Emma Miller
What are the dangers of radiation – important information
Our country is already familiar with the consequences of radiation – the explosion at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant showed the whole world how terrible and destructive such energy is. According to WHO, high doses of radiation can disrupt the functioning of human tissues and organs, as well as the cause:
- nausea and vomiting;
- redness of the skin;
- dizziness;
- hair loss;
- Burns or radiation syndrome;
- death.
As a rule, the above-mentioned signs of radiation exposure appear only in those who are closest to the epicenter of the accident. Other people should take precautionary measures to protect their health.
How to Protect Yourself from Radiation at Home
We hope you’ll never need this information, but forewarned is forearmed. If you find yourself near a radiation accident, follow the instructions:
- Stay indoors or find it as quickly as possible;
- Take off your clothes if you came from the street and put them in a bag;
- put on clean, closed clothing;
- don’t touch anything – radioactive dust settles on walls, ceilings, roofs, and the ground;
- close all windows and doors, plug up cracks;
- keep pets near you;
- stockpile food for a few days – put everything in an airtight bag and hide it in a cold place;
- find a mask or respirator to protect your respiratory system;
- drink bottled water only – avoid open sources;
- turn on the radio and listen to instructions from authorities.
It’s best not to go outside without a specific need, but if you must leave the shelter, don’t neglect safety precautions. Wear rubber gloves, raincoats, boots, and pants, and keep exposed areas of your body clear. Remember that you should never touch the ground, drink or touch water, or eat fruits and vegetables. When you return home, take a shower or otherwise wash off the dust, but under no circumstances rub or scratch your skin.
How to escape radiation with iodine
Many people know that when exposed to radiation you should drink iodine, but in fact, the WHO does not recommend it. Taking iodine orally only saves the thyroid gland and that, is from radioactive iodine, not from radiation exposure. The only thing you should do is strictly follow the instructions above, not leave the confines of your shelter, and follow the radio instructions.
That said, the WHO does make recommendations about iodine intake by age:
- up to 1 month – about 16 mg;
- Under 3 years of age, about 32 mg;
- 3-12 years old – about 62.5 mg;
- 12-40 years old – about 125 mg.
- Pregnant women – 125 mg.
In addition to all the other safety rules for those who were within the radius of the irradiating wave, we will tell you what foods you should not eat when exposed to radiation. First, only water in closed containers – bottles and boilers – is safe. From the tap and other sources should not be taken. Even boiling water does not save from radiation dust, so it is better to have a supply of clean water.
The only food that was in an airtight container, freezer, or refrigerator before the radiation accident is considered safe. Before opening a jar or box of food, wipe it down with a damp towel, then pack it up and hide it away.
