have trouble living in clean places. If you keep clean, the odds increase that you may not become ill.
DO NOT NEGLECT PREVENTIVE MEDICINE. Take pills, shots, or vaccinations at the appropriate time.
KEEP YOUR NOSE, MOUTH, AND SKIN COVERED. When BW agents are known or suspected to be present, make sure that you use all of your protective equipment.
KEEP YOUR FOOD AND WATER PROTECTED. Bottled or canned foods are safe after a BW attack if the seals are not broken. Food in the open will be contaminated. If in doubt, discard the food. Always clean cans, packages, etc., with soap and water before opening.
BE ALERT FOR ANY SIGNS OF A BW ATTACK. Any clues such as new or unusual types of shells or bombs, strange material sprayed by aircraft, smokes or mists of unknown nature, or other strange substances should be reported to your commanding officer immediately.
The enemy may challenge your discipline and self-control by making available all sorts of tempting items of food. To eat or drink these contaminated items may mean death.
There are no self-aid measures for the diseases that are caused by BW agents. It may be a matter of days before it can be determined what types of BW agents are present. Medical personnel will direct the decontamination of these casualties.
Radiological warfare (RW) is the deliberate use of radiological weapons to produce injury and death. The explosion of a radiological weapon, similar to that of an ordinary bomb, causes damage by the heat and blast liberated at the time of detonation. Nuclear radiation is emitted when the bomb explodes. This radiation may also be released by particles called radioactive fallout.
The first indication of an overdose of radiation probably will not occur for several hours or days. At that time, you will probably become ill with nausea and vomiting. The length of time it takes for these symptoms to appear generally depends on the extent of radiation exposure. The larger the dose, the quicker you may become ill.
An air burst is a nuclear explosion that causes damage by heat and blast. The initial radiation from an air burst occurs within the first minute after the blast and disappears quickly.
A ground or surface burst is one that is low or on the ground surface. It causes less damage from the heat and blast. This type of burst produces radioactivity fallout or residual radiation, which lasts for a long time period.
To protect yourself against RW, you must know how to protect yourself during nuclear attacks and be familiar with the kinds of equipment available for your protection.
Speed in taking cover is vital; you must protect yourself from the heat and the blast. Remember that the initial radiation after an explosion can be very dangerous. As with any explosion, the more material or distance between you and the burst, the safer you are. Falling flat and covering your face is better than standing.
Any type of clothing that covers you gives some protection against radiological weapons. To protect the clothes you are wearing from radioactive materials, an extra protective covering is recommended.
When you enter a radioactive area, you must wear gloves to protect your hands. Touching radiographic material with bare hands may result in serious burns. You should wear a protective mask or a dust respirator in the affected area to prevent inhaling radioactive materials. The point to remember is never inhale radioactive material. Serious injury and radiation sickness may result.
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