Protective Measures Against Nuclear Attack

The isotopes uranium-235 and plutonium-239 selected by the atomic scientists used in nuclear weapon because they readily undergo fission. Fission occurs when a neutron strikes the nucleus of either isotope, splitting the nucleus into fragments and releasing a tremendous amount of energy. The fission process becomes self-sustaining as neutrons produced by the splitting of atom strike nearby nuclei and produce more fission. This chain reaction causes an atomic explosion.

Short-Term Effects of Nuclear Bomb Explosion:

Nuclear Explosion most immediate effect is an intense burst of nuclear radiation, primarily gamma rays and neutrons. Nuclear weapon which is exploding instantly vaporizes itself and the cold solid material microseconds earlier becomes a gas hotter than the Sun 15-million-degree core. This hot gas radiates its energy in the form of X-rays, which further will heat the surrounding air. Superheated fireball air forms and grows rapidly, 10 seconds after a 1-megaton explosion, the fireball is a mile in diameter. The fireball glows visibly from its own heat — so visibly that the early stages of a 1-megaton fireball are many times brighter than the Sun even at a distance of 50 miles. Besides light, the glowing fireball radiates heat. The intense heat can ignite fires and cause severe burns on exposed flesh as far as 20 miles from a large thermonuclear explosion.

How can we protect ourselves from nuclear weapons?

Radiation Protection Rule of Time, Distance and Shielding

1.     Time: Limit your time exposed to radiation

2.     Distance: Stay as far away as possible from a radioactive source

3.     Shielding : Shield yourself from radiation by going deep inside a sturdy/robust building.

Barriers of lead, concrete, or water provide protection from penetrating gamma rays. Duct tape and plastic sheeting or even heavy-duty trash bags can be used to create an airlock in a room to reduce the amount of radioactive materials that might get into an area. These materials provide temporary shelter for you and your family for about five hours. windowless basement rooms. You are best protected in windowless rooms or basements where walls and surrounding soil provide an effective shield.

The best way to protect you and your family before, during, and after a nuclear blast is getting inside the centre of a building or basement. The safest buildings have brick or concrete walls. Underground parking garages and subways can also provide good shelter. Remain in the most protective location (basement or centre of a large building) for the first 12 – 24 hours unless threatened by an immediate hazard (e.g., fire, gas leak, building collapse, or serious injury) or informed by authorities that it is safe to leave.

Keep windows and doors shut and switch off air conditioning or ventilation systems. This reduces the flow of air and helps to stop radioactive material from entering your home.

Cover your nose and mouth with a mask or cloth. If possible, cover your shoes and clothes with an additional layer (e.g. plastic, tissue). On return, remove the additional layer, shoes and outer layer of clothing and then wipe or wash exposed areas of skin with soap and water.

Children and pregnant women are more sensitive to radiation and should maximize their time in the most protected areas within the shelter (the middle of the building or basement areas).

Continue to consume stored food and drinking water sparingly, as you may have to shelter for several days. Packaging/containers from outside should be wiped or rinsed off first. Wash hands before handling food. Avoid harvesting and consuming fruits and vegetables from local gardens, as they may be contaminated.

A stock of bottled drinking water (2 L per day per person) and water for hygiene and decontamination (2-4 L per day per person) for several days. Stock for a week or two is strongly recommended. Additional water is required for pets.

Removing your outer layer of clothing can remove up to 90% of radioactive material. Be very careful in removing your clothing to prevent radioactive dust from shaking loose. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, if possible.

Avoid the vicinity of doors and windows, as the blast wave can cause them to be hazardous.

If you have been evacuated, do not return until you are told it is safe to do so by local authorities.

Dr ( Prof) Meenu Gupta

Radiation Oncologist

EX Senior Resident SKIMS, SRINAGAR

Ex Fellow M.D Anderson Cancer Centre Texas USA

Director Oncology , Hope Hospital, Haridwar.