Radiation Exposure: 5 Things You Need To Know

Facts about radiation exposure and what it can mean for your health.

ByABC News
March 14, 2011, 9:09 AM

March 14, 2011— -- Evacuees in Fukushima grew more fearful Monday of radiation exposure as Japan experienced its second explosion at a nuclear power plant. This morning on "Good Morning America," chief health and medical editor Dr. Richard Besser discussed some potential hazards of radiation.

Here are five facts to help you better understand radiation exposure.

During a radiation emergency, such as fears of a nuclear plant explosion, you may be advised to create a "shelter in place." This means you should stay inside your home or office, or perhaps another confined area indoors. To keep your shelter in place effective, you should: close and lock all doors and windows; turn off fans, air conditioners, or any units that bring in air from outside; move to an inner room or basement; keep your radio tuned to the emergency response network or local news to find out what else you need to do.