Dealing with Radiation Exposure Dangerous Trauma

Dealing with radiation exposure can improve when you are prepped for it. Let’s also assume, for a moment, that you have read our guide on building a bomb shelter. Let’s also assume you can survive the initial blast, and have food enough to last until you can get your survival garden going. That’s all well and good, but there’s something that no one talks about, it’s almost insidious in its nature – Radiation Exposure.

Dealing with Radiation Exposure

Dealing with Radiation Exposure can have harmful effects on our bodies, but there are steps we can take to mitigate the damage. Here are some ways to reduce the harmful effects of radiation exposure:

1. Time, Distance, and Shielding: Limit the time you spend near a source of radiation, increase your distance from it, and use shielding materials, such as concrete or lead, to protect yourself.

2. 

   Potassium Iodide (KI): KI can help protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine, which can be released during a nuclear accident. However, KI should only be taken if directed by public health officials or healthcare providers.
   Note: If you are exposed to a nuclear explosion, you do not need to wait for a professional to take Potassium Iodide.

3. Diet: Eating a healthy diet, rich in antioxidants and certain nutrients, such as vitamin C, can help support the body’s natural defense mechanisms against radiation damage.

4. Hydration: Staying well hydrated can help flush radioactive particles from the body and reduce the risk of damage to organs.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): If you work in an environment with radiation, using appropriate PPE, such as radiation suits, can help protect you from exposure. The DuPont Tyvek® 600 coveralls are rated to help prevent radiation exposure to .1 micron.

6. Medical Treatment: If you have been exposed to high levels of radiation, seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Medical treatment may include medications to remove radioactive particles from the body, bone marrow transplants, or other treatments, depending on the severity of the exposure.

WARNING: An Adult needs 130 mg per day for 10 days following exposure. When ordering it, do NOT confuse micrograms (mcg) and milligrams (mg). Some dubious sellers list the dosage at 130 mcg, in the hopes you won’t notice.

Radiation PPE Compliance

When seeking a PPE suit when dealing with radiation exposure, the compliance standard you should look for is ASTM International standard F1002, which provides guidance for selecting and evaluating PPE for use in nuclear facilities or other environments where radioactive contamination may be present.

This standard outlines the performance requirements for protective clothing and equipment, including radiation protection, thermal protection, and physical durability. It also provides guidance for testing and evaluating the effectiveness of PPE in mitigating radiation exposure.

In addition to ASTM F1002, other relevant standards for PPE to mitigate radiation exposure may include International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 16603 and 16604, which address protective clothing performance against liquid and aerosol contaminants, respectively, and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61331-1 and -2, which address the performance requirements for protective devices against ionizing radiation.

It’s important to consult with radiation protection professionals or qualified safety experts when selecting and evaluating PPE for use in environments where radioactive contamination may be present, and to ensure that the selected PPE meets the appropriate standards for radiation protection.

DuPont sells the Tyvek® 600 which is their only disposable suit to mitigate exposure to radioactive materials. You can buy them direct from DuPont or order them here. No other DuPont suit is made for dealing with radiation exposure. You will also need their booties, gloves, and a facial shield to protect against accidental inhalation of radioactive materials.

Symptoms of Radiation Exposure

Part of dealing with radiation exposure, is knowing the signs. The symptoms of radiation exposure can vary depending on the dose and duration of exposure. Here are some of the common symptoms of radiation exposure:

1. Nausea and vomiting: This is a common symptom that may occur within hours of exposure to high levels of radiation.

2. Skin damage: Exposure to radiation can cause skin damage, including redness, rash, and burns. Severe skin damage may lead to the formation of blisters or ulcers.

3. Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak is a common symptom of radiation exposure. This can occur even with low levels of exposure and may persist for some time.

4. Hair loss: Exposure to high levels of radiation can cause hair loss. This can occur several weeks after exposure and may be temporary or permanent.

5. Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a common symptom that may occur within a few hours to a few days of exposure to high levels of radiation.

6. Fever: Exposure to high levels of radiation can cause a fever, which may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting.

7. Dizziness and confusion: Exposure to high levels of radiation can cause dizziness and confusion, which may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as headache and disorientation.

It’s important to note that symptoms of dealing with radiation exposure may not be immediate and can appear days, weeks, or even months after exposure, depending on the dose and duration of exposure. If you suspect that you have been exposed and are dealing with radiation exposure, it’s critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Fukushima Daiichi Accident

The Fukushima Daiichi Accident occurred in 2011 following a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Japan. The event resulted in a nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant[Source 1], leading to the release of radioactive material into the environment and the evacuation of over 100,000 people.

The accident was caused by a combination of factors, including the lack of adequate tsunami protections, the failure of emergency cooling systems and the inability of the operator to quickly respond to the situation. As a result of the accident, the plant was decommissioned and the surrounding area is still being decontaminated. The accident highlighted the need for improved safety measures at nuclear power plants and has had an impact on the development of nuclear power around the world[Source 2].

Vitamin C

It is worth mentioning that in situations where engineers were required to check for potential radiation leaks at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, it was essential for them to take precautionary measures and wear protective equipment. This included fire suits and radiation PPE, to safeguard themselves when dealing with radiation exposure. In addition to this, they were also instructed to take a dosage of 1000 mg of vitamin C four times a day.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a vital nutrient that plays a crucial role in several bodily functions. It is an essential vitamin for wound healing, and as a powerful antioxidant, it can help mitigate the damage caused by radiation exposure. The human body is incapable of producing its own vitamin C, and therefore, it must be obtained from external sources such as diet and supplements. In situations where exposure to radiation is a concern, the inclusion of vitamin C in one’s emergency bug-out-bag could turn out to be a prudent decision. By doing so, it is possible to ensure that the body has an adequate supply of this vital nutrient to facilitate the healing process and minimize the harmful effects when dealing with radiation exposure.