Search Media Items

Preventing Chronic Disease (PCD) is a peer-reviewed electronic journal established by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. PCD provides an open exchange of information and knowledge among researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and others who strive to improve the health of the public through chronic disease prevention.

Preventing Chronic Disease (PCD) is a peer-reviewed electronic journal established by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. PCD provides an open exchange of information and knowledge among researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and others who strive to improve the health of the public through chronic disease prevention.

During a radiation emergency, people may be exposed to large amounts of “high energy” radiation – much more than we get from everyday exposure like x-rays. Exposure to large amounts of high energy radiation or “ionizing radiation,” can cause harmful health effects in people. A developing fetus is especially sensitive to radiation exposure, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy. Other videos focused on possible health effects of radiation emergencies can be found here: http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/protectiveactions.asp Comments on this video are allowed in accordance with our comment policy: http://www.cdc.gov/SocialMedia/Tools/CommentPolicy.html This video can also be viewed at http://www.cdc.gov/wcms/videos/low-res/NCEH/2015/prenatal_radiation_exposure_922308.mp4

Radiation can affect the body in a number of ways. How the body will be affected depends on the amount of radiation absorbed by the body, known as the dose, the type of radiation, how long the person is exposed, and which part of the body is exposed. In a radiation emergency, one of the possible health effects of radiation exposure is cutaneous radiation injury or CRI. Learn more about what CRI is, how it can happen, what it may look like, and what to do if you experience symptoms of a CRI after a radiation emergency. Other videos focused on possible health effects of radiation emergencies can be found here: http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/protectiveactions.asp Comments on this video are allowed in accordance with our comment policy: http://www.cdc.gov/SocialMedia/Tools/CommentPolicy.html This video can also be viewed at http://www.cdc.gov/wcms/videos/low-res/NCEH/2015/cutaneous_radiation_injury_922305.mp4

Scientists have been studying the effects of radiation on the body for over 100 years, so we know quite a bit about how radiation interacts with living tissue. This video takes a closer look at how the amount of radiation our bodies receive, otherwise known as the dose, can affect the cells in our bodies. Other videos focused on possible health effects of radiation emergencies can be found here: http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/protectiveactions.asp Comments on this video are allowed in accordance with our comment policy: http://www.cdc.gov/SocialMedia/Tools/CommentPolicy.html This video can also be viewed at http://www.cdc.gov/wcms/videos/low-res/NCEH/2015/biological_effects_of_radiation_922304.mp4

This video provides information on Prussian Blue. Prussian Blue is a pill that can help remove radioactive cesium and thallium from inside the body. It is only available by prescription, and should be taken under supervision of your doctor or a designated health professional. Other videos focused on pharmaceutical countermeasures for radiation emergencies can be found here: http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/protectiveactions.asp Comments on this video are allowed in accordance with our comment policy: http://www.cdc.gov/SocialMedia/Tools/CommentPolicy.html This video can also be viewed at http://www.cdc.gov/wcms/videos/low-res/NCEH/2015/prussian_blue_922301.mp4

After a radiation emergency, food and water sources may become contaminated with radioactive material. Consuming contaminated food and water will cause radioactive material to get inside your body, but you can eliminate or reduce the amount of contamination by taking a few precautions. Other videos focused on protective actions for radiation emergencies can be found here: http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/protectiveactions.asp Comments on this video are allowed in accordance with our comment policy: http://www.cdc.gov/SocialMedia/Tools/CommentPolicy.html This video can also be viewed at http://www.cdc.gov/wcms/videos/low-res/NCEH/2015/food_and_water_safety_922294.mp4

An accident at a nuclear power plant, a nuclear explosion, and a dirty bomb are examples of radiation emergencies. If a radiation emergency happens nearby, immediately leaving the area may not be the best course of action. Instead, emergency response officials may tell you to get inside a building and take shelter for a period of time. This is called sheltering in place. In this segment, you’ll learn how to get inside, stay inside, and stay tuned to protect yourself and your family. Other videos focused on protective actions for radiation emergencies can be found here: http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/protectiveactions.asp Comments on this video are allowed in accordance with our comment policy: http://www.cdc.gov/SocialMedia/Tools/CommentPolicy.html This video can also be viewed at http://www.cdc.gov/wcms/videos/low-res/NCEH/2015/get_inside_stay_inside_stay_tuned_922280.mp4

Caitlin Merlo, MPH1; Nancy Brener, PhD2; Laura Kann, PhD2; Tim McManus, MS2; Diane Harris, PhD3; Kristy Mugavero, MSN, MPH4.

Curtis Croker, MPH1; Rosemary She, MD2.