The ongoing
uncertainty of the Japanese nuclear crisis has left people around the
world questioning the danger of radiation contamination in their own
communities. How much is the general public really at risk of
radiation? Because D-tect Systems specializes in detecting threats from
radioactive and chemical sources, we offer this article to provide some
information on some of the current radiation risks in context and some
general guidelines on radiation safety.
The first step
in qualifying contamination risks is to separate fact from fiction. The
way the public views radiation has mostly been shaped by a few
incidents in modern history: Chernobyl and Hiroshima/Nagasaki. These
extreme cases have influenced many to assume that radiation is an exotic
and deadly phenomenon. In reality, our environment is steeped in
radiation that our bodies absorb without any ill effect. The most
important factor in understanding the impact of radiation is quantity –
how high radiation levels are and how these levels translate to risk.
To give some
idea of safe radiation levels, natural background radiation – the
radiation that we are exposed to every day from cosmic rays and
naturally-occurring radioactive materials – is about 3 mSv (300 mrem)
per year. According to the FAA, A coast-to-coast airplane trip will
expose you to about 5 µSv per hour (which comes out to 43.8 mSv/yr for
continuous flight), and a year of watching four hours of television of
day adds up to about 20 µSv total (2 mrem). These quantities are pretty
small compared to a federal occupational limit of radiation exposure
set by OSHA at 50 mSv (5000 mrem) per year. Now let’s compare the
situation in Japan to all this. Recent reports from the International
Atomic Energy Agency stated that radiation levels at the perimeter of
the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear complex have been measured at 1 – 3
mSv/hr. Although this is an elevated radiation level and prolonged
exposure could be dangerous, the short-term radiation level set for
Japanese workers working on the nuclear complex is 250 mSv, and would
take considerable time to reach.
Although the
risks of serious widespread radiation contamination in this case are
low, the procedures outlined by government agencies should always be
strictly adhered to. These procedures aim to limit the spread of
radiation and minimize risk to exposed areas. Although the specific
instructions given out for each incident vary, here are a few general
guidelines that should always be followed.
First, in case
of radiation contamination, get people (including yourself) out of
harm’s way as quickly as possible and notify authorities. Radiation
spreads easily though blowing dust and smoke, so radiation-free secure
zones must be established by sealing off areas from the outside
environment by closing and weather-proofing doors and windows and
placing food and water in well-insulated areas such as basements.
Second, since
human skin generally acts a good barrier against low-level radiation,
the biggest threat is breathing in radioactive materials or somehow
ingesting them. Make sure to wear a face mask in areas that may be
contaminated and wash hands regularly. If you suspect someone has been
exposed to radioactive dust, the best solution is usually as simple as
discarding contaminated clothing and washing with soap and water, as
this will rid the body of radiation before it can cause damage. As an
additional precaution against significant amounts of radiation,
potassium iodide tablets are sometimes given to protect the thyroid
gland.
Third,
preparation is vital when it comes to any kind of disaster, and we
recommend everyone keep an emergency kit close at hand so that they can
be personally prepared in case of any crisis. This kit should include
such things as food and water for a few days, water filtration kit,
emergency blanket, rain gear, batteries for radios and detectors, dust
mask, extra clothing, flashlight, candles, waterproof matches, cooking
utensils, necessary medications, and a first aid kit. Although we
generally take these supplies for granted, shortages can occur quickly
in crisis situations.
Preparation is
vital when it comes to any kind of disaster, and we recommend all
public safety personnel keep an emergency kit close at hand so that they
can be personally prepared to serve the public. This kit should
include such things as food and water for a few days, emergency blanket,
rain gear, batteries for radios and detectors, dust mask, extra
clothing, candles, waterproof matches, cooking utensils, necessary
medications, and a first aid kit. Although we generally take these
supplies for granted, shortages can occur quickly in crisis situations.
Although the
current nuclear crisis continues to make headlines and is a great source
of fear for many, it is important to know the real risks involved and
how to cope with them. With a little knowledge of radiation safety, and
material preparation for a crisis, we can minimize future risks and
know better what we’re up against.
D-tect Systems
is supplier of advanced radiation and chemical detection equipment sold
around the world. www.dtectsystems.com.
