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Questions about ionizing radiation eventually engage most health professionals. Because of their widespread use, radiation sources are an exposure risk and a terrorism threat. Acute radiation syndrome (ARS) occurs after exposure ≥ 1 Gray. Internal contamination occurs when persons ingest, inhale or are wounded by radioactive material. There is treatment for victims of radiation injury. ARS treatment includes supportive care, colony stimulating factors, and prophylactic and definitive treatment of infections. For internal contamination, decontaminate patients; give blocker, diluter and chelator drugs. Psychological effects will likely outnumber physical radiation injuries, and planners must account for their numbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]