🚨 Radioactivity is invisible, odorless, tasteless.
It can travel thousands of kilometers. Protection is possible – but only with knowledge and preparation.
1. Types of Radiation and Dangers
| Radiation | Range | Protection | Danger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha | Few cm | Skin, paper, clothing | Strong if inhaled/swallowed |
| Beta | Up to 1m | Aluminum foil, thin metal plate | Skin burns, inhalation |
| Gamma | Hundreds of meters+ | Concrete, lead, earth, water, distance | Penetrating, cancer, DNA damage |
| X-ray | Hundreds of meters | Concrete, lead, distance | Similar to gamma, less energetic |
2. Nuclear Meltdown / Nuclear Accident – The Scenario
- NPP nearby? Check 50km radius: Philippsburg, Biblis, Grohnde, Brokdorf, Isar, Emsland, Neckarwestheim
- Warning system: Sirens (continuous tone), radio, NINA app, KATWARN
- Evacuation zones: Follow official instructions! NEVER decide yourself.
- Iodine tablets: Only upon official call! Protects kidneys + thyroid. Do not take preventively!
3. Protection Measures
3.1 When you are at home (Shelter-in-Place)
- Indoors: Basement or innermost room (more walls = more shielding)
- Windows/doors: Close, seal (duct tape, wet cloths, foil)
- Ventilation: Turn off (AC, fans, close chimney)
- Water: Tap water may be contaminated – boil or use canned goods
- Food: Only preserved food (cans). No fresh vegetables/fruit.
- Duration: At least 48-72 hours, often longer (cloud dispersion)
3.2 When you are outside
- Get inside immediately: Seek nearest building, basement, inner rooms
- Breathing: Cover mouth & nose with cloth/mask (particle filter)
- Skin: Cover as much skin as possible (jacket, hat, gloves)
- Clothing: Inside: remove clothes, wipe off, shower (if possible), pack in plastic bags
4. Decontamination (Cleaning after radiation exposure)
- Clothing: Remove, shake off, pack in double plastic bags
- Shower: Soap, shampoo, DO NOT scrub (grinds particles into skin!)
- Nose/mouth: Nasal rinse, mouth rinse, toothpaste
- Hair: Wash (radiation adheres to hair!)
- Water: Used water is contaminated → do not reuse!
5. Long-term Measures
- Food: Only cans, dried products, sealed supplies. No fresh from outdoors.
- Water: Sealed water reserves. Rainwater after event: avoid for several months.
- Soil: Ground may be contaminated. Eat vegetables only after testing.
- Dose: Geiger counter (dosimeter) would be ideal, but rarely available. Follow official instructions.
6. Checklist: Radioactivity
- ☐ NINA/KATWARN app installed
- ☐ Iodine tablets in first aid kit (only upon official call!)
- ☐ Duct tape + foil (window sealing)
- ☐ N95 masks (respiratory protection, 10 pieces)
- ☐ Shower option + soap (decontamination)
- ☐ 14-day water/food supply (sealed, preserved)
- ☐ Plastic bags (clothing disposal)
- ☐ Protective clothing: thick jacket, hat, gloves, closed shoes
- ☐ Crank radio (official announcements)