Radiation Information

1. Alpha - The least penetrating, it can be stopped by a piece of paper.
   
   
2. Beta - It can be stopped by a thin piece of aluminum.
   
   
3. Gamma - It can be stopped by lead, water or concrete.
   

You could be exposed to radioactive materials in three ways:

1. Radioactive material in the air and on the ground. You can prevent exposure by going to a place with no radioactive material.
   
   
2. Radioactive material on hair, skin and clothing. Exposure will stop if you wash off the radioactive material.
   
   
3. Breathing or swallowing radioactive material. Exposure will stop when the material stops giving off radiation or when your body eliminates it.

A nuclear blast is an explosion with intense light and heat, a damaging pressure wave and widespread radioactive material that can contaminate the air, water and ground surfaces for miles around. During a nuclear incident, it is important to avoid radioactive material, if possible.

While experts may predict at this time that a nuclear attack is less likely than other types, terrorism by its nature is unpredictable.

« this page last modified 04/03/07 »