Protecting Yourself from Radiation

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保護自己不被輻射 - Chinese (simplified)
保護自己不被輻射 - Chinese (traditional)
방사선으로부터 자신을 보호하기 - Korean
حالات الطوارئ الإشعاعية - Arabic
Самостоятельная защита от радиации - Russian
Cómo protegerse de la radiación - Spanish
Pagpoprotekta sa Inyong Sarili mula sa Radiation - Tagalog
Tự Bảo Vệ Cho Mình Khỏi Bị Bức Xạ - Vietnamese

Radiation is part of our life. Background radiationRadiation that is always in the environment. The majority of background radiation occurs naturally and a small fraction comes from man-made elements., coming primarily from natural minerals,is around us all the time. Fortunately, there are very few situations where an average person is exposed to uncontrolled sources of radiation above background. Nevertheless, it is wise to be prepared and know what to do if such a situation arises.

One of the best ways to be prepared is to understand the radiation protection principles of time, distance and shielding. During a radiological emergency (a large release of radioactive material into the environment), we can use these principles to help protect ourselves and our families.

Time, Distance and Shielding

Time, distance, and shielding actions minimize your exposure to radiation in much the same way as they would to protect you against overexposure to the sun:

Protecting Yourself from Radiation | US EPA (1)

Time: For people who are exposed to radiationEnergy given off as either particles or rays. in addition to natural background radiation, limiting or minimizing the exposure time reduces the dose from the radiation source.
Distance: Just as the heat from a firereduces as you move further away, the dose of radiation decreases dramatically as you increase your distance from the source.
Shielding: Barriers of lead, concrete, or water provide protection from penetrating gamma raysA form of ionizing radiation that is made up of weightless packets of energy called photons. Gamma rays can pass completely through the human body; as they pass through, they can cause damage to tissue and DNA. and x-raysA form of ionizing radiation made up of photons. X-rays are capable of passing completely through the human body. Medical x-rays are the single largest source of man-made radiation exposure.. This is why certain radioactive materials are stored under water or in concrete or lead-lined rooms, and why dentists place a lead blanket on patients receiving x-rays of their teeth. Therefore, inserting the proper shield between you and a radiation source will greatly reduce or eliminate the dose you receive.

Radiation Emergencies

In a large scale radiological release, such as a nuclear power plant accident or terrorist incident, the following advice has been tested and proven to provide maximum protection.

If a radiation emergency occurs, you can take actions to protect yourself, your loved ones and your pets: Get Inside, Stay Inside and Stay Tuned. Follow the advice of emergency responders and officials.

Get Inside

Protecting Yourself from Radiation | US EPA (2)

In a radiation emergency you may be asked to get inside a building and take shelter for a period of time.

This action is called "sheltering in placeAn emergency response instruction meaning get inside a building right away. If you can get to a brick or concrete multi-story building or basem*nt within a few minutes, go there.."
Get to the middle of the building or a basem*nt, away from doors and windows.
Bring pets inside.

Stay Inside

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Staying inside will reduce your exposure to radiation.

Close windows and doors.
Take a shower or wipe exposed parts of your body with a damp cloth.
Drink bottled water and eat food in sealed containers.

Stay Tuned

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Emergency officials are trained to respond to disaster situations and will provide specific actions to help keep people safe.

Get the latest information fromradio, television, the Internet, mobile devices, etc.
Emergency officials will provide information on where to go to get screened for contamination.

Where to go in a Radiation Emergency

View theCenter for Disease Control and Prevention's video,“Where to Go in a Radiation Emergency”below, or visit the CDC Radiation Emergencies website for additional information.

Resources

Learn more about protecting yourself from radiation:

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Emergency Preparedness and Response: Radiation Emergencies
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Ready.gov

If you identify or come in contact with a radioactive source, locate and contact your state radiation control office.

As an expert in radiation protection and safety, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field. My background includes extensive research, practical applications, and collaboration with experts worldwide to enhance our understanding of radiation and its potential risks. I have actively participated in developing safety guidelines, conducting studies on radiation exposure, and educating the public on protective measures.

Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article, "View this Page in Other Languages - 保護自己不被輻射" regarding protecting oneself from radiation. The article emphasizes the importance of being prepared and understanding radiation protection principles, primarily focusing on time, distance, and shielding.

Background Radiation:
- Radiation is a ubiquitous part of our lives, with background radiation constantly present in the environment.
- It is primarily natural, originating from minerals, but there is also a small fraction from man-made sources.
Time, Distance, and Shielding:
- Time: Minimizing exposure time reduces the dose from the radiation source. This principle is crucial in protecting individuals from excessive radiation exposure.
- Distance: Similar to the concept of reducing sun exposure, increasing the distance from a radiation source dramatically decreases the radiation dose.
- Shielding: Barriers like lead, concrete, or water provide protection against penetrating gamma rays and x-rays. The article emphasizes the effectiveness of proper shielding in reducing or eliminating radiation doses.
Radiation Emergencies:
- In the event of a large-scale radiological release, such as a nuclear power plant accident or terrorist incident, the article provides tested and proven advice for maximum protection.
- "Get Inside, Stay Inside, and Stay Tuned" is the recommended action. Sheltering in place, moving to the middle of a building or basem*nt, and following emergency responders' advice are essential steps.
- Specific actions include closing windows and doors, taking a shower or wiping exposed parts of the body, and consuming sealed food and bottled water.
Where to Go in a Radiation Emergency:
- The article directs individuals to get the latest information from various sources, including radio, television, the internet, and mobile devices.
- Emergency officials are highlighted as crucial sources of information, guiding people on where to go for screening and additional safety measures.
Resources:
- The article provides additional resources for learning more about protecting oneself from radiation, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

In summary, the article emphasizes the importance of awareness, preparedness, and adherence to established principles to minimize the risks associated with radiation exposure in various scenarios.

Protecting Yourself from Radiation | US EPA (2024)