Precautionary Measures: How to Protect Yourself from Nuclear Radiation
As Iran and Israel are engaged in a military escalation, the world is on high alert fearing that the conflict could spiral into a nuclear confrontation.
With reports indicating that Israeli strikes have inflicted damage on some Iranian nuclear facilities, questions arise about the possibility of a nuclear radiation and how can people protect themselves in case of such emergencies. Active Monitoring in Saudi Arabia
Due to their proximity to the warring parties, countries across the Middle East are particularly concerned over being exposed to potential nuclear radiation. In this regards, Saudi Arabia's Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC) is actively monitoring radiation levels in the Kingdom.
The NRRC monitors radiation levels through its National Network for Continuous Environmental Radiological Monitoring and Early Warning, which operates 240 stations across Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia Safe of Radiation
Following the flare-up of tensions, the NRRC confirmed that radiation levels in Saudi Arabia remain normal, stressing that the Commission proactively evaluates potential nuclear emergency scenarios and implements the necessary precautionary measures to protect the people and environment from radiation impacts.
Moreover, the NRRC noted that its proactive national capabilities to predict radioactive fallout cover the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, emphasizing that its evaluation indicates that there is no need for activating nuclear emergency response plans.
Similarly, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that there are no elevated radiation levels at the Natanz enrichment site in Iran. Furthermore, the information received by the Nuclear Emergency Operations Center of the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Organization (NERCO) from the Iranian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) confirms that there is no environmental contamination in the vicinity of the Natanz and Isfahan uranium enrichment plants. What is Nuclear Radiation?
Nuclear radiation is the invisible energy particles or waves emerging from the nuclei of unstable atoms, called radioactive materials. Exposure to radiation happens when these radioactive materials are released into the environment, as a result of an accident, a natural disaster, or an act of terrorism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Nuclear radiation can have harmful effects on human health, as well as the surrounding environment. The health risks include short-term effects, such as the Acute Radiation Syndrome, which happens when the body is exposed to a large dose of radiation for a short time, and the Cutaneous Radiation Injury (CRI), which causes injury to the skin due to exposure to a large dose of radiation.
Meanwhile, long-term health effects include diseases such as cancer and emotional and psychological distress. Moreover, prenatal radiation exposure happens when a pregnant woman's abdomen is exposed to radiation, impacting the fetus. Nuclear Radiation Emergency
In case of a radiation emergency, you should follow these precautionary steps as recommended by the CDC:
Take shelter inside a building, as walls can help in blocking much of the harmful radiation. Carefully remove the outer layer of your clothing before entering the building.
Once inside, close and lock all windows and doors, reach for the basement or the middle of the building, and stay as far away as possible from the walls and roof.
It is preferable to turn off fans, air conditioners and heating units that bring air in from the outside. You should remain inside and follow instructions until authorities say it is safe to go outside.
In order to decontaminate yourself, wash parts of your body that were exposed while outside, and wear clean clothes. Drink bottled water and eat food in sealed containers.
Radioactive materials become weaker over time, so it is advised to stay inside for at least 24 hours or until emergency officials say it is safe to leave the area. Follow updated information through television, radio or social media. It is recommended to keep a battery-powered radio with extra batteries for emergency situations.
If you were outside and could not reach a building, cover your mouth and nose with a mask or a towel.
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