Preparing for Nuclear Fallout

The NRC reported that "radiation is naturally present in our environment, as it has been since before the birth of this planet. In addition, radiation can be produced artificially, as in medical x-rays and microwaves for cooking. The various forms of radiation can be either beneficial or harmful, depending on their use and control. For that reason, regulation of certain radioactive sources is necessary to ensure that people and the environment are protected from unnecessary or excessive exposures

Since the beginning of time, all living creatures have been, and are still being, exposed to radiation. Nonetheless, most people are not aware of all the natural and man-made sources of radiation in our environment. The NRC reports that on average, Americans receive a radiation dose of about 0.62 rem (620 millirem) each year. Half of this dose comes from natural background radiation. Most of this background exposure comes from radon in the air, with smaller amounts from cosmic rays and the Earth itself. (The chart to the right shows these radiation doses in perspective.) The other half (0.31 rem or 310 mrem) comes from man-made sources of radiation, including medical, commercial, and industrial sources. In general, a yearly dose of 620 millirem from all radiation sources has not been shown to cause humans any harm.

Medical procedures account for nearly all (96%) human exposure to man-made radiation. For example, a chest x-ray typically gives a dose of about 0.01 rem (10 millirem) and a full-body CT gives a dose of 1 rem (1,000 mrem). Among these medical procedures, x-rays, mammography, and CT use radiation or perform functions similar to those of radioisotopes. However, they do not involve radioactive material and, hence, are not regulated by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Instead, most of these procedures are regulated by State health agencies. In fact, among these procedures, the NRC and its Agreement States only license and regulate the possession and use of radioactive materials for nuclear medicine.

Radioactivity in Food
All organic matter (both plant and animal) contains some small amount of radiation from radioactive potassium-40 (40K), radium-226 (226Ra), and other isotopes. In addition, all water on Earth contains small amounts of dissolved uranium and thorium. As a result, the average person receives an average internal dose of about 30 millirem of these materials per year from the food and water that we eat and drink, as illustrated by the following table. (Amounts are shown in picocuries per kilogram.)"

We live in a radioactive world, and radiation has always been all around us as a part of our natural environment. As explained above, the annual average dose per person from all sources is about 360 mrem, but it is not uncommon for any of us to receive more than that average does in a given year (largely as a result of medical procedures). To find your personal annual radiation dose, there is a interactive Personal Annual Radiation Dose Calculator on the NRC website at http://www.nrc.gov/

If you live within a radius of approximately 10 miles from a nuclear power plant in the United States, you should be receiving materials annually regarding the unlikely event of a nuclear power plant radiological emergency. This information is commonly distributed via phone books, calendars, brochures, utility bills, and so forth. These materials contain educational information on radiation, instructions for evacuation and sheltering, special arrangements for the handicapped, and contacts for additional information. If you, or someone you know, would need assistance during an emergency, contact your local emergency management agency. Become familiar with this information and store it where you can easily retrieve it if needed.

Alert and Notification System for the United States

A prompt Alert and Notification System (ANS) is in place to notify the public within a 10 mile radius of a nuclear power plant. The NRC reportss that this system will be activated within approximately 15 minutes of a decision by the responsible local or State government agencies of a need to take protective actions. This system typically uses sirens, tone-alert radios, route alerting (the "Paul Revere" method), or a combination of these methods. If you receive an alert, tune your radio or television to an Emergency Alert System (EAS) exit icon station identified in your emergency information materials. The EAS stations will provide information and emergency instructions for you to follow. Citizens living near a nuclear power plant receive emergency information annually on how they will be notified of a problem at a facility and what actions to take.

The population closest to the nuclear power plant that is within the 10-mile emergency planning zone is at greatest risk of exposure to radiation and radioactive materials. When the population is evacuated out of the area, and potentially contaminated foodstuffs are removed from the market, the risk from further radioactive iodine exposure to the thyroid gland is essentially eliminated. Beyond 10 miles, the major risk of radioiodine exposure is from ingestion of contaminated foodstuffs, particularly milk products. Both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the FDA have published guidance to protect consumers from contaminated foods. These protective actions are preplanned in the 50-mile ingestion pathway EPZ.

Response to Dirty Bombs

Basically, the principal type of dirty bomb, or radiological dispersal device (RDD), combines a conventional explosive, such as dynamite, with radioactive material. In most instances, the conventional explosive itself would have more immediate lethality than the radioactive material. At the levels created by most probable sources, not enough radiation would be present in a dirty bomb to kill people or cause severe illness.

However, certain other radioactive materials, dispersed in the air, could contaminate up to several city blocks, creating fear and possibly panic and requiring potentially costly cleanup. Prompt, accurate, non-emotional public information might prevent panic sought by terrorists.

Here is what people should do after an explosion:

* Move away from the immediate area - at least several blocks from the explosion - and go inside. This will reduce exposure to any radioactive airborne dust.
* Turn on local radio or TV channels for advisories from emergency response and health authorities.
* If facilities are available, remove clothes and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Saving contaminated clothing will allow testing for radiation exposure.
* Take a shower to wash off dust and dirt. This will reduce total radiation exposure, if the explosive device contained radioactive material.
* If radioactive material was released, local news broadcasts will advise people where to report for radiation monitoring and blood and other tests to determine whether they were exposed and what steps to take to protect their health.

Remember, in the unlikely event of a nuclear power plant accident or a dirty bomb, it is important to follow the direction of your State or local government in order to make sure protective actions, such as taking potassium iodide pills, are implemented safely and effectively for the affected population.

First and foremost - Make a plan. Your family will likely be apart if a disaster strikes unless it occurs during the night. children might be at school or events. Parents may be at work. Have a phone number that each family member would call that is at least 100 miles away. Long distance often restores before local calls. This allows family members to at least relay and learn the status of others in the disaster area. Every family member, even children in their backpacks, should have a in case of emergency list. They should have a cell phone or a phone card.

Determine what kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, are most likely to occur in your area and how you will be notified. Methods of getting your attention vary from community to community. One common method is to broadcast via emergency radio and TV broadcasts. You might hear a special siren, or get a telephone call, or emergency workers may go door-to-door. Many communities have notification systems for cell phones now. Check to see if there is such a system where you are.

You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one. Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together in the event of an emergency. You will be better prepared to safely reunite your family and loved ones during an emergency if you think ahead and communicate with others in advance

A great site to get downloads for written plans, emergency contast lists and other information needed in differing emergencies is available at http://www.ready.gov/america/makeaplan/index.html

Here is their list of what you should consider for your disaster kit!

When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it's best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers
Potassium Iodide for nuclear or dirty bomb emergencies

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:
Prescription medications and glasses
Infant formula and diapers
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
Cash or traveler's checks and change
Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper - When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
Fire Extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Potassium Iodide is a compound that helps prevent the thyroid from absorbing radioactive iodine, one of several radioactive materials that could be present in a release from a nuclear power plant accident. If taken within the appropriate time and at the appropriate dosage, KI blocks the radioactive iodine from being absorbed by the thyroid gland and reduces the risk of thyroid cancers and other diseases. Potassium Iodide does not protect against any other inhaled radioactive materials, nor will it offer protection from external exposure to radiation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that Potassium Iodide is a safe and effective drug when used for this purpose. However, there may be risks and potential side effects in using Potassium Iodide, including gastrointestinal disturbances, allergic reactions, and iodide goiter and hypothyroidism. Please consult your physician if you have questions on the potential side effects.