Radioactive Fallout and Shelter (U.S. Public Health Service and U.S. Office of Civil Defense, 1965)

Film focuses on what ordinary people should do to protect and medically treat themselves in the event of exposure to radioactive fallout, if there are no trained medical personnel available to help. Using animation, the film examines "what happens when a nuclear weapon is exploded near Earth." From blast and heat to initial radiation to residual radiation, and depending on one's distance from the blast and length of time of exposure, effects can range from mild to fatal. Radioactive fallout consists of particles of gamma ray radiation, which is extremely penetrating and destructive to living cells. However, canned or packaged food is safe to eat if you wash or wipe away the particles on the packaging. The extent to which building materials can be penetrated is explored. Symptoms of radiation sickness and how to treat them are described. The film urges viewers never to try to diagnose whether or not someone has fallen ill because of radiation, but simply to address the symptoms, which may include fatigue and nausea. Tea and rest are recommended. Best of all is to seek shelter and avoid fallout.

Learn more about this film and search its transcript at NLM Digital Collections: http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/991822735...

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