Radiation emergencies can be accidental or deliberate, when caused by terrorists. They refer to non-routine situations where there is a release of radiation or risk of exposure. Regardless to whether the accident is an isolated event or a large-scale catastrophe, such as Chernobyl, radiation emergencies can greatly impact life, property and the environment.
Radiation emergencies include:
- nuclear emergencies, such as the explosion of a nuclear weapon
- dirty bombs
- radiological exposure devices
- nuclear power plant accidents
- transportation accidents involving radiation
- occupational accidents, such as over-exposure to radiation in health-care facilities
Radiation
Radiation is energy that travels in the form of waves or particles and is part of our everyday environment. People are exposed to radiation from cosmic rays, as well as to radioactive materials found in the soil, water, food, air and also inside the body.
Human-made radiation sources are widely used in medicine, industry, and research. There are two types of radiation: ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
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