Radiation
Finland has never encountered such a radiation hazard where people would have needed to take shelter indoors or take iodine tablets.
However, the authorities are prepared for radiation hazards in advance, and drills are conducted regularly.
Why is radiation dangerous?
- Radioactive substances emit ionising radiation, which may damage the genetic makeup of living cells and cause permanent changes called mutations in them.
- The accumulation of mutations may lead to the development of cancer.
- The longer the exposure, the more harmful the effects caused by radiation are.
- If the body is exposed to a very high amount of radiation in a short period of time, it causes such extensive cell death that a person will develop radiation sickness.
- A large single dose may also easily cause tissue or foetus damage.
During a nuclear power plant accident, sheltering indoors is the most important safety precaution.
Do this if you must take shelter indoors:
- When you hear the public warning signal, take shelter indoors and move your pets inside as well.
- Shut down ventilation if you can. Seal doors, windows and vents as well as other similar air ducts tightly with plastic and duct tape.
- Stay in the middle of the building or in the basement, away from large windows.
- Follow the instructions of authorities that you receive through reliable channels.
- Avoid using the phone to prevent the lines from getting congested.
- Store drinks and food in airtight containers or plastic bags. For example, refrigerated food and tap water are safe.
- Put your soft goods in the closet and cover furniture that is difficult to clean with sheets, for example.
- If you have to go outdoors, wear tight-fitting, skin-covering clothing, safety goggles and a respirator mask or something similar. When you come inside, take off and rinse the clothes and wash yourself.
- If you have iodine tablets, only take them if the authorities tell you to do so.
Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) is in charge of overseeing radiation and nuclear safety in Finland.
STUK assesses when protective measures are necessary. If necessary, STUK recommends taking iodine tablets in an area where harmful levels of radioactive iodine are expected.
Read more about the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority of Finland
Do you know where the ventilation switch is in your home?
- If your home has mechanical ventilation, find out how you can shut it down. In some buildings, only the property maintenance company can shut down ventilation.
- Shutting down ventilation is essential if you need to shelter indoors. The flat should be made as airtight as possible.
- Make sure that the ventilation shuts down in all spaces.
In the event of a radiation hazard, the public warning signal is issued. It is a one-minute long rising and falling sound signal which can be heard from the public warning systems.
In such cases, everyone must take shelter indoors until the radioactive cloud has passed.
When to take an iodine tablet?
- When a serious nuclear power plan accident occurs, radioactive iodine may be released into the air.
- Iodine accumulates in the thyroid gland, and this may increase the risk of thyroid cancer, especially in growing children, pregnant people and people who are breastfeeding.
- Iodine tablets can be bought at pharmacies without prescription.
- A tablet should only be taken when prompted by the authorities because its effectiveness depends on the timing being right.
- The effect of the tablet lasts for about 24 hours.
- An iodine tablet protects the thyroid from iodine, but it does not protect the body against other radioactive substances.
- During a nuclear power plant accident, the most important precaution is to take shelter indoors.