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Dirty Bomb Attack Immediate Action Guidance At the blast site:
Follow instructions of the emergency personnel. Stay calm, you have time, decontamination does not need to begin immediately. Remain in the area until released by emergency personnel. Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief.
Near the blast site:
Stay calm, you have time, decontamination does not need to begin immediately. Cover you mouth and nose with a handkerchief or other material. Proceed on foot away from the area. Do not take public transport, so you do not contaminate buses, subways, railcars, etc. If you drive your car or truck, do not use the air conditioner or heater. At home, remove clothing outside and place in plastic bag. Shower twice, wash all hair thoroughly. News broadcasts will instruct you on how to discard contaminated clothing and how to clean your car or truck.
Symptoms:
Symptoms depend on amount of radiation received. Radiation doses are referred to as the number of rem, just like temperature is referred to as the number of degrees. A chest x-ray is about 1/100th rem. An exposure of 5 - 75 rem produces few observable symptoms. An exposure of 75 - 200 rem causes vomiting, fatigue, and appetite loss - recovery takes a few weeks. An exposure of more than 600 rem causes hair loss and an inability to fight infections - it is
usually fatal.
Treatment if exposed:
Treatments are available for some types of radiation exposure. Wash any open wound several times with soap and water. -
Anti nausea drugs and painkillers can relieve some symptoms.
Antibiotics can fight secondary infections. Blood transfusions may be needed.
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