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Information on Specific Types of Emergencies

Preventing and Treating Radiation Injuries and Illness

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Radiation Icon You should not leave your building or place of shelter until officials or emergency responders have said it is safe, unless you have a life-threatening condition.

  • If you have skin burns, nausea, or begin vomiting shortly after radiation exposure, seek medical attention as soon as it is safe to leave your building or place of shelter.
    • These may be symptoms of acute radiation syndrome (ARS), which is caused by exposure to large amounts of radiation over a short period of time.
    • Symptoms can appear within minutes to several days after you were exposed to large amounts of radiation.
    • For more information on ARS, visit The Acute Radiation Syndrome fact sheet.
  • If you were exposed to a small amount of radiation, you will not see any health effects right away, and may not have any long-term health effects. Radiation health experts will monitor people affected by radiation emergencies for any medical issues.
  • Emergency officials will be setting up community reception centers to check people for radiation exposure and contamination. Click here to find out more information about community reception centers.
  • Treat non-radiation related cuts, bruises or injuries with first aid. Keep cuts and abrasions covered when washing to keep radioactive material out of the wound.
  • For more information on the impact of radiation emergencies on health, go to Possible Health Effects of Radiation Exposure and Contamination.

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