. You should follow the protective-action
recommendations that are made by your state or local health department in accordance
with this plan. As a general rule, you can reduce the potential exposure and
subsequent health consequences by limiting your time near the radiation source,
increasing your distance from the source, or keeping a physical barrier (such
as the wall of a building) between you and the source.
You can find out your state radiation control director by contacting The Conference
of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD) at (502) 227-4543 or you may
visit the CRCPD Web site.
Q: What should I do if there is a terrorist
attack on a nuclear power plant near my home?
A: A terrorist attack on a nuclear power plant will initiate a national emergency
response that has been carefully planned and rehearsed by local, state, and
federal agencies for more than 20 years. If you live near a nuclear power plant
and you have not received information that describes the emergency plan for
that facility, you can contact the plant and ask for a copy of that information.
Your local emergency-response organizations, police agencies, and public health
facilities have been actively involved in this emergency plan, and they may
be able to supply you with additional information. You and your family should
study these plans and be prepared to follow the instructions that local and
state public health officials provide in the event of a terrorist incident
involving the nuclear power plant near your home.
Q. Where can I go to find more information
about radiation health effects and emergency response?
The Environmental
Protection Agency counterterrorism programs.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission can
be reached at (301) 415-8200.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
can be reached at (202) 646-4600.
The Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS)
can be reached at (865)-576-3131.
The U.S. National Response
Team
The U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE) can be reached at 1-800-dial-DOE.
|
Top of Page
