Radiation Decontamination: Clothing Off, Then Wash

If you were outside when fallout or radioactive dust was settling, decontaminate as soon as you are inside a shelter. It is simple and it works.

1. Remove your outer layer

Carefully take off your outer clothing, without shaking it, and pulling items away from your face. This alone can remove up to 90% of radioactive material. Put the clothing in a plastic bag, seal it, and put it somewhere away from people and pets.

2. Wash

• Shower or wash with soap and water.
• If you can’t shower, wipe exposed skin and hair with a wipe or a clean, wet cloth.
• Household cleaning wipes are not for skin, and hand sanitizer does not protect against radioactive material.
• Put on clean clothes from a drawer or closet (clothing that was indoors).

3. Food, water and pets

• Eat and drink only food and water that were inside, or come from sealed containers that you wipe down before opening.
• Don’t eat garden produce or anything left uncovered outdoors until authorities say it is safe.
• Pets that were outside: brush them, then wash them with soap and water if you can.

Then keep sheltering: see get inside, stay inside, stay tuned.