The Contamination of Dirty Bomb - Case Study Example

The Contamination of Dirty BombA dirty bomb is an explosive device containing radioactive materials. The bomb causes casualties or injuries through its initial explosion, and through airborne radiation and contamination. The bomb is referred to us the dirty bomb because of the contamination it causes. Low level nuclear materials are wastes that are contaminated with radioactive material. These materials are continually produced by hospitals, learning institutions, industries, and government facilities.

Nuclear power plants especially in Ohio produce wastes which contain low levels of nuclear materials. The presence of low level nuclear materials can not be disputed. The places where low level nuclear materials are produced, are everywhere in the world, and that means that the materials are found everywhere. After a dirty bomb has exploded, it is necessary to clean up, and decontaminate the affected area. All the materials in the place which have been contaminated should be removed from the place of explosion.

When a dirty bomb explodes, there are procedures to be followed to decontaminate and clean up the place. Masks should be provided to rescuers to protect them from inhaling dust and other particulates. The relevant authority should observe and monitor the area for possible hazards. There should be equipments in operation to evaluate the oxygen levels, toxic gasses, and flammable gasses. Once the rescue team gets to the point of explosion, they should remove all exploded materials especially cars as these are assumed to be dirty.

The personnel should determine the extent area with toxics and should immediately start to evacuate people to safe places. Large uninjured populations should evacuate themselves. The personnel should provide safe exit routes in conjunction with building managers. The victims should be screened for dose rate, and establish those that need decontamination. The victims should avoid eating or drinking but should go and shower with water and soap. The structures and cars contaminated should not be decontaminated during the initial response process.

The contaminated water should be allowed to flow into the drainage systems of the municipal. If possible, the water should be redirected to other channels. The people needing immediate attention should be separated from seriously injured people (Benjamin, 2011). These people should be examined for physical contamination and evacuated. The receiving medical facilities should also be informed that the persons have little injuries and might not be admitted. The ventilation systems should remain open as most of the modern ventilation systems will filter radioactive particulates.

The information of the victims should be recorded. This includes the contact information of the patient, and the contamination levels. It is necessary to decontaminate the area to avoid further injuries. The personnel should establish zones based on the hazards present. The victims need to be rescued. The levels of radioactive or chemicals may be so high restricting the rescuers to enter the area. In conclusion, the municipality of any city needs to be prepared for disaster. The low levels of nuclear material in the atmosphere should be regulated to levels that are not harmful to humans.

The equipments, which are required to cope with the dirty bomb disaster, should be available any time for response. ReferencesBenjamin, P. Dirty Bombs: Elements, Prevention and Response. London: Nova Science Pub Inc,2011