Protecting Yourself from Radiation
Radiation is part of our lives. , coming primarily from natural minerals, is around us all the time. Fortunately, there are very few situations where an average person is exposed to uncontrolled sources of radiation above background. Nevertheless, it is wise to be prepared and know what to do if such a situation arises.
One of the best ways to be prepared is to understand the radiation protection principles of time, distance and shielding. During a radiological emergency (a large release of radioactive material into the environment), we can use these principles to help protect ourselves and our families.
On this page:
Time, Distance and Shielding
Time, distance, and shielding actions minimize your exposure to radiation in much the same way as they would to protect you against overexposure to the sun:
- Time: For people who are exposed to in addition to natural background radiation, limiting or minimizing the exposure time reduces the dose from the radiation source.
- Distance: The dose of radiation decreases dramatically as you increase your distance from the source, just as the heat from a fire reduces as you move further away.
- Shielding: Barriers of lead, concrete or water provide protection from penetrating and . This is why certain radioactive materials are stored under water or in concrete or lead-lined rooms, and why dentists place a lead apron on patients receiving x-rays of their teeth. Placing the proper shield between you and a radiation source will greatly reduce or eliminate the dose you receive.
How to Protect Yourself in a Radiation Emergency
During a radiation emergency, you can take actions to protect yourself, your loved ones and your pets: Get Inside, Stay Inside and Stay Tuned. Follow the advice of emergency responders and officials.
Get Inside
In a radiation emergency you may be asked to get inside a building and take shelter for a period of time.
- Get to the middle of the building or a basement, away from doors and windows.
- Bring pets inside.
Stay Inside
Staying inside will reduce your exposure to radiation.
- Close windows and doors.
- Take a shower or wipe exposed parts of your body with a damp cloth.
- Drink bottled water and eat food from sealed containers.
Stay Tuned
Emergency officials are trained to respond to disaster situations and will provide specific actions to help keep people safe.
- Get the latest information from radio, television, the Internet, mobile devices, etc.
- Act promptly on the guidance from local public health and safety officials.
Where to go in a Radiation Emergency
- If you are outside or in an unstable structure, get inside the nearest sturdy building.
- The safest place to be is in the basement or innermost room of a structurally sound building.
- Concrete and soil protect you from radiation.
- More walls provide more protection.
- Stay away from windows, or choose a room with no windows, if possible.
View the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's video, “Where to Go in a Radiation Emergency”.
Resources
Learn more about protecting yourself from radiation:
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Ready.gov
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Emergency Preparedness and Response: Radiation Emergencies
If you identify or come in contact with a radioactive source, locate and contact your state radiation control office.