In the event of a nuclear power plant accident or the detonation of a dirty bomb, the real danger doesn’t come from fire or heat — it comes from an almost invisible killer: radioactive dust. This dust can’t be seen without special instruments, but it can settle on your skin, clothes, and food, entering the body and irradiating it from the inside.
Fortunately, there are simple, effective steps everyone should know. These actions can protect your health — and even save your life.
What Is Radioactive Dust and Why Is It So Dangerous?
Radioactive dust consists of microscopic particles contaminated by radiation following an explosion or leak. It may look like dry sand or wet mud, but regardless of texture, inhaling or ingesting this dust is far more dangerous than external radiation. Once inside the body, these particles emit radiation from within — a process known as internal exposure, which is particularly harmful and difficult to detect.
Just one microscopic particle containing plutonium in the lungs can significantly increase the risk of cancer. In the aftermath of a disaster, this dust can be everywhere — in the air, on surfaces, in food, or in your hair.
What to Do in a Radiation Emergency
The following five steps can buy valuable time before rescue teams arrive or help reduce your radiation exposure. The most important rule: don’t panic. Remember — knowledge is the best protection.
Step 1: Get Indoors and Seal the Area
Don’t run aimlessly — seek shelter, preferably in a building made of brick or concrete. Radioactive dust can’t penetrate solid walls, but it can enter through windows, vents, and cracks.
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Close all windows and doors.
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Turn off ventilation systems and air conditioning.
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Seal gaps and cracks with wet towels or duct tape.
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Stay indoors for at least 24 hours — radiation levels outside can drop significantly in that time.
This approach is known as “Shelter-in-Place”, and it’s recommended by both the WHO and national safety agencies.
Step 2: Remove Outer Clothing and Wash Up
Up to 90% of radioactive dust can be removed by simply taking off your outer clothing.
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Remove clothing carefully and seal it in a plastic bag.
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Take a warm shower using soap.
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Wash your hair with shampoo, but avoid conditioner — it can trap radioactive particles.
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Do not scrub your skin; rinse gently.
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Avoid using wet wipes, creams, or oils — they can spread or embed particles deeper.
Step 3: Protect Your Airways
If you’re outdoors or in a contaminated space:
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Use an FFP2 or FFP3 respirator if available.
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If not, cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth or bandage.
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Breathe slowly through your nose to reduce the amount of dust inhaled.
Inhalation is the primary route of radioactive dust entering the body. Isotopes like iodine-131, cesium-137, and strontium-90 are especially dangerous.
Step 4: Avoid Food and Water from Outside
Don’t eat or drink anything that may have been exposed.
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Use only sealed bottled water.
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Packaged food from inside a refrigerator is generally safe.
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Rinse all food and packaging thoroughly before use.
Even a small amount of contaminated food or water can lead to internal exposure.
Step 5: Follow Official Instructions
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Use a battery-powered radio or smartphone to stay updated.
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Follow government guidelines: when to leave, where to collect iodine tablets, or where evacuation centers are.
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Avoid rumors and misinformation — in radiation emergencies, false info can be deadly.
A single tablet of potassium iodide can protect your thyroid from radioactive iodine — but only if taken at the right time and in the correct dosage.
Important Facts About Iodine Protection
Potassium iodide (KI) protects the thyroid gland only from radioactive iodine-131 — and only if taken on time. The myth of “iodine against all radiation” is widespread but false.
Take the tablet 6 hours before or within 2 hours after exposure. After 24 hours, it may do more harm than good by delaying the removal of radioactive iodine.
Recommended single doses:
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Adults and children over 12: 130 mg KI
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Children 3–12 years: 65 mg
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Children under 3 years: 16–32 mg
Do not drink pharmacy iodine or alcohol-based tinctures — they are toxic and not effective substitutes. Potassium iodide is a specially prepared medicine with no connection to liquid iodine solutions.
Only take KI when officially advised by health authorities (e.g., Ministry of Health, Emergency Services, WHO).