ICRP Advice for Members of the Public on Protection in Case of a Nuclear Detonation

• Oct 12, 2022

ICRP Interim Advice for the Public on Protection in Case of a Nuclear Detonation

The best thing you can do after a nuclear detonation is go inside. Put as much material as possible between you and the radioactive material outside. (Graphic from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency)

THIS SCIENTIFICALLY SUPPORTED ADVICE COULD BE LIVESAVING

Although we hope this information will never need to be put into action, ICRP has summarised publicly available information on protection in case of nuclear detonation here and, in partnership with SAGE publishing UK, has made ICRP Publication 146 Radiological Protection of People and the Environment in the Event of a Large Nuclear Accident immediately free to access. Meanwhile, ICRP Task Group 120 is developing protection guidance on other radiation emergencies and malicious events.

A nuclear detonation may occur without warning. It may result in mass casualties.

There are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from the radiation after a nuclear detonation.

Go inside and stay inside for 24 hours. Get inside the center of a building or basement to put as much material between you and the radioactive material outside.

Go to the website of ICRP for more advice on:

THE FIRST 10 MINUTES
THE FIRST 24 HOURS
UNDERSTAND THE HAZARDS
HOW TO BE PREPARED FOR A NUCLEAR DETONATION
RESPONDING TO ALERTS