We often come across radiation everywhere we go. You may get exposed to it in the simplest form of x-ray or background radiation. Regardless of how harmless this is, it can have profound effects, especially if you contact uncontrolled amounts.
Radiation can have significant effects on your health. If a radioactive material explodes when you are close to it, it can develop cancerous cells or cause cell damage, which affects your genetic material, DNA. If you are in a position where you are prone to radiation exposure, how can you protect yourself from it?
Here are some tips to keep you and your family during such life-threatening emergencies.
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Reduce the time you get exposed
The first thing you should do is reduce exposure time to toxic radiation. Doing so ensures that you reduce the dose you receive from the radiation source.
Ensure that you stay far away from the building if you are at home. The radioactive materials
will settle on the building walls; hence, try as much as possible to stay indoors or in your basement until it’s safe again to go outside.
People who contact the toxic chemicals should remove the outer layer of clothing, take a shower, and put on clean clothes.
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Increase distance between you and the chemicals
Aside from time, increasing the distance between you and the toxic radiation can also minimize the chances of skin burns or illness. Therefore, you can reduce the space by staying away from the radiation source as much as possible. If you are going through an x-ray procedure, using an x-ray tube can help minimize exposure.
If you are in a house, you should stay away from the walls and roofs as much as possible. You can also remain in the middle of the building and turn off air conditioners and any other devices that can bring outside air into the building.
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Using ideal radiation shields
For workers, you may need to use protective gear to prevent contact with the radioactive material. You can use a radiation suit, protective drapes, lead aprons, portable shields, automatic interlock devices, and radiation monitoring instruments.
Always ensure that the shield you use is between you and the source.
Conclusion
Another thing you should do is stay tuned to the advice emergency responders provide. Use a hand crank emergency radio, rely on SMS to communicate with loved ones since making phone calls can be difficult, and use email and social media sites to get information from reliable government bodies and news channels.
Be assured that the emergency responders will provide information such as the best places to screen for radioactive contamination, evacuation, assisting victims, evacuating pets, shelters, and mental health.
When you go for screening, the doctors will first have to examine you to find the best possible treatment for your case.