Nuclear fallout

Fallout is the residual radiation hazard from a nuclear explosion and is named from the fact that it "falls out" of the atmosphere in to which it is spread during the explosion. It commonly refers to the radioactive dust created when a nuclear weapon explodes. This radio-active dust, consisting of hot particles, is a kind of radioactive contamination.

Prevention and Cleanup

In severe cases of fallout contamination, lethal doses of external radiation may be incurred if protective or evasive measures are not undertaken. A fallout shelter is designed to shield its occupants from radiation. However, some radioactive contamination will probably remain when the inhabitants eventually emerge.

Related Topics:
Fallout shelter - Radiation - Radioactive contamination

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Gamma rays do not contaminate people or objects. Fallout particles contaminate people or objects, and since they resemble sand, they can be brushed off, or washed off. The radioactive fog from seawater is a notable exception, being very difficult to wash off. The particles should be removed from the shelter, or shielded. Emergency drinking water can be adequately cleaned by filtering contaminated water through more than 25 cm (10 in) of dirt. Food in sealed packages is not poisoned by fallout. Stored grain and exposed fruit can be cleaned and peeled. Vehicles are usually washed down with fire-hoses, into drains with removable filters, or deep trenches. Ground is usually decontaminated by bulldozing the fallout into deep, narrow trenches, and then back-filling the trenches.

Related Topics:
Gamma ray - Fallout particles - Drinking water - In - Grain - Fruit

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The fallout residue can be used to analyze the source and nature of the weapon used. Materials used in the weapon will have distinct isotopic signature, which with proper analysis could reveal where or by whom the weapon was made.

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