Radiation hazard

Radioactive substances can be in liquid, solid, powder, or gas forms. Humans may be exposed to radiation hazards during the use of nuclear weapons, nuclear explosions, or in nuclear hazardous facilities due to the effects of radionuclides.

If there is a danger of radiation, the land, water, air, buildings, etc. in that area are exposed to radioactive contamination. The more the air is contaminated with radioactive substances, the more the danger of radiation increases. Air contaminated with radioactive powder spreads quickly by the wind, and radioactive substances settle on the top layer of water and soil in a larger area over time. As a result, radioactive substances that sink deep into the top layer of the soil lead to the exposure of living beings to the danger of radiation through food and water.

Radioactive contamination causes serious damage to agriculture as well as public health. At this time, the use of agricultural products produced in the contaminated area, fishing, and hunting are prohibited.

When there is a large-scale radiation hazard, the evacuation of people from kilometers, sometimes tens of kilometers, is organized.

Effects of radiation on the human body:

Radioactive substances disrupt the function of the nervous system, damage the thyroid gland, lungs, and gastrointestinal mucosa, and, as a result, destroy the cells in the human body. Most of the time, the body is not able to regenerate cells, the functioning of internal organs is disturbed, the immunity against infectious diseases weakens, and a serious threat to human life arises.

Ways of protecting against radioactive contamination:

- be as far away as possible from areas contaminated with radioactive substances;

- breath in air contaminated with radioactive substances with personal protective equipment;

- not to use food products contaminated with radioactive substances;

- close the doors, windows, and ventilation systems of the apartments, and do not go out after the warning about the approach of radioactive powder clouds to the place of residence;

- in case of any change in health, immediately contact the nearest medical facility;

- keep domestic animals indoors in case of a radioactive hazard, limit contact with them;

- follow the information released by official agencies about the area, degree, and preventive measures for radioactive contamination.

Evacuation activities:

-The requirements of the relevant authorities regarding evacuation immediately after the "radiation hazard" signal must be followed;

-"Radiation hazard" signal is a signal lasting 2-3 minutes through loudspeakers, TV and radio networks, and sirens;

-Have an emergency pack handy with a certain amount of food, water, medical supplies, important documents, money, a flashlight, and warm clothes.

- During the evacuation, children, the elderly, and physically disabled persons should be helped;

-Pets that cannot be taken with you should be provided with a few days' supply of food and water;

- It is strictly forbidden to return to the evacuated area without the permission of the relevant authorities.