Why we need to carry a dosimeter: People and governments around the world are concerned about incidents, such as terrorist attacks
using a dirty bomb or a small nuclear device, an accident at a nuclear power plant (e.g., Chernobyl, Ukraine) and mishandling of a
radiation source (e.g., Goiania, Brazil)1,2,3,4,5,6. Such incidents could cause wide spread panic, massive disruption of our lives
and worried about the exposure to radiation. Problem with radiations is that they can’t be seen, smelled or felt and can cause cancer,
injuries or deaths. Hence, affected people want to know their radiation exposure immediately, “Did I receive a lethal exposure to
ionizing radiation, will I be OK or will I develop cancer in future?”. First responders (military, police, firefighters, medical personnel,
etc.) need to quickly assess radiation exposure among the affected to ensure that treatment is first provided to those who need it
the most. RADSticker, a member of SIRAD® (Self-Indicating Instant Radiation Alert Dosimeter) family of dosimeters answers those questions
instantly and cheaply. Carry a RADSticker to instantly know your exposure to harmful dose 24/7.
A FEW MINUTES OF RADIATION TRAINING
Only
basic information & steps are provided here. Additional information and actions on these complex matters are provided in the references
cited.
Basic information: Avoid unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation (e.g., gamma or X-rays); in large enough amounts they can
cause cancer, injuries and death. Diagnostic dosages (chest X-rays = ~0.05 rad/0.5mSv and CT scan = ~1 rad/10 mSv) are considered
acceptable risks (except for fetus and children)7,8,9. Public is advised to limit their exposure to 5 rad/50 mSv per year and 25 rad/250
mSv for lifetime and emergency workers to 50 rad/500 mSv10,11. There are no symptoms or medical treatment below ~50 rad/500 mSv exposure.
Contact an emergency room if exposed to dosages higher than 50 rad/500 mSv. Depending upon the dose and the dose period, nausea, vomiting
and hair loss are usually the early symptoms after receiving radiation doses above 100 rad/1,000 mSv12,13. If you are contaminated
go to the nearest place and take a shower.
Nuclear bomb explosion: If you hear a huge explosion and/or see an extremely bright flash,
drop and cover yourself for a few minutes. Keep eyes closed. Dangerous level of radioactive materials can fall (fallout) over a few
tens of square miles. The fallout from the explosion looks like sand, ash or grit. Fallout loses 90% of its radioactivity every 7
hours, 99% in 2 days and 99.9% in 2 weeks, so stay indoors far from outside and behind heavy materials14,15,16,17,18,19.
Dirty
bomb/RDD: The major objectives of a radiological dispersion device (RDD) are to cause panic, worry and mass disruption. The radioactivity
of the barely noticeable fallout is likely to be very low and limited to a few miles. While the area may be deemed unlivable, barely
a few people may get doses higher than 5 rad/50 mSv. There is no need to panic20,21,22,23,24,25.
Accident at a nuclear power plant/reactor:
If it is a minor radiation leakage, it is extremely unlikely you will receive a harmful dose. If the accident is major/serious, e.g.,
a meltdown (as that of Chernobyl nuclear reactor, Ukraine), the dose could be fatal (>600 rad/6,000 mSv) for those who are near
the reactor. Remain behind a thick object/wall or basement. Wait for instructions from the authority/government26,27.
Improper
handling of radiation sources: You will learn about these types of incidents (e.g., that of Goiania, Brazil) only after a handler
is seriously injured. Once the incident becomes known, do not go near the affected area unless permitted by the authority28,29,30.
If you had been near the incident for a prolonged time, contact the authority. In case of a mishap with a X-ray or radiation therapy
type machine, only the operator or patient may get over-exposed.
To minimize panic & worry purchase a radiation dosimeter: It is
less likely that a radiation incident will occur and you will receive a dose higher 5 rad/50 mSv. However, you cannot know how much
dose you have received without a personal dosimeter31. Accidents due to panic can cause more injuries and deaths than exposure
to radiation32. Therefore, to minimize panic and worry, carry a dosimeter, e.g., wearable, instantly color-developing, pre-calibrated,
always ready, reliable, rugged, federally funded and tested33, field proven and affordable SIRAD® (RADTriage34 or RADSticker35) for
monitoring and triaging exposure information and treatment. RADSticker35 which weighs only 0.2 gram can be applied on many objects
and carried with you for a couple of years. A SIRAD may compliment, but cannot replace any other dosimeter/detector you may be required
to use.
RADStickerTM is a peel-&-stick postage stamp sized, instantly color developing, casualty dosimeter which costs less than a penny
a week, you can carry 24/7, always ready and with you, for any future radiation emergency. Needs no power, has no electronics or moving
parts, reliable, robust, rugged and useful for triaging radiation exposure information and medical treatment in a major radiological
incident, such as a nuclear or dirty bomb explosion, nuclear power plant accident or mishandling of radiation sources. RADSticker
is made under USP # 7,227,158; 7,476,874 and others. The technology was developed with multimillion dollar funding from several US
agencies, such as DHS, DOJ, DOS, DOD, DHHS and TSWG and was field tested by the DHS with 800 first responders in the states of NJ,
NY and IL.
