rays involved in the production of radiation injuries arethe alpha and beta particles, the neutron, and thegamma ray. These particles and rays produce theireffect by ionizing the chemical compounds that makeup the living cell. If enough of these particles or raysdisrupt a sufficient number of molecules within thecell, the cell will not be able to carry on its normalfunctions and will die.ALPHA.—Alpha particles are emitted from thenucleus of some radioactive elements. Alpha particlesproduce a high degree of ionization when passingthrough air or tissue. Also, due to their large size andelectrical charge, they are rapidly stopped or absorbedby a few inches of air, a sheet of paper, or thesuperficial layers of skin. Therefore, alpha particles donot constitute a major external radiation hazard.However, because of their great ionization power, theyconstitute a serious hazard when taken into the bodythrough ingestion, inhalation, or an open wound.BETA.—Beta particles are electrons of nuclearorigin. The penetration ability of a beta particle isgreater than an alpha particle, but it will only penetratea few millimeters of tissue and will most probably beshielded out by clothing. Therefore, beta particles, likealpha particles, do not constitute a serious externalhazard; however, like alpha particles, they doconstitute a serious internal hazard.NEUTRONS.—Neutrons are emitted from thenucleus of the atom. Their travel is thereforeunaffected by the electromagnetic fields of otheratoms. The neutron is a penetrating radiation whichinteracts in billiard-ball fashion with the nucleus ofsmall atoms like hydrogen. This interaction produceshigh-energy, heavy-ionizing particles that can causesignificant biological damage similar to that producedby alpha particles.GAMMA RAYS.—Gamma rays are electro-magnetic waves. Biologically, gamma rays areidentical to x-rays of the same energy and frequency.Because they possess no mass or electrical charge, theyare the most penetrating form of radiation. Gammarays produce their effects mainly by knocking orbitalelectrons out of their path—thereby ionizing the atomso affected—and imparting to the ejected electron.Neutrons and gamma rays are emitted at the time of thenuclear explosion, along with light. Gamma rays andbeta particles are present in nuclear fallout along withalpha particles from unfissioned nuclear material.Neutrons and gamma rays are an important medicalconsideration in a nuclear explosion since their rangeis great enough to produce biologic damage, eitheralone or in conjunction with blast and thermal injuries.PROTECTION AND TREATMENTPreparations for the protection and treatment ofprojected casualties of a nuclear attack must be madein advance of any such assault.Action before Nuclear ExplosionIf there is sufficient warning in advance of anattack, head as quickly as possible for the best shelteravailable. This is the same procedure as would be usedduring an attack by ordinary, high-explosive bombs.At the sound of the alarm, get your protective maskready. Proceed to your station or to a shelter, asordered. If you are ordered to a shelter, remain thereuntil the “all clear” signal is given.In the absence of specially constructed sheltersduring a nuclear explosion ashore, you can get someprotection in a foxhole, a dugout, or on the lowest flooror basement of a reinforced concrete or steel-framedbuilding. Generally, the safest place is in the basementnear walls. The next best place is on the lowest floor inan interior room, passageway, or hall, away from thewindows and, if possible, near a supporting column.Avoid wooden buildings when possible. If you have nochoice, take shelter under a table or bed rather thangoing out into the open. If you have time, draw theshades and blinds to keep out most of the heat from theblast. Only those people in the direct line of sight ofthermal emission will be burn casualties; that is,anything that casts a shadow will afford protection.Tunnels, storm drains, and subways can also provideeffective shelter.In the event of a surprise attack, no matter whereyou are—out in the open on the deck of a ship, in a shipcompartment, out in the open ashore, or inside abuilding—drop to a prone position in a doorway oragainst a bulkhead or wall. If you have a protectivemask with you, put it on. Otherwise, hold or tie ahandkerchief over your mouth and nose. Coveryourself with anything at hand, being especially sure tocover the exposed portions of the skin, such as the face,neck, and hands. If this can be done within a second ofseeing the bright light of a nuclear explosion, some ofthe heat radiation may be avoided. Ducking under atable, desk, or bench indoors, or into a trench, ditch, orvehicle outdoors, with the face away from the light,will provide added protection.8-15
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