NUCLEAR RADIATION

Nuclear radiation consists of four types: alpha and beta particles, neutrons, and gamma rays.

ALPHA and BETA particles can be ignored as initial radiation because they are very short-range; however, they can be a hazard as residual radiation. Alpha particles have little penetrating power; but if they are ingested into the body, they can cause serious harm. Beta particles also are of little concern unless they are on the body (in dust, dirt, etc.) or get into the body. NEUTRONS are a direct hazard only during the initial radiation phase and then only in the general area of ground zero. In the residual phase, however, they cause whatever material absorbs them to become radioactive and emit gamma rays and beta particles. GAMMA RAYS (similar to, but more powerful than, X rays) are the most hazardous form of radiation.

They can travel long distances in air and have great penetrating power, making it difficult to provide sufficient shielding to protect personnel. Radiation hazards are of three types:

PENETRATION DOSE, SKIN DOSE, and INTERNAL CONTAMINATION. Penetration doses and internal contamination have the most serious effects. You can be protected against penetration doses by proper shelter. You can avoid internal contamination by wearing the protective mask and not eating or drinking food and water until they are declared safe. Skin doses, which cause injuries similar to burns, can be reduced by your wearing of proper battle dress.

CBR CONTAMINATION DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION

For Seabees to carry out their mission, they must be able to detect and identify CBR agents immediately. The very nature of CBR agents, however, makes it difficult to detect and identify them.

In a nuclear attack for instance, you know an attack is taking place because you can see it, hear it, and feel it. But you cannot see the nuclear radiation that can be just as deadly over a period of time as the blast itself. In the same invisible way, biological agents can be present with the possibility of no one knowing until it is too late. Recent developments in chemical operations make some of the chemical agents colorless and odorless. You must be able, therefore, to recognize them whenever you or your shipmates are victims.

You must learn the symptoms of each type of attack so you can take the proper action when exposed and so you can apply the correct self-aid and first-aid measures.

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