Health Messages for Improvised Nuclear Device

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o Contamination can be inside of your body if radioactive materials are swallowed,
inhaled, or absorbed through your skin.
o Contamination can be outside your body on your skin, hair, clothes, or shoes.
o Contamination can be on objects like a purse or a car.
" During a radiation emergency, you can leave the affected area and still be contaminated.
" 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.
" You can take the following steps to limit your contamination:
o Go inside the nearest building or to an area to which you are directed by state
and local officials.
o Carefully remove the outer layer of your clothing. If radioactive material is on
your clothes, getting it away from you will reduce the contamination on your
body and decrease your risk of getting contamination inside your body.
o Place the clothing in a plastic bag or other container or leave it in an out-of-the-
way area, such as the corner of a room. Keep people away from it to reduce their
exposure to radiation. Keep cuts and abrasions covered when handling
contaminated items to avoid getting radioactive material in them.
o Gently wash all of the exposed parts of your body using lots of soap and water to
remove contamination.
Health Message Testing: Detonation of an Improvised Nuclear Device H-4
Sample Revision 79. What are the health effects of radiation exposure?
" Radiation can affect the body in a number of ways, and the health effects of exposure
may be unknown for many years.
o These health effects can range from skin reddening, skin burns, vomiting,
diarrhea, to cancer or death.
o The health effects of radiation depend on the amount of radiation, type of
radiation, type of radioactive material and length of time a person is exposed to
radiation.
" There are some treatments available for people exposed to certain types of radioactive
material.
o Local emergency workers and medical professionals will determine if medical
treatments are needed and what kind of medical treatment to provide.
o Seek medical attention as soon as officials say it is safe to leave your shelter if
you develop these symptoms: skin burns, nausea, and vomiting.
Health Message Testing: Detonation of an Improvised Nuclear Device H-5
Sample Revision 80. Does radiation cause cancer?
" People who were exposed to radiation could have a greater risk of developing cancer later
in life, depending on the level of radiation exposure.
" Health officials will monitor people affected by radiation emergencies for long-term
health effects, including cancer.
" Follow instructions from state and local officials to limit your radiation exposure.
Health Message Testing: Detonation of an Improvised Nuclear Device H-6
Sample Revision 83. How will people know if they have been exposed to radiation and what
happens if they are exposed?
" If you are near a radiation emergency, you may have been exposed to radiation.
o You may not have any immediate health effects.
o You can lower your risk of developing health effects by limiting your exposure.
�� Get inside a strong building away from windows or in a basement to
protect yourself from radiation exposure.
�� Listen to state and local officials and emergency responders for further
instructions.
" A large amount of radiation may cause skin burns, nausea, and vomiting.
o If you have these symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as officials say it is
safe to leave your shelter.
Health Message Testing: Detonation of an Improvised Nuclear Device H-7
Sample Revision 85. Are there any treatments for radiation sickness and removal of
radioactive contamination?
" There are some medical treatments for radiation sickness and removing radioactive
contamination inside the body.
o Treatment for radiation sickness also includes preventing infections, maintaining
hydration, and treating major injuries and burns.
o Local emergency workers and medical professionals will monitor the situation to
determine if medical treatments are needed and what kind of medical treatment
to provide.
" You can take the following steps to limit your contamination:
o Go inside the nearest building or to an area to which you are directed by state
and local officials.
o Carefully remove the outer layer of your clothing. If radioactive material is on
your clothes, getting it away from you will reduce the contamination on your
body and decrease your risk of getting contamination inside your body.
o Place the clothing in a plastic bag or other container or leave it in an out-of-the-
way area, such as the corner of a room. Keep people away from it to reduce their
exposure to radiation. Keep cuts and abrasions covered when handling
contaminated items to avoid getting radioactive material in them.
o Gently wash all of the exposed parts of your body using lots of soap and water to
remove contamination.
" Seek medical attention as soon as officials say it is safe to leave your shelter if you develop
these symptoms: skin burns, nausea, and vomiting.
Health Message Testing: Detonation of an Improvised Nuclear Device H-8
Appendix I: Contacts for More Information
Health Message Testing: Detonation of an Improvised Nuclear Device I-1
Contacts for More Information
CDC Technical Contact:
Carol McCurley
Radiation Studies Branch
National Center for Environmental Health
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Atlanta, GA
Telephone: 770-488-3800
E-mail: cMcCurley@cdc.gov
ORISE Technical Contact:
Leeanna Allen, MPH, MCHES
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
Oak Ridge, TN
Telephone: 706-270-3345
E-mail: Leeanna.Allen@orise.orau.gov
Health Message Testing: Detonation of an Improvised Nuclear Device I-2 [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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