have trouble living in clean places. If you keep clean, the odds increase that you may not become ill. DO  NOT  NEGLECT  PREVENTIVE MEDICINE.  Take pills, shots, or vaccinations at the appropriate time. KEEP YOUR NOSE, MOUTH, AND SKIN COVERED.  When BW agents are known or suspected to be present, make sure that you use all of your protective equipment. KEEP   YOUR   FOOD   AND   WATER PROTECTED. Bottled or canned foods are safe after a BW attack if the seals are not broken. Food in the open will be contaminated. If in doubt, discard the food. Always clean cans, packages, etc., with soap and water before opening. BE ALERT FOR ANY SIGNS OF A BW ATTACK. Any clues such as new or unusual types of shells or bombs, strange material sprayed by aircraft, smokes or mists of unknown nature, or other strange substances  should  be  reported  to  your  commanding officer immediately. WATCH OUT FOR “BOOBY TRAPS.” The enemy may challenge your discipline and self-control by making available all sorts of tempting items of food. To eat or drink these contaminated items may mean death. TREATMENT OF CASUALTIES There are no self-aid measures for the diseases that are caused by BW agents. It may be a matter of days before it can be determined what types of BW agents are   present.   Medical   personnel   will   direct   the decontamination  of  these  casualties. RADIOLOGICAL  WARFARE Radiological warfare (RW) is the deliberate use of radiological weapons to produce injury and death. The explosion of a radiological weapon, similar to that of an ordinary bomb, causes damage by the heat and blast liberated at the time of detonation. Nuclear radiation is emitted when the bomb explodes. This radiation may also  be  released  by  particles  called  radioactive  fallout. EFFECTS OF RADIATION The first indication of an overdose of radiation probably will not occur for several hours or days. At that time, you will probably become ill with nausea and vomiting.  The  length  of  time  it  takes  for  these symptoms to appear generally depends on the extent of radiation  exposure.  The  larger  the  dose,  the  quicker you may become ill. TYPES OF EXPLOSIONS An air burst is a nuclear explosion that causes damage by heat and blast. The initial radiation from an air burst occurs within the first minute after the blast and disappears quickly. A ground or surface burst is one that is low or on the ground surface. It causes less damage from the heat and  blast.  This  type  of  burst  produces  radioactivity fallout or residual radiation, which lasts for a long time period. PROTECTIVE MEASURES To protect yourself against RW, you must know how to protect yourself during nuclear attacks and be familiar with the kinds of equipment available for your protection. Self-Protection Speed  in  taking  cover  is  vital;  you  must  protect yourself from the heat and the blast. Remember that the initial  radiation  after  an  explosion  can  be  very dangerous. As with any explosion, the more material or distance between you and the burst, the safer you are. Falling flat and covering your face is better than standing. Protective Clothing Any type of clothing that covers you gives some protection  against  radiological  weapons.  To  protect the clothes you are wearing from radioactive materials, an extra protective covering is recommended. Gloves and Masks When you enter a radioactive area, you must wear gloves to protect your hands. Touching radiographic material with bare hands may result in serious burns. You should wear a protective mask or a dust respirator in the affected area to prevent inhaling radioactive materials. The point to remember is never inhale radioactive  material.  Serious  injury  and  radiation sickness may result. 13-38