Radiation Exposure Treatment

Preparation Steps

• Understand the difference between irradiation (radiation passing through your body from an external source) and contamination (radioactive material on your skin, clothing, or inside your body) — contamination is the most manageable type and decontamination is highly effective.
• If advised by local authorities, keep potassium iodide (KI) tablets at home and know the correct dosage for each age group.
• Know the location of your nearest official decontamination center and emergency hospital with a radiation medicine unit.
• Keep a sealed change of clothing and a supply of clean water available in a protected location.
• Follow official guidance on whether to shelter in place or evacuate — do not self-evacuate unless told to do so.

Immediate Actions

• Remove your outer clothing immediately — this single action eliminates up to 80% of external radioactive contamination; place clothing in a sealed plastic bag and move it away from people.
• Shower thoroughly with soap and lukewarm water — do not scrub your skin; pat gently to avoid breaking skin and creating an entry point for particles.
• Blow your nose gently and wipe your eyelids and ears with a clean, damp cloth.
• Contact emergency services and follow their specific instructions for your situation.
• Take KI tablets only if directed by authorities and only at the recommended dose — KI protects the thyroid gland only; it does not protect against other radiation effects.

What to Avoid

• Do not touch your face, mouth, or eyes before completing decontamination — this prevents ingesting radioactive particles.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke anything that may have been exposed to contamination.
• Do not use hair conditioner — it can bind radioactive particles to hair, making decontamination harder.
• Do not assume you are safe simply because you feel fine — radiation sickness symptoms can be delayed by hours or days.
• Do not donate blood or undergo elective procedures until cleared by medical professionals.

Supplies Needed

• KI (potassium iodide) tablets, stored according to manufacturer and local authority guidance.
• A sealed change of clothing kept in a protected indoor location.
• Soap and a supply of clean, sealed water for decontamination showers.
• Sealed plastic bags for containing contaminated clothing and materials.

Recovery Steps

• Seek a full medical evaluation as soon as possible and provide staff with the time, duration, location, and estimated level of your exposure.
• Do not donate blood until a medical professional has cleared you to do so.
• Follow the medical monitoring schedule prescribed — blood counts and thyroid function may need periodic testing.
• Document all symptoms, their onset time, and any treatments received for your medical record.
• Contact your country's nuclear regulatory authority or public health agency for ongoing guidance and monitoring resources.