Food System

Nuclear explosions, preparation and vademecum

March 26, 2022

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On 3/18/22 FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (USA), updated the vademecum for the public to follow in case of nuclear explosions. (1)

Instead, the Italian government published the national plan for public management of related emergencies, without providing guidance to citizens.

Some basics help to understand the risks involved in Italy and the EU providing weapons in a conflict between other countries.

Table of Contents

1) Nuclear explosions

1.1) Foreword

Nuclear explosions can occur without warning or in the few seconds or minutes to follow. Because of devices that use a nuclear reaction to create an explosion.

Fallout (i.e., fallout of radioactive material) can take more than a quarter of an hour after the explosion to reach the ground in areas outside the immediately affected zone.

After the shock wave passes , one has about 10 minutes to find the nearest shelter (see Sec. 1.3) where to stay for the first 24 hours, when radiation levels are highest.

1.2) Hazards

Nuclear explosion hazards include:

– glow. The bright flash can cause temporary blindness. For less than a minute, according to FEMA,
– shock wave. The double blast (static overpressure and winds caused by the blast) is the leading cause of damage to structures and deaths, even miles away,
– fire and heat, ditto c.s.,
– radiation. They can damage the body’s cells, depending on exposure levels,
– fallout. Earth, debris and radioactive materials in precipitation from several kilometers high can cause illnesses first and foremost to those outdoors,
– electromagnetic pulse. The so-called electromagnetic pulse can damage electrical and electronic equipment miles away and cause temporary outages farther afield.

2) Preparation

FEMA‘s vademecum suggests preparation for nuclear explosion hazards, referring primarily to places to shelter and supplies to be prepared.

2.1) Shelter

It is essential to identify in advance places of refuge in close proximity to where you usually spend the day (e.g., home, work, school):

– the best shelters are underground (basements) and in central areas of buildings, away from windows

– Outdoor areas, vehicles, bungalows do NOT provide adequate shelter. Stone, brick, concrete, cement are needed.

It is advisable to make ‘ essentialpurchases [di beni] and slowly build up stockpiles in advance,’ according to FEMA, also ‘to protect those who are unable to obtain basic necessities before the pandemic.’

2.2) Emergency kits and food supplies.

Shelters should come equipped with emergency kits and food supplies. And it is in any case useful to keep a kit readily available, given the possible need to stay in a shelter for a few days. They recommend:

– bottled water, extended shelf life foods including for people with food allergies and intolerances, (2) pet food for pets,
– emergency medicines (first aid and drugs in use), disposable devices for people with disabilities,
– soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, personal and room cleaning products,
– spare clothes,
– battery-powered (or hand-held) radio to get information in case of power failure,
– flashlight,
– extra batteries and charging devices for phones, essential items and other critical equipment.

3) In case of nuclear explosions

WHO (World Health Organization) has provided some recommendations to follow in case of nuclear explosions. Thus declined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, USA):

– In the vicinity of the explosion. Close your eyes and lie on the ground in a prone position (stomach down) with your hands under your body until the heat and the two shock waves pass through,

– outdoors during the explosion. Cover mouth and nose with a tissue, remove dust from clothing without uncovering mouth and nose. Move to a shelter or other underground areas as soon as possible. Remove potentially contaminated clothing, wash completely and remove clothing before entering the shelter,

– In the shelter during the explosion. Cover your mouth and nose with a mask or other tissue, close ventilation systems, and seal doors and windows until thefallout (fallout) passes. Remain inside until further notice from authorities. In case of necessary exit, cover mouth and nose with a damp towel, eat only preserved food and do not take food and water outdoors, clean and cover open wounds on the body,

– evacuation warning. Follow the media to move in an orderly manner. Close and lock doors and windows, ventilation systems (e.g., air conditioners), chimneys, furnaces and other outlets with the outside. Carry an emergency kit (e.g., medicine and first aid, emergency water and food, money and credit card, a spare, flashlight and batteries). Provide assistance to neighbors, especially children, the elderly, the disabled. (3)

4) Nuclear emergencies, the national plan

The national plan for radiological and nuclear emergency management was published on 1/27/2022. Better late than never, nine years after the entry into force of Directive 2013/59/EURATOM on basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionizing radiation. (4)

The document considers the different reference scenarios that may involve Italy and/or other member states and/or third countries, under various scenarios of nuclear accidents and emergencies. To expose the activities to be performed to safeguard (an understatement) citizens, environment and food production. And monitoring, until the state of emergency ends.

5) Iodine

Iodine-131 is one of the radioactive substances that spread from nuclear explosions. Excessive exposure can lead to the onset of thyroid cancer, especially in the 0-17 age group, with progressively reduced risk until age 40.

Taking iodine-only during the nuclear emergency (from 24 hours before, to know, to two hours after)-can protect the thyroid gland. Because its saturation with stable iodine reduces the exposure of the gland to antagonistic (radioactive) iodine. It is therefore useful to add dried seaweed, rich in iodine, to the food supply.

6) Food security, the nuclear risk

Euratom Regulation 2016/52 defined maximum levels of radioactive contamination of food and feed following nuclear accidents. (5) Emergency measures, controls and notifications to the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) are provided. But to disaster there is no solution.

The nuclear accident at Reactor 4 of the Chernobyl Power Plant on 4/26/86, it is recalled, made food production in a large area of territory impossible. And radioactive cesium, which although it should halve in 30 years, still persists at levels incompatible with human life. (6)

7) Interim Conclusions

The United Nations was created in 1945 ‘to save future generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold pain to humanity‘(UN Charter, Preamble).

The Sustainable Development Goals, adopted in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly, aspire to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

What is the meaning of this?

Dario Dongo

Notes

(1) FEMA, Federal Emergency Management Agency. Nuclear Expolosion. 7.3.22, https://www.ready.gov/nuclear-explosion

(2) Food stocks, reminders, see https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/salute/covid-19-scorte-alimentari-e-dieta-mediterranea-l-abc. Avoiding, in this case, fresh foods

(3) CDC(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), USA. Frequently Asked Questions About a Nuclear Blast. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/emergencies/nuclearfaq.htm

(4) Civil Defense. Adoption of national plan for radiological and nuclear emergency management. 4.3.22, https://www.quotidianosanita.it/allegati/allegato6679260.pdf

(5) Euratom Regulation 2016/52, establishing maximum permitted levels of radioactivity for foodstuffs and animal feed following a nuclear accident or any other case of radiological emergency. EUR-Lex, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/52/oj

(6) Dario Dongo. Chernobyl, European Commission eases restrictions on incoming food products. GIFT(Great Italian Food Trade). 15.8.20, https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/sicurezza/chernobyl-la-commissione-europea-allenta-le-restrizioni-sui-prodotti-alimentari-in-arrivo