Medical Countermeasures (Treatments) for Radiation Exposure and Contamination
There are select medications that can help limit or treat the health effects of certain types of radiation in a radiological or nuclear emergency.
Medical Countermeasures for Internal Contamination
During a radiological or nuclear emergency, radioactive materials may be released into the air and then breathed into the lungs, or they may get into the body through open wounds. Radioactive materials can also contaminate the local food supply and water and get into the body through eating or drinking. This is called internal contamination.
Removing internal contamination from the body will help reduce the risk for health effects. Small amounts of internal contamination may not need treatment.
Some medical treatments are available for limiting or removing internal contamination depending on the type of radioactive material involved. These treatments include the following:
Medical professionals will determine if treatments are needed.
Medical Countermeasures for Radiation Exposure
During a radiation emergency, a person who is exposed to a very high dose of radiation over a very short time may experience bone marrow suppression, meaning the marrow produces less blood cells. This bone marrow suppression occurs with Acute Radiation Syndrome. Medications that speed up blood cell production, including Neupogen, may help the body heal and protect from infections. Medical professionals will determine if treatments are needed.