The full scope of a nuclear detonation is almost unimaginable. Hopefully, no one will ever experience another of these catastrophic incidents. But there is a scientifically supported plan of action that could save hundreds of thousands of lives in the area surrounding a nuclear explosion. So what is this plan, and what exactly would it protect us from?
核子爆炸的整體規模 是幾乎讓人無法想像的。 希望永遠不會有人經歷到 另一次這種大災難。 但,有一個科學支持的行動計畫, 可以拯救在核子爆炸 周圍地區的數十萬生命。 這個計畫是什麼? 到底如何保護我們?
To create their destructive blast, these weapons harness the power of nuclear fission– in which an atom’s nucleus is split in two. This process produces an incredible amount of energy, and in some materials the neutrons produced by one fission are absorbed by nearby atoms, splitting additional nuclei. These chain reactions can produce a range of explosive yields, but let’s consider an explosion equivalent to 10,000 tons of TNT. An explosion like this would create a fireball capable of decimating a few city blocks and a shockwave damaging buildings several kilometers away.
這類武器之所以能有摧毀性的爆炸, 是因為它們利用核子分裂的力量—— 原子的原子核被一分為二。 這個過程會產生極大的能量, 在某些材料中,一次分裂產生的中子 會被附近的原子給吸收, 分裂更多的原子核。 這些連鎖反應 會產生一系列的爆炸量, 咱們就來思考一下相當於 一萬噸黃色炸藥的爆炸吧。 像這樣的爆炸會創造出一個火球, 足以摧毀幾個城市街區, 震波可以損毀數公里外的建築物。
There is tragically nothing that can be done to save those in the fireball’s radius. However, for those in the shockwave and beyond, our scientifically supported protocol could be life saving. And though it may sound surprising, the best way to stay protected before, during, and after a nuclear detonation, is getting inside.
很遺憾的是,沒有任何辦法 可以拯救火球半徑內的人。 然而,在震波中以及更外圍的人, 是有可能被這個有科學 支持的標準規則給拯救的。 雖然聽起來很讓人訝異, 但在核子爆炸發生前、發生時、 發生後,能最受保護的方式, 就是到室內去。
Similar to protecting yourself from tornadoes or hurricanes, getting and staying inside a sturdy building would offer protection from the explosion’s shockwave, heat, and radiation. The shockwave of energy would travel several kilometers beyond the fireball’s radius in the first few seconds. Sturdy buildings within that range should be able to withstand the shockwave, and staying in the centers and basements of these buildings also helps provide protection from heat and flying objects. Finding shelter is especially important if the fireball occurs close to the earth, as it will pull thousands of tons of dirt and debris several kilometers into the atmosphere. As the fireball cools, unstable atoms created by the nuclear fission mix with the debris to produce the most dangerous long-term effect of a nuclear detonation: radioactive particles called fallout.
就像遇到龍捲風或颶風時 保護自己的方式一樣, 到堅固的室內並留在那裡, 就能保護自己, 減少爆炸的震波、高熱, 以及輻射的影響。 在前幾秒鐘,能量的震波 就能到達火球半徑之外數公里。 在那範圍內,堅固的建築 應該能夠承受得住震波, 待在這些建築的中心及地下室, 亦能減少受到高熱 和飛散物品傷害的可能。 如果火球產生的地方很靠近陸面, 尋找庇護處就特別重要, 因為它會帶起數千噸的 塵土和殘骸, 帶到數公里高的大氣中。 隨著火球冷卻, 核子分裂所造成的不穩定原子 會和殘骸混合在一起, 產生核子爆炸最危險的長期效應: 放射性微粒,稱為落塵。
These sand-sized particles emit ionizing radiation, capable of separating electrons from molecules and atoms. Exposure to massive amounts of this radiation can result in cell damage, radiation burns, radiation sickness, cancer, and even death. Created several kilometers up, dangerous concentrations of this material would be driven by upper atmospheric winds, potentially leading to hazardous levels of fallout in areas up to tens of kilometers downwind.
這些和沙粒一樣小的微粒 射出游離輻射, 能將電子自分子和原子中分出。 若暴露在大量這種輻射之下, 會造成細胞受損、 輻射灼傷、輻射病、癌症,甚至死亡。 如果是在幾公里的上空造成, 這類物質的危險濃度 會被高空風給帶動, 有可能會造成非常危險級的落塵, 甚至可觸及到數十公里的下風處。
Thankfully, the same buildings that offer protection from the blast are even better at guarding against fallout. Radiation is reduced as it travels through space and mass. So while a broken window and sealed window both have the same minimal effect on radiation, thick layers of steel, concrete, and packed earth can offer serious protection. And since fallout gives off half of its energy in the first hour and 80% in the first day, staying inside for 24 hours could dramatically improve the odds of avoiding the most serious effects of radiation.
謝天謝地,能在爆炸時 保護我們的建築物, 更能為我們抵禦落塵。 穿過空間和物質的輻射會減弱。 雖然破碎或封死的窗戶 都幾乎沒法子抵抗輻射, 而很厚實的鋼鐵、水泥,和夯土 能提供很實在的保護作用。 因為落塵在第一個小時後 能量就會減半, 第一天後只會剩下 20% 能量, 在室內待 24 小時, 就可能會有很高的機率 避開最嚴重的輻射影響。
Following the blast there would be at least 15 minutes to find shelter before the fallout begins. Since the most hazardous fallout particles are the heaviest, they sink through the air and collect on streets and rooftops, making ideal shelters underground or in the middle of high-rise buildings. But if someone were to get caught in the fallout, there are still measures they could take. After finding a safe space, they should remove their shoes and outer layers, wash any exposed skin, and store the contaminated clothing far away.
在爆炸之後,會有至少 十五分鐘的時間可以找庇護所, 然後落塵才開始落下。 因為最重的落塵粒子最危險, 它們會在空氣中下沉, 堆積在街道上和屋頂上, 所以地面之下或是高樓的中間層 都是理想的庇護所。 但如果有人身處落塵當中, 還是有可以採取的措施。 在找到安全的地方後, 他們應該把鞋子 和外層衣物都脫掉, 清洗暴露在外的皮膚, 把受污染的衣服儲存在遠處。 一旦到了室內,盡可能 在那裡至少待上 24 小時。
Once inside, plan on staying there for at least 24 hours. If the shelter is poor, or someone inside needs urgent medical attention, try seeking outside help after an hour. But ideally, stay inside and stay tuned for more information from first responders. While electric power, cell service, and Internet would be down, most radios would likely survive. So listen in for emergency responders to determine the safest course forward.
如果庇護所不理想, 或裡面有人急需要醫療協助, 試著等一小時後再向外求助。 但,最理想的是待在室內, 並等候第一線應變人員的消息。 雖然電力、手機和網路 可能全數當機, 大部分的無線電收音機應該還能用。 所以用收音機 聆聽緊急應變人員的訊息, 判斷怎樣才是最安全的下一步。
Nuclear weapons are some of the most powerful tools of destruction on Earth, and it may seem naive to put faith in these straightforward protective measures. But studies and simulations have repeatedly shown the benefits of getting inside. So while we’ll hopefully never need to, remember to Get Inside, Stay Inside, and Stay Tuned.
核子武器是地球上最強大 也最有毀滅性的工具, 相信這些很直接的 保護措施似乎很天真。 但研究和模擬都再再指出 躲到室內是有好處的。 儘管我們希望永遠不需要用到, 切記:躲到室內、留在室內、等消息。