Radioactive fallouts

The International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES), as per margin (source: International Atomic Energy Agency, INES Rating Interactive Learning Tool, chapter "Dose", p 5 ), spans a range of seven levels of severity of 'nuclear events' with respect to the amount of their radioactive emissions. The intensity of ionizing radiation is called dose rate and given in the dimension Sievert per hour (Sv/h), see our explanation in chapter Gamma radiometry. For its noxious effects, however, only the dose, given in Sievert (Sv), is significant i.e. the intensity of radiation times the period while a person is exposed to the radiation. A one-hour exposition of dose rates defined by INES results in the following approximate dose values:

• Level 2 "Incident": >10 mSv
• Level 3 "Serious Incident": 100 mSv
• Level 4 "Accident with local consequences": 1 Sv
• Level 5 "Accident with wider consequences": 10 Sv
• Level 6 "Serious accident": 100 Sv
• Level 7 "Major accident": 1,000 Sv and beyond

Radioactive substances, after a nuclear accident, are distributed by the atmosphere via dust particles. Hence it can be incorporated by inhalation or by swallowing. Both can widely be avoided since

• a cloud of contaminated air passes by leaving radiating material "only" on the ground,
• air-bound radioactive particles will rarely invade living spaces while doors and windows are tightly closed,
• walls and window panes are perfect shields for Alpha and Beta radiation, conventional concrete walls attenuate Gamma radiation by 85%.

An interactive map on health and environmental issues related to the nuclear chain is published by IPPNW. – We fight against the threat ever to have to add Tihange or Doel to the map!