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- Services and providers for Radiation Emergencies in the U.S.
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Radiation Emergencies
Radiation is a type of energy. People are exposed to small amounts of radiation every day from sources such as sunlight. A radiation emergency would involve larger amounts of radiation and could be caused by
- Dirty bombs - a mix of explosives with radioactive powder
- Fallout from a nuclear bomb
- Accidental release from a nuclear reactor or a nuclear weapons plant
A lot of radiation over a short period can cause burns or radiation sickness. If the exposure is large enough, it can cause premature aging or even death.
Although there are no guarantees of safety during a radiation emergency, you can take actions to protect yourself. You should have a disaster plan. Being prepared can help reduce fear, anxiety and losses.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Start Here
- Radiation Emergencies(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
| Basics | Learn More | Multimedia & Cool Tools |
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| Research | Reference Shelf | For You |
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Overviews
- Radiation Emergencies: Emergency Preparedness and Response(Environmental Protection Agency)
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Prevention/Screening
- Radiation Protection Basics(Environmental Protection Agency)
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Specific Conditions
- Dirty Bombs(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Frequently Asked Questions about a Nuclear Blast(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Nuclear Power Plant Emergency(Federal Emergency Management Agency)
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Nuclear Threat(Dept. of Homeland Security)
Also available in Spanish
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Radiation Threat(Dept. of Homeland Security)
Also available in Spanish
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Related Issues
- Facts about Evacuation during a Radiation Emergency(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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Sheltering in Place during a Radiation Emergency(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Also available in Spanish
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Journal Articles
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Radiologic and nuclear events: contingency planning for hematologists/oncologists.
- Article: Clinical care in the "Hot Zone".
- Article: Lessons learned from Chernobyl and other emergencies: establishing international requirements...
- Radiation Emergencies -- see more articles
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Organizations
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Also available in Spanish
- Environmental Protection Agency
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Federal Emergency Management Agency
Also available in Spanish
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Children
- What to Do If There Is a Nuclear or Radiological Attack(Federal Emergency Management Agency)
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Date last updated: 11 August 2008 Topic last reviewed: 25 June 2008 |