Definition: Radioactive material could be hidden from sight to expose people to radiation without their knowledge.

The dangers of a Radiological Exposure Device depend on:
a) The type and amount of radioactive material
b) How long were people near the device
c) What parts of their body were exposed

What should I do to protect myself:

-Report a suspected Radiological Exposure Device to law enforcement officials immediately.
-Stay as far away from the suspected RED as possible.
-If a RED is identified, and you believe you have been exposed, listen for instructions from emergency officials and contact your doctor.

Workplaces like healthcare facilities, research institutions, and various manufacturing operations use radiation sources. An accident is caused due to improper use of radiation, or if there are malfunctions of safety controls, accidents can happen.

Occupational accidents involving radiation can affect health based on several factors:
a) The type and amount of radioactive material
b) How long people were near the radioactive material or how long the radioactive material was in or on the body
c) How close people were to the radioactive material
d) What parts of the body were exposed

Followed safety precautions and procedures and complete required radiation safety training.

Report any occupational accidents involving radiation to safety officials immediately. Stay as far away from the site of the accident as possible.

Listen for instructions from safety officials and contact your doctor if believe have been exposed to radiation

EXAMPLE;
Accident in the transport of radioactive material.

Radiation Sickness (also called acute radiation syndrome or ARS)

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• Emergency officials are trained to respond to disaster situations and will provide specific actions to help keep people safe.
• Use radios, televisions, computers, mobile devices, and other tools to get the latest information.
• Emergency officials will provide information on where to go to get screened for contamination.

• In a radiation emergency you may be asked to get inside a building and take shelter for a period of time.
  -This action is called “sheltering in place.”
• Get to the middle of the building or a basement, away from doors and windows.
• Bring pets inside.
  
  
  

• Staying inside will reduce your exposure to radiation.
• Close and lock windows and doors.
• Take a shower or wipe exposed parts of your body with a damp cloth.
• Drink bottled water and eat food in sealed containers.

Example of IND accidents:
The bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, at the end of World War II

A dirty bomb cannot create an atomic blast like an improvised nuclear device or nuclear weapon.

When the dirty bomb explodes, the blast carries radioactive material into the surrounding area.

The explosion from a dirty bomb can cause serious injuries and property damage.

Only people who are very close to the blast site would be exposed to enough radiation to cause immediate serious illness. However, the radioactive dust and smoke can spread farther away and could be dangerous to health if people breathe in the dust, eat contaminated food, or drink contaminated water.

Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth to reduce the risk of breathing in radioactive dust or smoke.

Don’t touch objects thrown off by an explosion, they might be radioactive.

Quickly go into a building where the walls and windows have not been broken. This area will shield you from radiation that might be outside.

Once you are inside, take off your outer layer of clothing and seal it in a plastic bag if available. Put the cloth you used to cover your mouth in the bag, too. Removing outer clothes may get rid of up to 90% of radioactive dust.

Put the plastic bag where others will not touch it and keep it until authorities tell you what to do with it.

Shower or wash with soap and water. Be sure to wash your hair. Washing will remove any remaining dust.