Radiation Exposure

​The province of Ontario dominates Canada's nuclear industry, containing most of the country's nuclear power generating capacity. Ontario has 16 operating reactors providing about 50% of the province's electricity, plus two reactors undergoing refurbishment. Quebec and New Brunswick each have one reactor.

Overall, nuclear power provides about 15% of Canada's electricity. An incident at a nuclear power plant can leave people exposed to radiation. Radiation has a cumulative effect, which means the longer a person is exposed, the greater the effect. A high exposure to radiation can cause serious illness or death.

Preparations you can do before radiation exposure: 

• Prepare your evacuation plan, including pets, transportation routes, and destinations.
• Keep food in covered containers or in the refrigerator.
• ​Get public emergency information materials from the power company that operates your local nuclear power plant or your local emergency services office. If you live within ten miles of the power plant, you should receive these materials from the power company or your state or local government annually.

Preparations you can do during radiation exposure: 

• If you are told to evacuate, keep car windows and vents closed. Use re-circulating air. 
• If you are told to stay inside, turn off the air conditioner, ventilation fans, furnace, and other air intakes. Go to a basement or other underground area, if possible. Do not use the telephone unless absolutely necessary.
• Use the combination of distance, shielding, and time to protect yourself.
• Minimize your exposure to radiation by putting as much distance between you and the source of radiation as possible. Do this by either evacuating or remaining inside.
• ​Use the heaviest, densest material possible to shield yourself from the radiation. Cover yourself with anything, even newspapers.

Preparations you can do after radiation exposure: 

• I​f you think you have been exposed to nuclear radiation, change your clothes and shoes and put them in a plastic bag. Seal the bag and place it out of the way. Take a thorough shower.
• Seek medical treatment for any unusual symptoms, such as nausea.
• ​Wash any food that was not covered before putting it into containers.

For more information, visit the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org/disaster​.