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Abstract

After a major nuclear accident the first priority is to limit the exposure to radiation by evacuation or by sheltering the affected population. Depending on the strength of the explosion or release and the prevailing meteorological conditions (e.g. wind and precipitation), a radius of between 30 and several hundreds of kilometers from the explosion epicentre should be declared a priority area for action. Sheltering may be considered a preliminary solution before evacuation. A prediction about the possibility of penetration of the radioactive gases and fine particulate matter inside a closed shelter can be made by referring to published studies on the penetration of gases and particulate matter from outdoor to indoor. Several studies have shown that outdoor particles and gas can infiltrate through the building envelope. Therefore, after a major nuclear accident sheltering offers a limited protection against radioactive gas and particulate. Furthermore, because cracks and old windows in deteriorated buildings are the most important factors determining particle/gas penetration, poor people are particularly at risk of radiation because they live in old building . High quality, standardized, evidence based information on how to respond to nuclear accident is lacking and more information on immediate, short, and long term effects of radiation, and interventions and strategies is needed to alleviate the effects.

Biography