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McHenry County Department of Health
Emergency Response Program
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Working to protect the health and safety of McHenry County Residents
by planning for and responding to public health emergencies
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What Is Radiation? Radiation is a form of energy that travels in waves or high speed particles. It is present all around us and there are many types of radiation covering a range of energy. Nuclear power plants, radiation treatments for cancer, cellular phones and sunshine are all examples of radiation. However, within this website, “radiation” will refer to any type of radiation that has enough energy to break chemical bonds in molecules or remove electrons from atoms (creating ions). What is Radiological Terrorism? Radiological terrorism is the use of radioactive materials or even nuclear explosives, as well as any terrorist actions against nuclear facilities, by individuals or groups intending to advance political or social objectives. Possible terrorist events could involve introducing radioactive material into the food or water supply, using explosives to scatter radioactive materials (called a “dirty bomb"), bombing or destroying a nuclear facility or exploding a small nuclear device. (Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
Terrorism McHenry County Online ~ MCDH Online  McHenry County Department of Health 2200 N Seminary Ave, Annex A Woodstock, Illinois 60098
Telephone (815) 334-4510
Fax (815) 338-7661
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Radiological (Nuclear) Terrorism