Published: 15.08.2025.
Translated by machine translator

Leakage of hazardous chemicals

What to do if there has been a leak of hazardous chemicals and you are outside the building?

  1. If you are at or near the epicenter of the event, stand perpendicular to the wind so that the wind blows from the side, and walk at least 800 m forward out of the danger zone.
  2. Inform others about what happened.
  3. When leaving the contaminated area, cover your mouth with a cloth or clothing.
  4. Do not touch anything along the way - no liquid or solid chemicals, do not walk in smoke or fog.
  5. If you have been exposed to hazardous substances and feel unwell, seek medical assistance.

What to do if there has been a leak of hazardous chemicals and you are inside the building?

  1. Stay in the building.
  2. Close exterior doors, interior doors, windows, and vents to prevent outside air from entering the rooms.
  3. Close or turn off ventilation and heat recovery equipment. Seal openings and gaps to prevent contamination from entering the building.
  4. Go to the room with the fewest openings to the outside.
  5. If gas or fumes enter the building, breathe shallowly through a towel or other cloth.

What to do if you are driving a car and there has been a leakage of hazardous chemicals?

  1. stop and seek shelter in a building;
  2. If you have to stay in the car, keep the windows closed and turn off the ventilation, air conditioning, and heater.

 

Radiation accident

What to do if a radiation accident has occurred in Latvia and you are near the accident site?

If an accident involving radioactive substances has occurred, three basic principles must be observed:

  • leave the scene;
  • stay near the scene of the accident for as little time as possible;
  • Do not drink, eat or smoke at or near the scene of the incident.

What should be considered?

  • Upon arrival at the scene, emergency services primarily inform residents about what to do.
  • While at or near the scene, practice personal hygiene – avoid touching your face and wash your hands upon entering the premises.
  • If a radiation accident has occurred in a building, leave the premises as soon as possible and return only after permission from emergency services.
  • If you have been exposed to radioactive substances and feel unwell, seek medical help.

What to do if a radiation accident occurred in another country and cross-border pollution is possible in Latvia?

Latvia is not located in an elevated risk zone, however, if a nuclear accident or other type of radiation accident occurs in another country, residents must take precautions:

  1. go inside the premises;
  2. follow the information from the State Environmental Service and other responsible authorities about the threat and protective measures;
  3. do not drink, eat or smoke outdoors;
  4. if possible, bring livestock and pets into enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces, do not give them food or drink from the open field.

Remember!

  • The further you are from the accident site, the less radioactive substances will reach you.
  • The most dangerous radioactive contamination is in the first hours after the accident.

 

What to do in case of restrictions?

What to do if the responsible authorities recommend staying indoors?

  • When indoors, close windows and doors, turn off the ventilation system, and cover gaps.
  • If you touch objects outdoors, practice personal hygiene and wash your hands when entering the premises.
  • If you have been outside during precipitation, shower after returning indoors.
  • When entering the premises, change both your shoes and clothes. Put the clothes you have taken off in a polyethylene bag, then wash them and you can wear them again.

What to do if the responsible authorities impose food and agricultural restrictions?

  • Do not eat food from open fields and forests until it is declared safe.
  • Do not drink water from open surface water bodies and uncovered wells until it is declared safe.
  • Use pre-packaged food and water, as well as products that have been stored indoors.

 

Action after a chemical spill or radiation accident

Leaving your location, including returning home and going outside, is only permitted with permission from the responsible services.

 

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