Radioactivity – an invisible danger with major impact

A large number of nuclear power plants are in operation in countries around Austria. Even if their operation is considered safe most of the time, there is always the possibility of a malfunction or accident occurring. You will find important information on this page to assist you in the event of such a scenario.

Wide-ranging dangers can arise from such an incident, depending on its scale. Radioactive material may be released not only into the immediate surroundings, but also into the atmosphere. If this happens, particles can be carried over long distances by the wind and spread for example by rain (“fallout”) over large regions.

The effect of radiation on humans depends on the amount of irradiated energy, the type of radiation, the duration of irradiation, and the size of the exposed area or its mass. The biologically effective dose is called the equivalent dose. Its unit is one sievert (1 Sv).

Important: Radiation damage is possible even at very low doses. Always take protective measures in the event of a radiation alarm!
Under our topic [Krisenfester Haushalt] you will find general advice on what precautions you can take at home to be prepared for any crises that arise.

When is it necessary to take measures?

An accident or incident at a nuclear power plant within Europe is a realistic scenario that could happen at any time. The use of nuclear weapons against Austria, on the other hand, is extremely unlikely. In the event of the deployment of nuclear weapons in another European country, measures similar to those following an accident at a power plant may be necessary.

Please note: A radiation incident can have different effects on Austria depending on the scale of the incident and the weather conditions. Even if a case occurs directly on Austria’s border, Austria may not be affected. The authorities will keep you informed about possible dangers in the event of an emergency!

How will I be informed?

There is a dense network of measuring stations throughout Europe. If there is a leak of radioactive material at any location, it is recorded and appropriate measures can be taken. Factors such as the weather (wind direction, probability of rain) and the scale of the incident are important for assessing which measures are necessary.

The current readings of the Austrian radiation early warning system can be found here.

In the event of a threat to Austria, you will be warned via the media and by sirens. In this case, follow the instructions announced on the Austrian broadcasting service ORF. All information announced there is prepared by the Austrian Radiation Protection Authority in response to the relevant threat situation.

What to do in the event of a radioactive cloud

  • Move objects that are outside (toys, laundry, etc.) and pets indoors
  • Notify your neighbours, and think of children and people in need of help
  • Seek refuge in your home or in other protective building
  • Switch on the radio/TV (ORF)
  • Close all windows and doors, switch off ventilation systems
  • Switch on protective filter systems if available
  • Avoid draughts, and be aware of chimney openings and ventilation systems, as these may bring air in from outside
  • Seal the joints and gaps around old windows and doors in particular with broad adhesive strips, and allow in a fresh air supply from neighbouring rooms after some time
  • Have potassium iodide tablets to hand and take them if recommended by the authorities

  • Avoid spending time outdoors to minimise contact with fallout
  • Only take potassium iodide tablets if recommended by the authorities
  • Use dust-absorbing room filters or, if available, special “radiation protection filters” for homes
  • Avoid spending long periods of time near windows because of the risk of increased radiation exposure
  • If it is absolutely necessary to be outside for longer periods of time, wear easily cleanable clothing with smooth surfaces (rain protection) and a mask over your mouth/nose (FFP2 mask)
  • If you are outdoors for a short time (e.g. on the way home from school or work), (damp) cover your mouth and nose with a (damp) cloth.
  • This can help reduce the amount of potentially harmful particles you breathe in.
  • Before entering your home, remove shoes and outer clothing outside and clean radioactive dust off them later by hosing them down or wiping them with a damp cloth
  • Seek refuge preferably in buildings with solid masonry and few windows. Avoid roof extensions, verandas, wooden houses etc. because of their low shielding capacity

  • After the radioactive cloud has passed, i.e. once the fallout particles have reached the ground and other outdoor surfaces from the air, cleanliness is absolutely essential
  • Remove shoes before entering your home
  • Clean floors, radiators, lamps, etc. with a damp cloth. Wash windows and window sills. Do not beat carpets, but vacuum them or wash them Only use vacuum cleaners with fine dust filter systems!
  • Only use vacuum cleaners with fine dust filter systems!
  • Shower thoroughly every day, washing hands, hair and beards particularly thoroughly
  • Use a hose to hose down the house and immediate surroundings (driveways, steps, balconies, terraces, etc.) with water
  • Avoid stirring up dust when cleaning anything
  • Do not eat fruit and vegetables from the garden. Vegetables from greenhouses are preferable (follow official recommendations)
  • If possible, use foods that were produced before the radioactive contamination (stockpiles)
  • Advice and instructions issued by the authorities should be heeded in all cases (radio, television, print media, notices, loudspeaker announcements)

Potassium iodide tablets

After serious accidents involving nuclear reactors, thyroid cancer is one of the greatest health risks for children and adolescents. Potassium iodide tablets provide effective protection if taken in good time. The distribution of potassium iodide tablets after the Chernobyl disaster, for example, is believed to have prevented many cases of thyroid cancer.

Who are potassium iodide tablets recommended for?

  • Children and young people
  • Pregnant women and nursing mothers
  • Adults up to the age of 40

Sufficient stocks are available throughout Austria for these target groups. Every federal state has plans in place to distribute tablets to these target groups in the event of an emergency. nexpensive packs are also available for purchase at any pharmacy as a precautionary measure. Free samples are available there for persons under the age of 18.

Potassium iodide tablets should only be taken on the express order of the health authorities. Taking them as a precautionary is completely pointless and can lead to serious damage to health.

Potassium iodide tablets are not universally effective “radiation protection tablets”. If taken at the right time, they only protect the thyroid gland from radioiodine that enters the body through respiration or food. They do not protect against other radioactive substances or against radiation affecting the body from outside. Additional protective measures (e.g. sheltering in place in closed buildings, food controls) are by no means superfluous!

Where can I seek shelter?

Rooms that protect against the effects of radioactive radiation are called “fallout shelters”. Many public buildings have such rooms. However, these often have to be (re-)designated. For all probable scenarios, however, it suffices to stay in your own home. You can increase the level of protection by implementing certain simple measures and rules of behaviour.

There are three types of “shelter”:

A basic fallout shelter is a specially designed room in a cellar, into which purified outside air is blown with the aid of a fan. This creates a slight excess pressure in the protected area, which is kept as constant as possible by a pressure relief valve. This prevents the penetration of contaminated air into the shelter and the inhalation of harmful substances.

Thanks to its thicker walls and reinforced ceiling, as well as its underground location and special protective door, it also offers good protection against external radiation, falling debris (ceiling is shatter-proof) and flying fragments.

Thanks to its thicker walls and reinforced ceiling, as well as its underground location and special protective door, it also offers good protection against external radiation, falling debris (ceiling is shatter-proof) and flying fragments. With the help of such a filter, polluted air is constantly drawn in from outside, cleaned via a filter, and blown into the living space. The resulting slight excess pressure also prevents the ingression of contaminated outside air into the room through small cracks or fissures. One or more rooms can be supplied with fresh air, depending on how well sealed the building is, the volume of air conveyed, and the prevailing wind conditions. A fan with an output of 60m³/hour is sufficient even in strong winds to supply a room with a tightly fitting window and door.

The fan does not have to be located in the immediate accommodation area, but can also be installed in an adjoining room, conveying the cleaned air from there into the safe room. This reduces noise disturbance and does not interfere with the layout of the living area.

As with the safe room with no built-in filter, it is important to ensure when selecting the room that the construction is as solid as possible, with the smallest possible window openings. The location should offer as much protection as possible against external radiation.

A safe room or safe flat with no built-in filter is a living space or several connected rooms offering protection without structural adaptation, only through simple measures (closing and taping windows, creating emergency supplies).

If possible, attention should be paid when selecting the room to the solid construction of the outer walls. Verandas, converted attics or other rooms with external walls and ceilings made of lightweight building materials (wood, insulating materials, plasterboard, etc.) are unsuitable. Thick brick or concrete walls offer much better protection. The greatest possible distance from the roof and other external surfaces on which radioactive dust could be deposited (neighbouring buildings, balconies, terraces, ledges, trees and bushes, etc.) is also an advantage.

The room should also have as few and as small windows as possible and offer enough space for a longer stay. If there are ventilation openings, it must be possible to close them.