Radiation is a type of energy. People are exposed to small amounts of radiation every day from sources such as sunlight. A radiation emergency would involve larger amounts of radiation and could be caused by

• Dirty bombs - a mix of explosives with radioactive powder
• Fallout from a nuclear bomb
• Accidental release from a nuclear reactor or a nuclear weapons plant

A lot of radiation over a short period can cause burns or radiation sickness. If the exposure is large enough, it can cause premature aging or even death.

Although there are no guarantees of safety during a radiation emergency, you can take actions to protect yourself. You should have a disaster plan. Being prepared can help reduce fear, anxiety and losses. If you do experience a disaster, it is normal to feel stressed. You may need help in finding ways to cope.

Radiation is energy. It can come from unstable atoms that undergo radioactive decay, or it can be produced by machines. Radiation travels from its source in the form of energy waves or energized particles. There are different forms of radiation and they have different properties and effects.

Non-Ionizing and Ionizing Radiation

There are two kinds of radiation: non-ionizing radiation and ionizing radiation.

Non-ionizing radiation has enough energy to move atoms in a molecule around or cause them to vibrate, but not enough to remove electrons from atoms. Examples of this kind of radiation are radio waves, visible light and microwaves.

Ionizing radiation has so much energy it can knock electrons out of atoms, a process known as ionization. Ionizing radiation can affect the atoms in living things, so it poses a health risk by damaging tissue and DNA in genes. Ionizing radiation comes from x-ray machines, cosmic particles from outer space and radioactive elements. Radioactive elements emit ionizing radiation as their atoms undergo radioactive decay.

Radioactive decay is the emission of energy in the form of ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation that is emitted can include alpha particles, beta particles and/or gamma rays. Radioactive decay occurs in unstable atoms called radionuclides.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The energy of the radiation shown on the spectrum below increases from left to right as the frequency rises.

EPA’s mission in radiation protection is to protect human health and the environment from the ionizing radiation that comes from human use of radioactive elements. Other agencies regulate the non-ionizing radiation that is emitted by electrical devices such as radio transmitters or cell phones (See: Radiation Resources Outside of EPA).

Types of Ionizing Radiation

Alpha Particles

Alpha particles (α) are positively charged and made up of two protons and two neutrons from the atom’s nucleus. Alpha particles come from the decay of the heaviest radioactive elements, such as uranium, radium and polonium. Even though alpha particles are very energetic, they are so heavy that they use up their energy over short distances and are unable to travel very far from the atom.

The health effect from exposure to alpha particles depends greatly on how a person is exposed. Alpha particles lack the energy to penetrate even the outer layer of skin, so exposure to the outside of the body is not a major concern. Inside the body, however, they can be very harmful. If alpha-emitters are inhaled, swallowed, or get into the body through a cut, the alpha particles can damage sensitive living tissue. The way these large, heavy particles cause damage makes them more dangerous than other types of radiation. The ionizations they cause are very close together - they can release all their energy in a few cells. This results in more severe damage to cells and DNA.

Beta Particles

Beta particles (β) are small, fast-moving particles with a negative electrical charge that are emitted from an atom’s nucleus during radioactive decay. These particles are emitted by certain unstable atoms such as hydrogen-3 (tritium), carbon-14 and strontium-90.

Beta particles are more penetrating than alpha particles, but are less damaging to living tissue and DNA because the ionizations they produce are more widely spaced. They travel farther in air than alpha particles, but can be stopped by a layer of clothing or by a thin layer of a substance such as aluminum. Some beta particles are capable of penetrating the skin and causing damage such as skin burns. However, as with alpha-emitters, beta-emitters are most hazardous when they are inhaled or swallowed.

Gamma Rays

Gamma rays (γ) are weightless packets of energy called photons. Unlike alpha and beta particles, which have both energy and mass, gamma rays are pure energy. Gamma rays are similar to visible light, but have much higher energy. Gamma rays are often emitted along with alpha or beta particles during radioactive decay.

Gamma rays are a radiation hazard for the entire body. They can easily penetrate barriers that can stop alpha and beta particles, such as skin and clothing. Gamma rays have so much penetrating power that several inches of a dense material like lead, or even a few feet of concrete may be required to stop them. Gamma rays can pass completely through the human body; as they pass through, they can cause ionizations that damage tissue and DNA.

X-Rays

Because of their use in medicine, almost everyone has heard of x-rays. X-rays are similar to gamma rays in that they are photons of pure energy. X-rays and gamma rays have the same basic properties but come from different parts of the atom. X-rays are emitted from processes outside the nucleus, but gamma rays originate inside the nucleus. They also are generally lower in energy and, therefore less penetrating than gamma rays. X-rays can be produced naturally or by machines using electricity.

Literally thousands of x-ray machines are used daily in medicine. Computerized tomography, commonly known as a CT or CAT scan, uses special x-ray equipment to make detailed images of bones and soft tissue in the body. Medical x-rays are the single largest source of man-made radiation exposure. Learn more about radiation sources and doses.  X-rays are also used in industry for inspections and process controls.

Periodic Table

Elements in the periodic table can take on several forms. Some of these forms are stable; other forms are unstable. Typically, the most stable form of an element is the most common in nature. However, all elements have an unstable form. Unstable forms emit ionizing radiation and are radioactive. There are some elements with no stable form that are always radioactive, such as uranium. Elements that emit ionizing radiation are called radionuclides.

Radiation emergencies may be intentional (e.g., caused by terrorists) or unintentional. Below are some examples of different types of radiation emergencies.

Nuclear Emergencies

• A nuclear emergency involves the explosion of a nuclear weapon or improvised nuclear device (IND).
• The explosion produces an intense pulse of heat, light, air pressure, and radiation.
• Nuclear explosions produce fallout (radioactive materials that can be carried long distances by the wind).

Dirty Bomb or Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD)

• A dirty bomb (also known as a radiological dispersal device) is a mix of explosives such as dynamite, with radioactive powder or pellets.
• A dirty bomb cannot create an atomic blast.
• When the explosives are set off, the blast carries radioactive material into the surrounding area.

Radiological Exposure Device (RED)

• A radiological exposure device (also called a hidden sealed source) is made of or contains radioactive material.
• REDs are hidden from sight to expose people to radiation without their knowledge.

Nuclear Power Plant Accident

• An accident at a nuclear power plant could release radiation over an area.
• Nuclear power plants have many safety and security procedures in place and are closely monitored by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

Transportation Accidents

• It is very unlikely that a transportation accident involving radiation would result in any radiation-related injuries or illnesses.
• Shipments involving significant amounts of radioactive material are required to have documentation, labels, and placards identifying their cargo as radioactive.

Occupational Accidents

• Radiation sources are found in a wide range of settings such as health care facilities, research institutions, and manufacturing operations.
• Accidents can occur if the radiation source is used improperly, or if safety controls fail.

A nuclear power plant accident, a nuclear explosion or a dirty bomb are examples of radiation emergencies. If something like this happens, you may be asked to get inside a building and take shelter for a period of time instead of leaving. The walls of your home can block much of the harmful radiation. Because radioactive materials become weaker over time, staying inside for at least 24 hours can protect you and your family until it is safe to leave the area. Getting inside of a building and staying there is called "sheltering in place."

Getting Inside

Before Entering a Shelter

• Remove clothing, shoes, and accessories before entering your shelter area.
• During severe weather, such as extreme cold, remove at least the outer layer of clothes before entering the home to avoid bringing radioactive material into your shelter. Leave clothing and shoes outside.
• Shower and wash your body with soap and water. Removing clothing can eliminate up to 90% of radioactive contamination. By taking this simple step, you will reduce the time that you are exposed and also your risk of injury from the radiation.
• Turn off fans, air conditioners, and forced-air heating units that bring air in from the outside. Close and lock all windows and doors, and close fireplace dampers.

Moving Into the Shelter

• When you move to your shelter, use duct tape and plastic sheeting to seal any doors, windows, or vents for a short period of time in case a radiation plume is passing over (listen to your radio for instructions). Within a few hours, you should remove the plastic and duct tape and ventilate the room. Suffocation could occur if you keep the shelter tightly sealed for more than a few hours.
• Keep your radio tuned to an emergency response network at all times for updates on the situation. The announcers will provide information about when you may leave your shelter and whether you need to take other emergency measures.

Stay Inside

It is important to get radioactive material off your body as soon as possible to lower your risk of harm. Removing radioactive material from a person, object, or place is called decontamination. Decontaminating yourself will lower your exposure to harmful radioactive material.

• Helping others
• Decontaminating Pets

Municipal (tap) water sources may be contaminated during a radiation emergency.

• If the tap water is contaminated, public health officials may recommend that you drink bottled water instead of tap water.
• You can still use tap water for decontamination. Any radioactive material that gets into surface water or ground water sources will be diluted to very low levels by the water and will be safe to use for washing skin, hair, and clothing.

1. Remove outer layer of clothing.

• Take off your outer layer of clothing: Taking off your outer layer of clothing can remove up to 90% of radioactive material.
• Be very careful in removing your clothing to prevent radioactive dust from shaking loose. Put the clothing in a plastic bag or other sealable container and put the bag in an out-of-the-way place, away from other people and pets.

2a. Wash yourself off.

If you can’t take a shower:

• Wash your hands, face, and parts of your body that were uncovered at a sink or faucet. Use soap and plenty of water.
• If you do not have access to a sink or faucet, use a moist wipe, clean wet cloth, or a damp paper towel to wipe the parts of your body that were uncovered. Pay special attention to your hands and face.
• Gently blow your nose, wipe your eyelids, eyelashes, and ears with a moist wipe, clean wet cloth, or a damp paper towel.
• Put the used wipes, cloth or towel in a plastic bag or other sealable container and place the bag in an out-of-the-way place, away from other people and pets.

2b. Wash yourself off.

If you can take a shower:

• Take a warm shower and gently wash yourself with lots of soap. Do not scald, scrub, or scratch your skin. Your skin helps protect the inside of your body from radioactive material.
• Wash your hair with shampoo or soap. Do not use conditioner because it will cause radioactive material to stick to your hair.
• Keep cuts and abrasions covered when washing to keep from getting radioactive material in open wounds.

3. Put on clean clothes

• Clothes in a closet or drawer away from radioactive material are safe to wear.
• If you do not have clean clothes, take off your outer layer of clothing, shake or brush off your clothes taking care to cover your nose and mouth, and put your clothes back on.

Stay Tuned

• A battery-powered or hand crank emergency radio, preferably a NOAA weather radio will be one of the best ways to stay tuned. An emergency radio is important to have for any emergency situation. If your emergency radio uses batteries, be sure to have extra batteries on hand in your emergency preparedness kit.
• Depending on the size and scope of the radiation emergency, it may be difficult to complete a phone call. Try to use text messages (SMS) if possible.
• If you have a computer, or web-enabled device that is working, email, social media websites are other tools that emergency officials may use for updates.
• Make sure your electronic devices are working. If your electronic devices with batteries are not working, you can try taking the batteries out of the device, putting them back in, and restarting the device as normal.
  • Other devices may only require resetting switches and circuit breakers to work again. Do not go outside to reset breakers.
  • In a nuclear explosion an electromagnetic pulse, or EMP, is possible. An EMP is a side effect of a nuclear detonation that produces a surge of energy. This surge can damage electronic devices.

What about my pets?

Make plans to ensure your pet's safety before, during, and after an emergency. Find out what your community's plans and resources are for protecting pets in an emergency.

Animals arriving at shelters as a result of a natural disaster need special care. Because they may have been exposed to contaminated water and may not have had access to safe food and fresh water, many are stressed and dehydrated and some may be injured and/or ill.

Stressed animals may or may not show signs of illness and may also exhibit behavioral disorders. Following some simple animal management and disease control guidelines can help improve animal health and reduce the risk of disease transmission and injury between animals and people.

• If you must be outside and cannot get inside immediately, cover your mouth and nose with a mask, cloth, or towel. This can help reduce the amount of potentially harmful particles you breathe.
• Once inside, go to the basement or the middle of the building. Radioactive material settles on the outside of buildings, so the best thing to do is stay as far away from the walls and roof of the building as you can.

If you must be outside and cannot get inside:

Immediately cover your mouth and nose with a mask, cloth, or towel. This can help reduce the amount of potentially harmful particles you breathe.

If you are in a car, bus, or other vehicle during a radiation emergency:

• Get inside a building immediately. Cars will not provide protection from radiation. If a brick or concrete multi-story building or basement can be safely reached within a few minutes, go there, however any building is safer than being outside.
• Once inside, go to the basement or the middle of the building. Radioactive material settles on the outside of buildings, so the best thing to do is stay as far away from the walls and roof of the building as you can.

If you are injured or think you are injured, seek medical attention right away. Injuries could be at high risk for infection and other long lasting health effects.

Radioactive contamination and radiation exposure could occur if radioactive materials are released into the environment as the result of an accident, an event in nature, or an act of terrorism. Such a release could expose people and contaminate their surroundings and personal property.

Short-Term Health Effects of Radiation Exposure and Contamination

• Acute Radiation Syndrome. Radiation sickness, known as acute radiation syndrome (ARS).
• Cutaneous Radiation Injury (CRI). Happens when exposure to a large dose of radiation causes injury to the skin.

Long-Term Health Effects of Radiation Exposure and Contamination

• Cancer. People who receive high doses of radiation could have a greater risk of developing cancer later in life, depending on the level of radiation exposure.
• Prenatal Radiation Exposure. It is especially important that pregnant women follow instructions from emergency officials and seek medical attention as soon as emergency officials say it is safe to do so after a radiation emergency.
• Mental Health. Any emergency, including those involving radiation, can cause emotional and psychological distress.

If a disaster strikes in your community, you might not have access to food, water, or electricity for several days. Preparing an emergency kit for your family is an important step in keeping them safe and healthy during an emergency.

Pack an emergency supply kit. Be sure to include:

At Least a 3-day Supply of Food and Water

• Water – one gallon per person, per day
• Food – foods that are easy to make and won’t spoil, like canned soup, dry pasta, and powdered milk
• Manual can opener
• Basic utensils to prepare and serve meals

Health Supplies

• 3-day supply of all medicines, at a minimum
• Medical supplies like syringes, a walking cane, or hearing aids with extra batteries

Personal Care Items

• Soap
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Baby wipes
• Contact lenses or glasses

Safety Supplies

• First aid kit
• Emergency blanket
• Multipurpose tool (that can act as a knife, file, pliers, and screwdriver)
• Whistle

Electronics

• Flashlight
• Radio (battery-powered, solar, or hand-crank) for updates on the situation
• Cell phone with chargers
• Extra batteries

Documents

• Copies of important documents such as insurance cards and immunization records
• Paperwork about any serious or on-going medical condition
• Your completed family emergency plan, complete with family and emergency contact information.

You should also include:

• Extra cash
• Maps of the area
• Extra set of car keys and house keys

Take Care of Others

Every family is unique. You may have emergency needs not included in this list. Also, remember to update your kit according to changing needs of your family.

For Children

• Baby supplies like bottles, formula, baby food, and diapers
• Games and activities for children

For Pets

• Food and Water
  • A 3-day supply of food and water for each pet. A cat or a dog will generally need 1 gallon for three days.
  • Bowls or bottles
  • Manual can opener
• Cleaning Supplies
  • Depending on the pet, you may need a litter box, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items, and household bleach
• Health and Safety
  • Medicines and medical records stored in a waterproof container
  • First aid kit with a pet first aid book
• Transport supplies
  • A sturdy leash, harness, and carrier to transport pets safely. A carrier should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably, turn around, and lie down. Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for several hours.
• Comfort Items
  • Pet toys and the pet’s bed, if you can easily bring it, to reduce stress
• Paperwork
  • Current photos and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them, and to prove that they are your pets, in case you become separated from them
  • Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and telephone number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care

Quick Tips

• Keep it fresh. It’s extremely important that all items in your kit are functional at the time of an emergency.
  • Check the expiration dates on food, water, medicine, and batteries at least two times per year.
  • Replace any food or supplies that may have expired.
• Be sure it’s ready to use. In a disaster situation, you may need to get your emergency supply kit quickly, whether you are sheltering at home or evacuating.
  • Once you have gathered your supplies, pack the items in easy-to-carry containers.
  • Clearly label the containers and store them where you can reach them easily.
  • Remember that certain items, like medications and paper documents, need to be kept in waterproof containers.
• Involve children. Families can make emergencies less stressful by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Ready Wrigley can help!
  • Ask your kids to think of items that they would like to include in an emergency supply kit, such as books, games, and pre-packaged foods.
  • Your kids can mark the dates on a calendar for checking emergency supplies. Tell them to remind you when it’s time to check the supplies.
  • Include kids in planning and creating disaster kits for family pets.
• Know your house. Find out where your gas, electric, and water shut-off locations are, and how to turn them off.
• Prepare for everywhere. Emergencies can happen anywhere. Remember to prepare supplies for home, work, and vehicles.

Why should I get inside during a radiation emergency?

In a radiation emergency, such as a nuclear power plant accident, a nuclear detonation or the explosion of a dirty bomb you may be asked to get inside a building and take shelter for a period of time instead of leaving. The walls of a building can block much of the harmful radiation. Once inside, go to the basement or the middle of the building. Radioactive material settles on the outside of buildings, so the best thing to do is stay as far away from the walls and roof of the building as you can. Because radioactive materials become weaker over time, staying inside for at least 24 hours can protect you and your family until it is safe to leave the area.

How can I protect myself and family if there is a radiation emergency?

In a radiation emergency, such as a nuclear power plant accident, a nuclear detonation or the explosion of a dirty bomb you may be asked to get inside a building and take shelter for a period of time instead of leaving. The walls of a building can block much of the harmful radiation. Because radioactive materials become weaker over time, staying inside for at least 24 hours can protect you and your family until it is safe to leave the area. Remember: Get Inside, Stay Inside, and Stay Tuned.

How can I help my children or other family members if they are not at home?

If you have loved ones in schools, daycares, hospitals, nursing homes, or other facilities during a radiation emergency, stay where you are! Going outside to get loved ones could expose you and them to dangerous levels of radiation. Children and adults in schools, daycares, hospitals, nursing homes, or other places will be instructed to stay inside until emergency responders know that it is safe to evacuate. Facilities have plans in place to keep everyone safe inside.

If you are in the affected area of a radiation emergency, you can:

• Help emergency responders in the area
• Keep phone lines clear
• Provide shelter to others

What if I am in my car during a radiation emergency?

Get inside a building right away. Cars do not provide good protection from radioactive material. If you can get to a brick or concrete multi-story building or basement within a few minutes, go there. But being inside any building is safer than being outside.

Will a mask protect me from radiation exposure and contamination?

If you are outside during a radiation emergency and cannot get inside immediately, covering your mouth and nose with a mask, cloth, or towel can help reduce the amount of radioactive material you breathe. If you can, you should also cover your mouth with a mask, cloth, or towel when you are decontaminating other people (such as children) or pets.

Why should I stay inside during a radiation emergency?

Because radioactive materials become weaker over time, staying inside for at least 24 hours can protect you and your family until it is safe to leave the area. Always listen for additional instructions from emergency officials and radiation experts.

What steps should I take to decontaminate myself and family?

Decontaminating yourself will lower your exposure to harmful radioactive material. Even just removing your outer layer of clothing can remove up to 90% of radioactive material.

1. Take off your outer layer of clothing
2. Wash yourself off
3. Put on clean clothes

What does it mean to shelter-in-place during a radiation emergency?

“Sheltering-in-place” means to get inside a building and stay there. In a radiation emergency, such as a nuclear power plant accident, a nuclear detonation, or the explosion of a dirty bomb you may be asked to get inside a building and take shelter for a period of time instead of leaving. The walls of a building can block much of the harmful radiation. Because radioactive materials become weaker over time, staying inside for at least 24 hours can protect you and your family until it is safe to leave the area.

If I was outside when a radiation emergency happened, what should I do to remove radioactive material from myself?

Radioactive material can fall from the air like dust or sand and land on objects below, like people, buildings, cars, and roads. Radioactive contamination can spread in the same way that dust or mud can be tracked into the home or spread to another person or object. It is important to get radioactive material off your body as soon as possible to lower your risk of harm. Even just removing your outer layer of clothing can remove up to 90% of radioactive material This is called decontamination.

1. Take off your outer layer of clothing
2. Wash yourself off
3. Put on clean clothes

How can I keep my pets safe during a radiation emergency?

If you are instructed to stay inside during a radiation emergency, pets should be inside too.

How will I know if food or water is safe?

Following a radiation emergency, scientists will be testing drinking water supplies to make sure it is safe. Until those results are available, bottled water is the only water source that is certain to be free of contamination. You can use tap or well water for cleaning yourself and your food. The safest food to eat is food in sealed containers (cans, bottles, boxes, etc). Unspoiled food in your refrigerator or freezer is also safe to eat.

Does boiling water get rid of radioactive material?

Boiling tap water does not get rid of radioactive materials. Until test results are available, bottled water is the only water that is free of contamination.

How can I get information during a radiation emergency?

As officials learn more about the emergency, they will be communicating the latest information to the public. Television, radio, and social media are some examples of ways that you may receive information. A battery-powered or hand crank emergency radio, preferably a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio is one of the best ways to stay tuned. Depending on the size and scope of the radiation emergency, it may be difficult to complete a phone call. Try to use text messages if possible. If you have a computer, or web-enabled device that is working, email, social media websites (like Facebook and Twitter) are other tools that emergency officials may use for updates.

What should I do if there are problems communicating with others during a radiation emergency?

Try to use text messages (SMS) to communicate with others. Making phone calls could be hard.

In the event of an Improvised Nuclear Device (IND) Incident, an electromagnetic pulse, or EMP is possible. An EMP is a side effect of a nuclear detonation that produces a surge of energy. This surge can damage electronic devices. If your electronic devices with batteries are not working, you can try taking the batteries out of the device, putting them back in, and restarting the device as normal. Other devices may only require resetting switches and circuit breakers to work again. Do not go outside to reset breakers…

How will I know when it is safe to leave my home or place of shelter?

Emergency officials will tell you if you need to leave your home (evacuate). Stay inside where you are until an evacuation order is given. Emergency officials will tell you when to go to an emergency shelter, where the shelter is located, and the safest route for travel. Act quickly and follow instructions. Each situation will be different and emergency officials will give you the best information to protect yourself and your loved ones.

How do emergency officials determine when to evacuate an area?

Each situation will be different. Emergency officials consider many factors to make sure that it is safe to evacuate. Evacuation decisions will be based on wind speed and direction, the size and extent of the disaster, the radiation levels, and whether or not roads and structures are damaged.

What are the immediate health effects of exposure to radiation?

The health effects of radiation depend on:

• The amount of radiation absorbed by the body (the dose)
• The type of radioactive material
• How the radioactive material got in or on the body
• The length of time a person was exposed

Exposure to large amounts of radiation over a short period of time can cause Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS). If you have symptoms of ARS (skin burns, nausea, or vomiting) seek medical attention as soon as it is safe to leave your building or shelter. If you were exposed to a small amount of radiation, you will not see any health effects right away.

What are the long term health effects of radiation exposure?

The long-term recovery process after a radiation emergency can lead to increased emotion and psychological distress. In addition, people who receive high doses of radiation could have a greater risk of developing cancer later in life, depending on the level of radiation exposure. For people who receive low doses of radiation, the risk of cancer from radiation exposure is so small that is cannot be separated from exposure to chemicals, genetics, smoking or diet. Health officials will monitor people affected by radiation emergencies for any long-term health effects.

What is internal contamination with radioactive materials?

During a radiological or nuclear emergency, radioactive materials may be released into the air and then breathed into the lungs, or may get into the body through open wounds. Radioactive materials may also contaminate the local food supply and get into the body through eating or drinking. This is called internal contamination.

What is external contamination with radioactive materials?

External contamination occurs when radioactive material comes into contact with a person’s skin, hair, or clothing. During a radiological or nuclear emergency, radioactive material can fall from the air like dust or sand and land on object below, like people, buildings, cars and roads. To protect yourself from external contamination, Get Inside, Stay Inside, and Stay Tuned.

What are the symptoms of radiation sickness?

Symptoms of Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS), or radiation sickness, may include nausea, vomiting, headache and diarrhea. These symptoms start within minutes to days after the exposure, can last for minutes up to several days, and may come and go. If you have these symptoms after a radiation emergency, seek medical attention as soon as emergency officials say it is safe to do so.

How is radiation sickness treated?

Treatment for radiation sickness, or Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) focuses on reducing and treating infections, maintaining hydration, and treating injuries and burns. Some patients may benefit from treatments that help the bone marrow recover its function.

What is the difference between radiation exposure and contamination?

If you have been exposed to radiation, you are not necessarily contaminated with radioactive material. Radioactive materials give off a form of energy that travels in waves or particles. When you are exposed to certain types of radiation, the energy may penetrate the body. For you to be contaminated, the radioactive material must be in or on your body. For example, if you have an x-ray, you are exposed to radiation, but you are not contaminated with radioactive material.

Are there medicines available for radiation exposure or contamination with radioactive materials?

Some medical treatments are available for limiting or removing internal contamination depending on the type of radioactive material involved. Medical professionals will determine if treatments are needed.

Should I take potassium iodide (KI) during a radiation emergency?

People should only take KI (potassium iodide) on the advice of public health or emergency management officials. There are health risks associated with taking KI.

What should I do if I am injured during a radiation emergency?

Unless you have a life-threatening situation, you should not leave your building or place of shelter until emergency officials say it is safe to do so. Treat non-radiation related cuts, bruises, or injuries with first aid. Keep cuts and abrasions covered when washing to keep radioactive material out of the wound. The best way to prevent radiation injuries and illness is to get inside as soon as possible, away from radioactive material outside and shower or wash once inside.

What should I do if I am pregnant?

If you are pregnant, it is especially important for you to follow protective action instructions and seek medical attention after a radiation emergency, as soon as it is safe to do so. If you are advised to visit a community reception center, you should let staff know about your pregnancy so you can receive proper attention. A developing fetus is highly susceptible to health effects from radiation exposure because of the rapid rate of cell division.

What if I am nursing?

If possible, nursing mothers who were near the affected area should temporarily stop breastfeeding and switch to breast milk (that was pumped and stored before the exposure) or formula, until they can be seen by a doctor. Formula and feeding supplies should be cleaned with a damp cloth or clean towel. If no other source of food is available for your baby, continue to breastfeed.

Are children at greater risk of being harmed from radiation exposure?

Children are more likely to develop health effects from radiation exposure. Younger people have more cells that are dividing rapidly and tissues that are growing, and they have a longer lifespan ahead of them, giving cancers time to develop. It is especially important for children to follow protective action instructions and to seek medical attention after a radiation emergency as soon as emergency officials say it is safe to do so.

What happens during population monitoring?

Population monitoring begins after a radiation emergency and continues until all potentially affected people have been checked for radioactive contamination and evaluated for health effects from radiation exposure. Population monitoring includes long-term tracking and medical follow-up for people who were exposed to high levels of radiation or contaminated with radioactive material. Population monitoring could go on for many years after the emergency.

How will I know if I have been exposed to or contaminated by radioactive materials?

Emergency officials will be working to determine who may have been exposed to radiation. The best way to limit your exposure is to get inside, stay inside, and stay tuned. If you were outdoors in an area when a radiation emergency happens, you could be contaminated with radioactive material. Decontaminating yourself will lower your exposure to harmful radioactive material

Depending on where you were during the radiation emergency, emergency officials may advise you to get screened at a Community Reception Center (CRC). At a CRC, emergency workers will use radiation detectors to look for any radioactive contamination.

What is a Community Reception Center?

A Community Reception Center, or CRC, may be set up by emergency officials after a radiation emergency to screen people for radioactive contamination. If contamination is found, radiation and medical experts can provide advice and further information.

What are the different types of radiation emergencies?

Radiation emergencies may be intentional (e.g., caused by terrorists) or unintentional. Below are some examples of different types of radiation emergencies.

• Nuclear Emergencies
• Dirty Bomb or Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD)
• Radiological Exposure Device (RED)
• Nuclear Power Plant Accident
• Transportation Accidents
• Occupational Accident

How should I prepare 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. Also, 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. At home, put together an emergency kit that would be appropriate for any emergency. A battery-powered or hand crank emergency radio, preferably a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio is important to have for any emergency situation.

What should I have in my emergency preparedness kit for radiation emergencies?

A battery-powered or hand crank emergency radio, preferably a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio is important to have for any emergency situation. If your emergency radio uses batteries, keep extra batteries in your emergency preparedness kit. Bottled water and non-perishable foods are also important. CDC has a complete list of other items that are important to have in your family’s emergency preparedness kit.

What is radiation?

Radiation is a form of energy that is naturally present all around us. Different types of radiation exist, some of which have more energy than others. Radioactive material is a substance that gives off radiation.

What are the different types of radiation?

Radiation comes in 2 forms—ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Non-ionizing radiation has less energy than ionizing radiation. Its uses include lasers, microwaves, infrared lamps, and radio waves. The most energetic form of radiation is ionizing radiation which can be used to generate electric power, treat cancer, take x-rays and disinfect medical instruments.

What impact does radiation have on our lives on a daily basis?

We are exposed to 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 of radiation exposure include some electronic equipment (such as older television sets), medical sources (such as x-rays, certain diagnostic tests, and treatments), and from nuclear weapons testing that took place in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your pets during a radiation emergency by getting inside, staying inside, and staying tuned.

It’s Saturday night and you’re at home with your family watching TV. A news alert announces a radiation emergency in your city. What should you do?

The answer to that is to stay where you are—inside watching the news for updates and guidance from your local officials.

A radiation emergency can be caused by an overturned truck hauling radioactive material, a nuclear power plant accident, “dirty bomb,” or a nuclear explosion.

Outside of a radiation emergency, we are exposed to radiation every day in the environment without any harm to our health. But exposure to high doses of radiation during a radiation emergency can cause a range of harmful health effects.

Some health effects of radiation may start right away or within several days, while others may not be apparent for many years. Effects from exposure to radiation can range from mild, such as skin reddening, to serious effects such as skin damage, acute radiation syndrome (ARS), and death. This depends on the amount of radiation absorbed by the body (the dose), the type of radiation, and for how long the person was exposed. That’s why it is important to get inside as soon as you can, stay inside, and stay tuned for information from emergency response or government officials.

Knowing the right steps to take can save lives and protect health.

If a radiation emergency occurs, you can take actions to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your pets.

Get Inside

If you are outside or in a car when a radiation emergency occurs, get inside a building and take shelter as soon as you can. The walls of your home can block much of the harmful radiation. It is important to stay inside until officials provide instructions or say it is safe to go outside.

Stay Inside

Sheltering in a Radiation Emergency Low Resolution Video

If you are outside when a radiation emergency occurs, get inside the closest building as soon as you can. If you are already inside, stay there and shelter in place.

Getting inside of a building and staying there is called “sheltering in place”. As soon as you get inside, decontaminate yourself (remove and wash radioactive material from your body). Even just removing your outer layer of clothing can remove up to 90% of radioactive material.

Once you get in a building, there are things you can do to stay safe inside. Always listen for additional instructions from emergency officials and radiation experts.

If you have loved ones in schools, day cares, hospitals, nursing homes, or other facilities during a radiation emergency, stay where you are. Going outside to get loved ones could expose you and them to dangerous levels of radiation. Children and adults in schools, daycares, hospitals, nursing homes, or other places will be instructed to stay inside until emergency responders know that it is safe to evacuate. Facilities have plans in place to keep everyone safe inside.

Stay Tuned

It will be important to stay tuned once you get inside for updated instructions from emergency response officials. As officials learn more about the emergency, they will be communicating the latest information to the public. Television, radio, and social media are some examples of ways that you may receive information.

You should not leave your building or place of shelter until officials or emergency responders have said it is safe, unless you have a life-threatening condition.

Be Prepared for a Radiation Emergency

What can you do before a radiation emergency happens so that you are prepared? At home, put together an emergency kit for yourself and your family, and an emergency kit for your pets, that you can use in any emergency. A battery-powered or hand crank emergency radio, preferably a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio is important to have for any emergency.

Check with your community leaders, 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.