The Usefulness of Exposure Control Countermeasures in Reducing Radiation Fatalities

摘要

An investigation was made of the lifesaving potential of exposure control countermeasures (applied shielding, group shielding, shelter rotation, limited decontamination, overcrowding, and movement) under specific radiological environments. Scenarios were developed to depict 'real' post-attack situations with radiological fallout levels suitable for evaluation of exposure control countermeasures. An analysis was performed of the lifesaving capabilities of each individual countermeasure and a combination of various countermeasures for each shelter location. The sensitivity of each countermeasure to informational inputs was also studied as was the use of the countermeasures in promoting the early restoration of vital facilities. It was concluded that the exposure control countermeasures that were investigated all show some degree of lifesaving capability. Group shielding, overcrowding, and applied shielding were found to be the most effective countermeasures. Limited decontamination, shelter rotation, and remedial movement proved to be the least effective countermeasures. It was concluded that exposure control countermeasures, knowledgeably used either singly or in combination in a high radiation field are capable of saving many lives that would otherwise be lost. It is recommended that the use of exposure control countermeasures be investigated further, particularly in the application to communities where large shelter deficits are known to exist, such as the suburban or bedroom communities that surround most large metropolitan areas. (Author)