RADIATION ACCIDENTS – REDUCE RADIATION EXPOSURE

With all the terrorist activities on the rise and with availability of nuclear materials not so difficult, it is essential that adequate emergency preparedness is developed and kept in readiness. Assuming that the mass destruction is not in the mind of the terrorists, it is the use Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD), is the likely terrorist act. The RDD is mixing of any radioactive material with conventional explosives and use the same in public domain. The result is large scale contamination of the areas, which is likely to cause panic among the public and disruption of the public utilities such as transport system, food supplies, etc. One should remember that potential health effects may not be alarming in such situations.

There are some simple precautions which the members of the public should take under such situations to reduce the exposures and the health effects. Do not panic. Simply follow the instructions on the protection measures issued by the well identified government agencies responding to such a situation. Some of the simple protective actions can be:

1. Keep away from the affected area. Radiation exposure reduces with distance.
2. Hold a handkerchief, preferably wet, over the nose and mouth. Respiratory protection devices of the type used by medical staff in operation theaters are available in medical stores. This prevents inhalation of the radioactive dust which is likely to get airborne.
3. If you are indoors, remain indoors. Close windows and doors. You may have to close the common ventilation system if the incoming air is not filtered.
4. If one is coming from outside, have change of clothing including shoes, take a shower, clear your nose, wash your mouth and be indoors for further instructions, via Television/Radio from the authorities.