Table 6.11. Reduction in Exposure by Sheltering

Material – Structure or Location Relative Shielding Strength
Outside No reduction in exposure
Vehicle No reduction in exposure
Wooden frame house Slight reduction in exposure
Basement of wooden house Almost 50% reduction in exposure
Masonry home Almost 50% reduction in exposure
Basement of masonry house >50% reduction in exposure
Large office or industrial building
(inner areas, away from windows)
80% reduction in exposure

Source: Adapted from Management of Terrorist Events Involving Radioactive Material, Report 138, Table 8.5, p. 109. Bethesda, MD: National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements; October 2001. Used with permission.

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