Information for Nuclear Emergency

1. Following the devastating earthquake and tsunami, Japan is now facing
a nuclear crisis with the failure of several nuclear power plants.
Because of the potential impact on health, some basic knowledge of
radiation and its effects on the human body will be helpful. This
handout also provides information on what to do in a nuclear
emergency.
FACTS ABOUT RADIATION
What is Radiation?
Atoms are the basic building blocks of all matter. Some atoms contain excess energy, and tend to seek
a more stable state by emitting this energy as radiation. While most types of radiation cannot be
directly felt, light and heat are common forms of radiation that we can directly experience.
Radiation is not new and is not limited to nuclear power plants. Our environment contains many
sources of radiation. Some of these are natural: the Sun, radioactive rocks and metals, etc.; whereas
others are artificial: X-ray machines and microwave ovens, to name a few. Nuclear power plants use
radiation to convert water to steam, which then drives turbines to generate electricity.
Contamination & Radiation
“Radioactive contamination” refers to the unwanted or unintended presence of radioactive substances
on ordinary material. Food, water, or air is considered to be contaminated if it contains more or
different types of radioactive material than would normally be present. Our bodies naturally contain
trace amounts of the radioactive elements potassium-40, carbon-14 and tritium (hydrogen-3).
However, we are not considered to be contaminated because these elements exist within us naturally.
On the other hand, the presence of iodine-131 in food, air or water may be indicative of contamination
from leakage of radioactive material. The radiation from contaminants may be harmful if the levels are
high enough and the exposure lasts long enough.
How contamination occurs
Radioactive particles released into the air can be inhaled just by breathing normally; these particles
could fall on fruits, vegetables or grains which then enter the food chain. Dairy cows and goats could
also eat contaminated grass and pass it along the food chain to humans. Contaminated water (falling
as radioactive rain, or pooling in open catchment areas) can similarly enter the water cycle and be
ingested. More information can be found here: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/contamination.asp

2. IN A NUCLEAR EMERGENCY
People may be exposed to radioactivity released during an accident in the following ways:
o By direct radiation exposure from the source (irradiation)
o By breathing in radioactive dust (inhalation)
o By exposure from radioactive materials carried in the air and
deposited on surfaces (contact)
o By eating and drinking food and water contaminated with
radioactive materials (ingestion)
The potential health effects of exposure to radiation are dependent on various factors such as the
absorbed dose (amount of energy deposited in the body), the ability of the radiation to harm human
tissue, and which organs are affected. Radiation sickness, typically manifesting as nausea and vomiting,
generally follows an acute, large exposure. Symptoms tend to appear sooner and become more severe
as the dosage/exposure of radiation increases, and this is associated with a poorer chance of survival.
Early symptoms of radiation sickness
Mild exposure Moderate Severe exposure Very severe
exposure exposure
Nausea and vomiting Within 6 hours Within 2 hours Within 1 hour Within 10 minutes
Diarrhea -- Within 8 hours Within 3 hours Within 1 hour
Headache -- Within 24 hours Within 4 hours Within 2 hours
Fever -- Within 3 hours Within 1 hour Within 1 hour
Later symptoms of radiation sickness
Dizziness and -- -- Within 1 week Immediate
disorientation
Weakness, fatigue Within 4 weeks Within 1-4 weeks Within 1 week Immediate
Hair loss, bloody vomit -- Within 1-4 weeks Within 1 week Immediate
and stools, infections,
poor wound healing,
low blood pressure
Secondary Source: Adapted from "Bushberg JT. Radiation exposure and contamination. The Merck Manuals: The Merck
Manual for Healthcare Professionals" and "Upton AC. Radiation injury. In: Goldman L, et al., eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed.
Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007."
(The table should be used for indicative/general reference only. When in doubt, seek medical advice.)

3. Exposure to doses less than that which cause serious radiation sickness can still cause long-term health
problems; if the exposure is prolonged, there is also a possibility of cancer developing, as the
cumulative effects of radiation cause increasing cell damage and genetic mutations. More information
on Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) is available here: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/ars.asp
What to do in an emergency
In the event of an accident involving the possible release of
radioactive material, the following actions may be taken to
reduce exposure. Remember - keep calm. Panic is the
greatest enemy in any emergency. A list of items to consider
preparing can be found here:
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/shelter.asp
 Sheltering - This provides protection from inhalation of, and contact with, radioactive material.
Stay indoors. Close all doors and windows. Turn off all air conditioners, ventilation fans,
furnaces, and close off sources of air intake.
If you must go outdoors, cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or mask.
If you have been outside, remove all outer clothing (i.e. coats, coveralls, hats, gloves and shoes)
before coming in. Put the items you were wearing in a plastic bag, seal it shut, and store it out
of the way. Shower immediately, if possible.
Put your food in covered containers or in the refrigerator.
Do not use the telephone unless absolutely necessary (to avoid straining communication
networks).
Keep a radio (preferably a hand-powered one, or have spare batteries) with you, tuned to local
stations for updates.
Do not evacuate unless instructed to.
 Evacuation - Evacuation reduces exposure by removing people from the affected area. Emergency
response officials will tell you if it is necessary to leave your home.
Gather clothing and essential items.
Check your house to see that all water taps, faucets, lights, the gas supply and appliances are
turned off. Close and lock your windows, and lock your door behind you.
If you own pets, place them inside with stored food and water if you are not taking them along.
Drive safely, keeping all car windows and external air vents closed. Offer to take nearby friends
and neighbors who may need a ride.
Follow the official evacuation route and other instructions given.

4.  Stable iodine tablets - Radioactive iodine is one of the products that could be released in a serious
nuclear power plant accident. Potassium iodide (KI) is a non-radioactive form of iodine that may be
taken as tablets. By pre-loading the body with non-radioactive KI, less radioactive iodine will be
absorbed by the thyroid gland. KI, however, is only effective against exposure to radioactive iodine
and only protects the thyroid gland. KI is not an anti-radiation pill and does not protect against any
other form of radiation. It is considered a supplemental protective measure, secondary to
sheltering or evacuation. It should only be taken at the direction of public health officials.
For more information on KI, please refer to: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/ki.asp
 Food - Radioactive material deposited on soil or grass can find its way into food through crops and
animals. Consume food and water supplies which you have stocked previously (i.e. before the
accident). Keep food in covered containers or in the refrigerator. Do not drink tap water.
 Unless told to do otherwise:
Do not consume locally produced milk or vegetables
Do not drink water exposed to the outdoors
Do not slaughter animals
Do not process or distribute food products
Do not fish, hunt or gather mushrooms or other forest foods
Seek medical treatment immediately for any unusual symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting that may
be related to radiation exposure.
Human Dynamic Contact Details
Hong Kong Head Office
10/F, Knutsford 10, Knutsford Terrace
Tsim Sha Tsui, HONG KONG
Tel: (852) 28543727 | Fax: (852) 25424668
Email: info@humandynamic.com | URL: www.humandynamic.com

5. References:
 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/nuclear/index.shtm
 Radiation sickness-overview. University of Maryland Medical Center.
http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/000026.htm
 Raditation sickness – Symptoms. Mayo Clinic.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/radiation-sickness/DS00432/DSECTION=symptoms
 Radiation sickness, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000026.htm
 Emergency Preparedness for a Nuclear Power Station Problem:
o Denver: http://www.denvernc.com/nuclear.htm
o Orange County:
http://san-clemente.org/sc/Inf/EmergencyPlan/WelcomeEmerPlanning/WhitePages_Eva
c_2009.pdf
o San Luis Obispo County: http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/OES/NPPInfo.htm
 Nuclear emergencies – Information for the Public:
http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1272031417941
 CDC: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/factsheets.asp
 International Atomic Energy Agency: http://www.iaea.org/;
http://www-naweb.iaea.org/nafa/about-nafa/index.html