What to do in case of a nuclear attack? These are the recommendations to protect yourself from the damage of radioactive particles

The Russia-Ukraine conflict appears to be far from over. Russian President Vladimir Putin has now attacked the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, located in Zaporizhia, Ukraine and seized control of it.

All the alarms are on globally, because after a week since Russia began the attacks against the neighboring country to “demilitarize and denazify it”, the attacks continue and are becoming more intense, causing an imminent nuclear danger.

The fear of nuclear war is latent, and the world still remembers the deadly effects when the United States dropped two bombs in 1945, killing hundreds of thousands of people in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ending World War II. with the surrender of Japan.

This is the Satan 2: The ballistic missile that Vladimir Putin possesses 2,000 times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb and that would put the Russia-Ukraine conflict in check

These are the recommendations in case of a nuclear attack

Given the threats and weapons that Putin possesses, the United States Department of Homeland Security published a campaign informing what people should do in the event of a nuclear attack, and the ABC newspaper reviewed the list of recommendations to follow:

• Protect yourself in a brick or concrete building or underground, even if you are miles away from ground zero.
• Avoid looking at the flash or fireball produced by the detonation, as it could cause blindness.
• Do not move and remain in the shelter for at least 48 hours to avoid the “fission products” created by the nuclear explosion, unless the authorities give other instructions.
• If the event occurs when you are outside, it is necessary to take shelter as soon as possible to protect yourself from possible acid rain.
• Take off your clothes, put them in a plastic bag, seal it and put it away from humans and animals.
• Shower with soap and water when possible, without rubbing or scratching the skin.
• Do not use conditioner as it binds the radioactive material to the hair.
• If showering is not possible, clean the skin with a clean cloth or wipe, including the ears, eyelids, and eyelashes.
• Gently clean the nose.

Nuclear fission produces three types of particles harmful to health:

• Alpha particles: Low penetration capacity. May be a hazard if ingested or inhaled.
• Beta particles: Slightly penetrating. Clothes and boots, if they are thick, can protect us. Skin exposed to them can cause burns. In the case of ingestion or inhalation, they would affect the bones, the gastrointestinal tract, the thyroid gland and other organs.
• Gamma particles: Highly penetrating. They travel much more slowly than previous particles, which can seriously damage cells in the body.

effects produced by radiation

The effects of radiation on the human body are innumerable. But it all depends on the amount of radiation absorbed by the body, the type of radioactive material, how the radioactive material touched or entered the body, and the length of time the person was exposed, explains the Center for the United States Disease Control and Prevention.

Exposure to large amounts of radiation in a short time can cause acute radiation syndrome. Symptoms are skin burns, nausea and vomiting. If any of these effects are experienced, it is necessary to seek medical attention as soon as it is safe to leave the building or shelter where you are.

People who receive high doses of radiation will have a higher risk of cancer later in life, depending on the amount of radiation they were exposed to.

What is a nuclear explosion like?

The first thing you would see is a flash of light capable of causing temporary blindness for a few minutes. A wave of thermal energy would then be produced, which can cause injury and even death, as well as damage structures several kilometers away. Also a wave of radiation very dangerous for health.

This is the luxurious “underground city” that resists a nuclear attack and that Vladimir Putin uses as a bunker for his family in the Russia-Ukraine conflict

On the other hand, a fireball would be produced that can cause burn injuries and even death, as well as damage structures miles away. Also, an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) capable of blasting electrical power equipment and electronic components several kilometers away after detonation and causing temporary outages later on.

Another danger is radioactive fallout, which can be moved by the wind. The highest levels of radiation outside occur just after the arrival of this acid rain and decrease over time. (I)