Radiation and Dirty Bombs: Protecting Yourself

A dirty bomb is not the same as an atomic or nuclear bomb. A dirty bomb is a mix of explosives with radioactive powder or pellets. The radioactive materials are spread through the explosion. The main danger is the explosion

• If you are outside, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth, so you don’t breathe in radioactive dust.

• If you are in your car, close the windows and turn off the air conditioner, heater and vents. Cover your mouth with a cloth.

• Go indoors. Stay inside unless you are told by officials to leave.

• Close the windows, turn off heat or air conditioning, and stay near the center of the building or go to the basement.

• Remove your clothes and jewelry if you are outside near the explosion. This action can get rid of 90% of radioactive dust so you don’t breathe it in.

How you get exposed to radiation
	Radioactive particles can be breathed in from the mouth or nose, or they can get on the skin or clothes. You also can be exposed when radiation energy penetrates the body, like an X-ray. Radiation can affect the body in a number of ways. These include mild effects like skin reddening to serious effects like cancer.

Download PDF in English/Español