Operations Level

Goal: Increase understanding of radiation and provide information on safe response. Topics 1. Radiation Physics 2. Radiation Health Effects 3. Radiation Detection 4. Radiation Response

Mr. Wizard Explains Radiation

The ways to reduce your dose in a radiation emergency: 1. Time- Limit the amount of time in the radiation hot zone. 2. Distance- The farther away the less effect radiation can have on your body. 3. Shielding- Thick things stop radiation. Lead, concrete walls, fire engines are all good shielding.

Source: US EPA

What is Radiation Dose

The Radiation Absorbed Dose is used to measure the amount of radiation absorbed by an object or person, known as the “absorbed dose,” which reflects the amount of energy that radioactive sources deposit in materials through which they pass. The radiation-absorbed dose (rad) is the amount of energy (from any type of ionizing radiation) deposited in any medium (e.g., water, tissue, air). An absorbed dose of 1 rad means that 1 gram of material absorbed 100 ergs of energy (a small but measurable amount) as a result of exposure to radiation. Roentgen equivalent man (rem) is another measurement you may see. A rad=rem. Source: US NRC Website

Your dose is calculated based on the rads you receive over time. Example: You are exposed to 20 Rad for 15 minutes. Your dose is 5 Rad based on the dose(20 Rad) X ¼ hour=5 Rad.

Delayed Effects 1. Radiation-induced carcinogenesis 2. Genetic abnormalities in off spring 3. Organ damage 4. Cataracts 5. Infertility 6. Hyperparathyroidism 7. Decreased immunity Immediate Effects 1. Skin Burns

The three classic ARS Syndromes are: 1. Bone marrow syndrome: The full syndrome will usually occur with a dose greater than approximately 70 rads although mild symptoms may occur as low as 30 rads. The survival rate of patients with this syndrome decreases with increasing dose. The primary cause of death is the destruction of the bone marrow, resulting in infection and hemorrhage. 2. Gastrointestinal (GI) syndrome: The full syndrome will usually occur with a dose greater than approximately 1000 rads although some symptoms may occur as low as 600 rads. Survival is extremely unlikely with this syndrome. Destructive and irreparable changes in the GI tract and bone marrow usually cause infection, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. Death usually occurs within 2 weeks.

3. Cardiovascular (CV)/ Central Nervous System (CNS) syndrome: The full syndrome will usually occur with a dose greater than approximately 5000 rads although some symptoms may occur as low as 2000 rads. Death occurs within 3 days. Death likely is due to collapse of the circulatory system as well as increased pressure in the confining cranial vault as the result of increased fluid content caused by edema, vasculitis, and meningitis. Alexander Litvinenko was poisoned with Polonium-210 in a London restaurant. He ingested the radioactive material and died about 2 weeks later of ARS. Source: Before After

Internal contamination occurs when people swallow or breathe in radioactive materials, or when radioactive materials enter the body through an open wound or are absorbed through the skin. Some types of radioactive materials stay in the body and are deposited in different body organs. Other types are eliminated from the body in blood, sweat, urine, and feces.  Source:

Any time you respond to an explosion, you encounter a radioactive placard or enter any space with a warning that radiation is present you should utilize your dosimeter. 1. Turn on your dosimeter and note the background. 2. If you encounter twice the background or the dosimeter alarms, you have confirmed the presence of radiation. 3. Leave the area, note where the readings changed and protect yourselves with time, distance and shielding. 4. Request a HM response if not en route.

If your crew or PTs become contaminated with radiological material: 1. Remove contaminated clothing. 2. Protect routes of exposure. Mouth, nose, eyes and damaged skin. 3. Take a shower with soap and water as soon as possible. 4. Seek radiologic survey (metering) to confirm effective decontamination and medical evaluation if indicated.

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