Radiation Poisoning Treatments

Radiation poisoning, also referred to as radiation sickness, occurs when someone is exposed to large enough levels of radiation to create damage to the body. Radiation poisoning rarely occurs outside of nuclear industrial operations. It could affect the general public during nuclear-weapons testing or in an attack using nuclear weapons. Such an attack has not been seen since the bombings of the Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima during World War II.

Particle Removal

• One of the first, and most basic, treatments for radiation poisoning is the thorough removal of any particles on the skin and clothing. To do this, all clothing should be removed and disposed of. According to the Mayo Clinic, this should get rid of about 90 percent of the radiation contamination. Washing with soap and warm water helps remove any other particles that may still be clinging to the skin. It is important to do this immediately after exposure, as active particles on skin and clothing can continue to poison.

Bone Marrow Treatment

• Radiation can attack bone marrow and destroy white blood cells, which are an important part of your immune system. This is treated with granulocyte colony stimulating factor. This protein helps reverse the damaging effects on the bone marrow by encouraging the growth of new white blood cells.

Potassium Iodide

• Potassium iodide is another common treatment option for radiation poisoning. Potassium iodine collects in the thyroid. It takes up space that radioactive iodine would occupy. Without room to stay in the thyroid, the radioactive iodine is sent out of the thyroid and excreted with urine.

DTPA

• Diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid, or DTPA, is another common form of treatment for radiation poisoning. Radiation poisoning can often come from exposure to the radioactive metals of americium, curium and plutonium. Upon exposure these elements can lodge in the body. DPTA binds to the metals. It is then excreted in urine or feces.

Prussian Blue

• Prussian blue may also be used to treat radiation poisoning. Like DTPA, Prussian blue binds with radioactive particles in the body. However, instead of radioactive metals, Prussian blue binds with two other types of radioactive elements called thallium and cesium. When taken directly after exposure, Prussian blue is able to remove many of the radioactive particles before the cells can absorb them. Once attached to the radioactive particles, the Prussian blue exits the body in the feces, taking along the particles.