How to Reduce Chances of Radiation Sickness

The threat of radiation exposure from nuclear power plant meltdowns and nuclear terrorism is always possible in the United States. Radiation exposure can happen unexpectedly and at any time. The best defense against radiation sickness is awareness and preparation.

Things You'll Need

• Radio
• Shelter
• Fine particulate mask or gas mask
• Shower
• Scrub brush
• Protective clothing
• Plastic garbage bag
• Potassium iodide pills

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  A hand crank radio may be helpful in the event of a power outage.

  Listen for public service announcements on the radio or television that may suggest the need for an evacuation or relocation to a shelter. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if an evacuation is necessary, instructions on the direction to move safely will be announced.

• 2

  Local water supplies may be contaminated by radiation.

  Do not drink water from the tap or eat food from the outside that may have been exposed to radiation. Local water supplies and farms may be contaminated by radiation. Bottled beverages and canned foods may be safer.

• 3

  Dispose of contaminated clothing in sealed plastic bags.

  Protect skin and lungs from radiation. Wear gloves, a hooded jacket, long pants, rubber boots and a gas mask (or fine particulate mask) should you need to evacuate. Carefully remove the protective gear when you get to your destination. Dispose of the protective gear in a sealed plastic bag so the particles do not become airborne in the shelter.

• 4

  Shower and scrub to remove radioactive particles.

  Decontaminate after exposure to radiation. Shower and scrub your body well. Shampooing hair and scrubbing the body will help remove the radioactive particles from the skin and hair which may cause cancer.

• 5

  Potassium iodide may prevent thyroid cancer caused by exposure to radiation.

  Obtain potassium iodide. The NRC (The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission) recommends obtaining potassium iodide for the possible prevention of thyroid cancer due to radiation exposure. Listen for public service announcements in the event of an emergency requiring the use of potassium iodide.