Radiation exposure and contamination are different. Although avoiding both is preferred, it is important to know the difference when following the instructions from authorities. Exposure is ONLY when radiation penetrates the body and deposits its energy. Contamination, however, is when a radioactive particle or substance is present on a person, building, or surface. Think of mud and sunshine: mud can be rinsed off (contamination) and sunshine can't (exposure). Mud can be seen and felt (contamination) whereas only the energy of the sunshine can be seen or felt (light and heat; exposure).
Time, Distance, and Shielding:
Time: Decrease the amount of time spent near the radiation source
Distance: Increase your distance from the radiation source
Shielding: Increase shielding between you and the radiation source (shielding is anything that creates a barrier between the radiation source and a person). The denser the material, like cement or lead, the more protection it provides.
Treatment:
Treatment for a radiation emergency varies depending on the person, the type of emergency, and the severity of exposure or contamination.
There are a few medications, like iodine pills, that may be used to treat internal contamination. However, these methods of treatment are very specific to the type of radiation that you many have been exposed to. Do not try to treat yourself.
An assistance center may be set up to check people for radiation contamination and the need for any further treatment.
For any radiation exposure, your best protection is to first follow the instructions of the authorities. However, there are a few things that you should know that will decrease your risk of exposure and contamination.
Stay inside:
i. The walls of your home or office add a certain amount of protection
ii. Stay inside until instructed to do otherwise
iii. Turn off heating or air conditioning
iv. Stay near the center of the building
v. If there is a basement, go there
Listen to the radio:
i. Turn your radio on
ii. Tune to local radio and TV stations
iii. Keep batteries & a battery powered radio available in case of loss of power
Follow Instructions:
i. Following the authorities' instructions is perhaps the most important step to ensuring your safety
ii. If told to evacuate, do so promptly
iii. Plan for an extended absence: bring clothing and medications
iv. Instructions on where and how to evacuate are critical in a radiological emergency. The radioactive cloud may be traveling in a specific direction, making some routes more dangerous than others.
If you suspect that you are contaminated with radioactive material:
i. Carefully remove your outer layer of clothing and put it in a plastic bag
ii. Wash your face and hands to avoid internal contamination (getting radioactive material inside of your body)
iii. Take a warm shower (not cold, not hot) to rinse off radioactive debris, do not scrub hard and irritate the skin.
iv. Place the sealed bag of contaminated clothing and other articles in a place that is distant from people
Be mindful of what you are eating:
i. Avoid drinking fresh milk and eating fresh fruits or vegetables from the affected area
ii. These items are ok to eat if they were purchased or removed from the area before the radiologic incident occurred
iii. Food stored in cans or bags is ok to eat; be sure to rinse off containers before opening