Resource Library

Radiation Emergency Training for Poison Center Staff

This training will serve as an informational and educational resource about radiation exposure and illness for poison control staff. The ultimate goal of the training is to prepare poison control staff to react appropriately and share vital information in the event of a radiation emergency.

Radiation Hazard Scale

This emergency communication tool provides a frame of reference for relative hazards of radiation, conveying meaning without using radiation measurements or units that are unfamiliar to people. It is for use with protective action recommendations or instructions.

Training: Myths of Radiation: Communicating in Radiation Emergencies

Communication in Radiation Emergencies: Myths of Radiation is a new training that discusses common radiation myths and identifies communications strategies to dispel them.

Training: Radiation Basics Made Simple

A training module that introduces participants to the fundamentals of radiation and radioactivity. This training features an enhanced lecture-style video and interactive knowledge checks to deliver and reinforce key concepts.

Postcard for the General Public - Radiation Emergencies. Get Inside. Stay Inside. Stay Tuned.

A postcard for the general public that can be used to promote the protective message of "Get Inside. Stay Inside. Stay Tuned.", describing what to do in a radiation emergency.

A resource for emergency responders and federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial officials communicating with the public in the immediate aftermath of an improvised nuclear detonation in the United States. An interagency group of federal communicators and radiation technical experts developed the messages in this document.

CDC's Roles and Responsibilities in the Event of a Nuclear or Radiological Terrorist Attack

CDC has prepared this fact sheet to help people understand the roles and responsibilities of CDC during a radiological emergency.

Public Health Planning for Radiological and Nuclear Terrorism

A video that is intended to help public health professionals prepare for a radiological incident.

CDC

Radiological/Nuclear Law Enforcement and Public Health Investigation Handbook - September, 2011

This handbook serves to introduce RN LE and PH investigations, identify potential barriers and solutions that LE and PH personnel will encounter during their investigations and enhance appreciation across each discipline.

Radiation Emergencies Public Health Roundtable: The Role of Poison Centers

A roundtable discussion group summary report summarizing a training session and discussion on current and potential roles poison centers have in radiation emergency preparedness and response.

Radioisotope Brief: Americium-241 (Am-241)

A site with information on the radioactive isotope Americium-241.

Radioisotope Brief: Cobalt-60 (Co-60)

A site with information on the radioactive isotope Cobalt-60.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Iodine-131 Found in Milk

A site with information on the radioactive isotope Iodine-131 and what to do if it is found in milk.

Radioisotope Brief: Iridium-192 (Ir-192)

A site with information on the radioactive isotope Iridium-192.

Radioisotope Brief: Uranium

A site with information on the radioactive isotope Uranium.

Infographic: Radiation Contamination Versus Exposure

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An infographic detailing the differences between radioactive contamination and exposure.

More information can be found at Contamination Vs. Exposure.

Infographic: How Potassium Iodide (KI) Works

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An infographic detailing what potassium iodide (KI) is, how it works and when you should or should not take it.

More information can be found at Countermeasures: Potassium Iodide.

Infographic: Where to go in a Radiation Emergency

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An infographic detailing where to go in a radiation emergency.

More information can be found at Get Inside and Stay Tuned to Learn How to Evacuate.

Infographic: Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD)

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An infographic detailing what a radiological dispersal device (RDD) or "dirty bomb" is and how you can protect yourself.

More information can be found at More Types: Radiological Dispersal Device

Infographic: Nuclear Power Plant Incident

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An infographic detailing the main dangers of a nuclear power plant incident and how you can protect yourself.

More information can be found at More Types: Nuclear Power Plant Incident.

Infographic: Workplace Radiation Incidents 

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An infographic detailing possible radiation exposures at certain workplaces, possible health effects from those exposures, and how to protect yourself if you are exposed to radiation in the workplace.

More information can be found at More Types: Workplace Radiation Incidents.

Formative Research: IND Health Effects Message Testing with the General Public, January 2012

From January 2012: Audience research looking at how to improve messaging during a potential radiological emergency involving an improvised nuclear device (IND).

Media Message Testing: Detonation of Improvised Nuclear Device, March 2011

From March 2011: Audience research looking at testing the effectiveness of key messages in the form of a series of video clips developed by the Nuclear Detonation Response Communications Working Group for the immediate aftermath of an IND detonation.

Radiological Emergency Preparedness Communications: Message Testing with Cognitive Interviews - Survey Research

From July 2009: Message testing using cognitive interviews to focus on improving public-facing messages about protective actions and responses to radiological emergencies.

Roundtable on Partnering with Meteorologists for Radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response -- Summary

From August 2004: Roundtable discussion focused on potential partnerships with meteorologists in preparing and responding to potential radiological emergencies.

Roundtable on the Identification of Emerging Strategies for Hospital Management of Mass Casualties from a Radiological Incident -Summary

From May 2002: A report detailing a meeting bringing together public health, medical and other scientific experts to discuss practical strategies that hospitals can use in preparation for mass casualties from a radiological incident.

Report on the CDC Conference of Radiation Control Directors (CRCPD) Roundtable on Communication and Teamwork: Keys to Successful Radiological Response

From December 2008: This report details this roundtable’s proceedings and conclusions, and provides materials utilized during the roundtable, as well as comments/suggestions and a list of attendees. The document was developed by a working group within CRCPD.

Educational Videos -- Protective Actions, Pharmaceutical Countermeasures, and Health Effects

These videos describe what protective actions you can take in a radiation emergency, the possible health effects of radiation exposure and contamination, and medical treatments that may be available to you.