EMERGENCY RADIATION DOSIMETERS – A FEW MINUTES OF RADIATION TRAINING

Today’s first responders are very busy with various responsibilities. Responding to a radiation emergency is just only one of them. They may face radiation incidents which may include nuclear bomb, dirty bomb, mishap at a nuclear reactor (e.g., Chernobyl, Ukraine and Fukushima, Japan) and a mishandling of a radiation source (e.g., Goiania, Brazil). Hence, we have prepared a few minutes of introductory radiation training for first responders (which can also be used by general public).

Basic information: Avoid unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation (e.g., gamma or X-rays); in large doses they can cause cancer, injuries and death. Diagnostic dosages (chest X-rays = ~0.05 mSv and CT scan = 50 mSv) are considered an acceptable dose (except for fetus and children). Public is advised to limit their exposure to 50 mSv per year and 250 mSv for lifetime and emergency workers to 500 mSv in the USA. There are no symptoms or medical treatment below ~500 mSv exposure. Contact an emergency room if exposed to dosages higher than 500 mSv. Depending upon the dose and the dose exposure period, nausea, vomiting and hair loss are usually the early symptoms after receiving radiation doses above 1,000 mSv. If you are contaminated go to the nearest place and take a shower.

Nuclear bomb explosion: If you hear a huge explosion and 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/thick materials.

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 50 mSv. There is no need to panic.

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 at Chernobyl, Ukraine and Fukushima, Japan), the dose could be fatal (>1,000 rad/10,000 mSv) for those who are near the reactor. Remain behind a thick object/wall or basement. Wait for instructions from the authority/government.

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 authority. 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 50 mSv. However, you would not know how much dose you have received without carrying a personal dosimeter. Accidents due to panic can cause more injuries and deaths than exposure to radiation.

Therefore, to minimize panic and worry, carry a dosimeter, e.g., wearable, instantly color-developing, pre-calibrated, always ready, reliable, rugged, federally funded and tested, field proven and affordable SIRAD® (RADTriage or RADSticker) for monitoring and triaging exposure information and treatment. RADSticker which weighs only 0.2 gram can be applied on many objects. A SIRAD may compliment, but cannot replace any other dosimeter/detector you may be required to use.