Management of Late Effects of Radiological Incidents

Abstract

Radiological incidents refer to any incident, accidental or intentional, with exposure to radioactive material. Known events are the accidents at the Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine (1986) and the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan (2011) (Fig. 26.1). However, an accident at a medical or industrial installation, or transportation of radioactive material, can lead to exposure of radioactive material and radiation injuries. An intentional exposure, such as detonation of a “dirty bomb” (also known as radiation dispersal device – RDD), may produce combined blast injuries and radiation exposure.