In the conditions of the Russian-Ukrainian war, it is important to understand the algorithm of actions in case of various emergencies. One of them is a radiation accident.
There are four powerful nuclear power plants on the territory of our state. Recent news reports that Russia's military has shelled the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant.
Therefore, the population must be informed about actions and measures to maintain their security.
The first rule is to listen to the government instructions, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, and other institutions that will coordinate the situation on the ground.
If you have a radiation emergency in your area, you need to
- Go to a shelter, basement, or in the middle of a building. Radioactive material settles on the outside of buildings, so you should stay as far away from the walls and roof of the building;
- Take pets inside;
- Close and lock all windows and doors in the room. Do not approach them unnecessarily;
- Make a several-day supply of water in airtight containers. The products should be wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in the refrigerator or cabinet.
- Prepare a mask, respirator, or gauze bandage to protect the respiratory system.
What to do if you need to get out of hiding?
- Leave only when necessary. Use a respirator, raincoat, rubber boots, and gloves;
- Do not undress on the street, do not sit on the ground, do not swim in open water;
- After returning home, remove the top layer of clothing. This way, you will get rid of up to 90 percent of the radioactive material. Do this carefully so as not to shake off the radioactive dust. Place clothes in a plastic bag or airtight container and keep them away from people and pets;
- Take a shower. If this is not possible, wash your hands, face, and exposed parts with soap under running water. If you do not have access to water, use damp wipes or a damp cloth. Pay special attention to your hands and face, wipe eyelids, eyelashes, ears;
- Put on clean clothing.
How to eat and drink safely?
- Drink water only from proven sources. As long as rescuers or authorities do not report the safety of tap water, only bottled water will remain uncontaminated. The packaging protects the liquid inside from radioactive substances;
- Boiling tap water does not rid it of radioactive substances. So, keep water in bottles or other airtight containers;
- You can use tap or well water to wash yourself and food and water packaging. Any radioactive material that enters the surface or groundwater will be diluted with water to a very low level and will be safe for washing skin, hair, and clothing;
- Food from airtight containers (cans, jars, bottles, boxes, etc.) is safe. Food stored in the refrigerator or freezer is also safe.
Iodine prophylaxis
During a radiation accident at nuclear installations, radioactive substances and significant amounts of radioactive iodine isotopes may be released into the environment.
To reduce or prevent radiation exposure to the thyroid gland in such accidents, the Ministry of Health has developed guidelines for iodine prophylaxis in the event of a radiation accident.
Iodine prophylaxis is an urgent protective measure consisting in the introduction of stable iodine into the human body in the event of a radiation accident under the following conditions:
- In the case of exposure to radioactive isotopes of iodine (RII).
- Before or shortly after RII release.
- Only for a short period before or after absorption by RII by the thyroid gland.
Therefore it is necessary to carry out prevention only after the official announcement of the release of RII!
The risk of radiation damage to the thyroid gland can be reduced or even prevented by timely appointment of IP as such or in combination with other radiation protection measures: restriction of outdoor exposure, shelter, evacuation, radiation control of food, including drinking water, etc.
To protect the thyroid gland, you can use stable iodine drugs - potassium iodide (КI) or alternative drugs. The maximum effect will be when taken in advance 6 hours or less before the arrival of RII.
Dosage
Dosage (taken after a meal) :
- Babies (from birth to 1 month) ≈ 16 mg;
- Children from 1 month to 3 years ≈ 32 mg;
- Children 3-12 years ≈ 62.51 mg;
- Children over 12 and adults up to 40 years ≈ 125 mg;
- Pregnant ≈ 125 mg.
One-time administration of КI drugs is enough. However, under conditions of long-term negative impact, re-admission is possible, but only after the official recommendations of the authorized body.
Alternative iodine preparations
In an emergency, if there is no tablet form of this drug, as an exception, you can use an alcoholic solution of iodine and Lugol's solution.
- Alcoholic solution of iodine 5% is introduced:
- adults and children over 12 years of age 1 ml (44 drops) in 1/2 cup of milk or water;
- children from 5 to 12 years of age can be given an alcoholic solution of iodine 20-22 drops one time or 10-11 drops two times a day for 1/2 cup of milk or water;
- children under 5 years of age can be injected with only 2.5% alcohol solution at the rate of 20-22 drops one time by applying to the skin with a tampon in the form of strips on the forearms and legs.
2. Lugol's solution is an aqueous solution containing 5% iodine and 10% potassium iodide used:
- for adults and children over 12 years - 22 drops or 1 ml of solution in 1/2 cup of milk or water;
- for children from 5 to 12 years - 10-11 drops one time or 5-6 drops two times a day for 1/2 cup of milk or water;
- Lugol's solution is not prescribed to children under 5 years of age.
