Welcome to the Official Ingham County web site

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Welcome to the Official Ingham County web site



Radiological Threats

Radiation is a form of energy that is all around us.  People are exposed to small amounts of radiation every day.  Natural sources of radiation include elements in the soil or cosmic rays from the sun.  There are also man-made sources, including some electronic equipment, medical sources, and nuclear weapons testing.

Radiation threats include introducing radioactive material into the food or water supply, using explosives to spread radioactive materials over a targeted area (commonly known as a “dirty bomb”), bombing or destroying a nuclear facility, or exploding a small nuclear device.  As with any radiation, you want to try to limit exposure.  It is important to avoid breathing radiological dust that may be releases in the air.  More information about Radiological Threats.

Dirty Bombs

A dirty bomb is a mix of explosives, such as dynamite, with radioactive powder or pellets.  When the dynamite or other explosives are set off, the blast carries radioactive material into the surrounding area.

A dirty bomb is not the same as an atomic bomb.  An atomic bomb involves the splitting of atoms and a huge release of energy that produces the atomic mushroom cloud.

A dirty bomb works completely differently and cannot create an atomic blast.  Instead, a dirty bomb uses dynamite or other explosives to scatter radioactive dust, smoke, or other material in order to cause radioactive contamination.

A dirty bomb can cause serious injuries and property damage.  The radioactive materials used in a dirty bomb would probably not create enough radiation exposure to cause immediate serious illness, except to those people who are very close to the blast site.  Because the blast carries radioactive material farther away, those in surrounding areas should take immediate steps to protect themselves and others.  More information about Dirty Bombs.

Protecting Yourself During a Radiation Emergency

You can protect yourself during a radiation emergency.  Depending on the situation, protective measures may include sheltering in place or evacuation.

Sheltering in Place

People who live near but not in the immediate area of attack may be asked to stay home and take shelter rather than try to evacuate.  Leaving your home may expose you to radiation, while the walls of your home may block much of the harmful radiation. The safest place in your home or workplace during a radiation emergency is a centrally located room or basement.  More information about sheltering in place.

Evacuation

During a radiation emergency, you may need to leave your home or the immediate area.  Local authorities will issue instructions to evacuate depending on the direction the radiation cloud or plume is moving from the site of the explosion or accident.  More information about evacuation.

Following Exposure to a Radiological Agent

Potassium Iodide

Potassium iodide, also called KI, only protects a person’s thyroid gland from exposure to radioactive iodine.  KI will not protect a person from other radioactive materials or protect other parts of the body from exposure to radiation.  More information about potassium iodide.