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Lane County Public Health Department
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Programs & Services
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Radiological Emergencies
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General Information
Radioactive contamination and radiation exposure could occur if radioactive materials are released into the environment as the result of an accident, an event in nature, or an act of terrorism. Such a release could expose people and contaminate their surroundings and personal property. After a release of radioactive materials, local authorities will monitor the levels of radiation and determine what protective actions to take. LCPH radiological emergencies plans are active and ongoing in order to prepare for a radiological incident that could cause disruption of normal medical, commercial and governmental services.
Links on this Page
Radiation
Radioactive Contamination
Radioactive Exposure
Potential Radiation Terrorist Events
Preparedness for Radiation Emergency
Protection During a Radiation Emergency
Further Information
Contact
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Radiation
- Radiation is a form of energy that is present all around us.
- Different types of radiation exist, some of which have more energy than others.
- Amounts of radiation released into the environment are measured in units called curies.
- However, the dose of radiation that a person receives is measured in units called REM.
For more information on radiation measurement; see the CDC fact sheet Radiation Measurement.
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Radioactive Contamination
- Contamination refers to particles of radioactive material that are deposited anywhere that they are not supposed to be, such as on an object or on a person’s skin.
- External contamination occurs when radioactive material, in the form of dust, powder, or liquid, comes into contact with a person's skin, hair, or clothing.
- Internal contamination refers to radioactive material that is taken into the body through breathing, eating, or drinking.
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Radioactive Exposure
- Exposure occurs when radiation energy penetrates a person’s body. For example, when a person has an x-ray, he or she is exposed to radiation.
- People are exposed to small amounts of radiation every day, both from naturally occurring sources (such as elements in the soil or the rays from the sun), and man-made sources.
- Man-made sources include some electronic equipment (such as microwave ovens and television sets), medical sources (such as x-rays, certain diagnostic tests, and treatments), and from nuclear weapons testing.
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Potential Radiation Terrorist Events
Possible terrorist events could involve introducing radioactive material into the food or water supply, using explosives (like dynamite) to scatter radioactive materials (called a “dirty bomb”), bombing or destroying a nuclear facility, or exploding a small nuclear device.
For more information about radiation terrorist events, see the CDC Radiation Emergencies website.
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Preparedness for Radiation Emergency
Check with your child’s school, the nursing home of a family member, and your employer to see what their plans are for dealing with a radiation emergency. Develop your own family emergency plan so that every family member knows what to do.
For more information about preparing for a radiation emergency event, check the following Web sites:
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Protection During a Radiation Emergency
The most appropriate action will depend on the situation. Tune to the local emergency response network or news station for information and instructions during any emergency. If a radiation emergency involves the release of large amounts of radioactive materials, you may be advised to “shelter in place,” which means to stay in your home or office; or you may be advised to move to another location.
- If you are advised to shelter in place, you should do the following:
- Close and lock all doors and windows.
- Turn off fans, air conditioners, and forced-air heating units that bring in fresh air from the outside. Only use units to recirculate air that is already in the building.
- Close fireplace dampers.
- If possible, bring pets inside.
- Move to an inner room or basement.
- Keep your radio tuned to the emergency response network or local news to find out what else you need to do.
- If you are advised to evacuate, follow the directions that your local officials provide and:
- Leave the area as quickly and orderly as possible.
- Take a flashlight, portable radio, batteries, first-aid kit, supply of sealed food and water, hand-operated can opener, essential medicines, cash and credit cards.
- Take pets only if you are using your own vehicle and going to a place you know will accept animals. Emergency vehicles and shelters usually will not accept animals.
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Further Information
Lane County
LCPH Programs
State
National
Organizations
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Contact
Phone: (541) 682-4008
Program Coordinator: Brian K Johnson
LCPH services are available regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and marital status. LCPH facilities are wheelchair accessible. LCPH materials are available upon request in alternative formats such as: large print, Braille and other languages.
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