Can a fireplace be used as a fallout shelter?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Mike S.
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Radiation shielding
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using a fireplace as a fallout shelter in the event of a nuclear incident. Participants explore the protective qualities of masonry, vulnerabilities of the structure, and the implications of radiation exposure, particularly focusing on the initial phase of fallout rather than long-term contamination issues.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that masonry may offer some protection against radiation, but express concerns about vulnerabilities such as the damper and the open front of the fireplace.
  • There is speculation about the effectiveness of the fireplace for waiting out initial radiation, with questions about whether the cramped space would be worth it.
  • One participant raises the issue of potential fallout from geopolitical tensions, specifically referencing the situation in Ukraine and the number of nuclear weapons possessed by Russia.
  • Another participant humorously questions the seriousness of the discussion, suggesting it may not be a genuine inquiry.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the practicality of using a fireplace as a shelter, with one explicitly stating it is "not recommended."
  • A later reply introduces a humorous suggestion about using a person to block fallout from entering through the damper, indicating a lighthearted tone amidst the serious topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the viability of using a fireplace as a fallout shelter. There are multiple competing views, with some advocating for its potential use and others dismissing the idea entirely.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various assumptions about the effectiveness of different protective measures and does not resolve the implications of long-term contamination or the adequacy of the fireplace structure in a fallout scenario.

Mike S.
Messages
90
Reaction score
32
In 2020 we wondered if we could use socks as filter masks. In 2021 we wondered if we could use Chromebooks as computers. And in 2022...

But seriously, fallout shelters are supposed to protect against "skyshine", gamma rays from disintegrating isotopes in a Doomsday Shroud in the atmosphere. Ideally, you dig under two or more feet of dirt, but if you don't happen to be a loony doomsday prepper and now tomorrow's weather is rain with a chance of falling H-bombs...

I'm thinking the masonry ought to offer some protection. The damper is a vulnerability - almost certainly hit you with some kind of brehmsstrahlung from radiation from directly overhead. But is that enough to matter? And then of course there's the hole in the front, which has view of a lot of horizon.

All told, is decamping to the fireplace to wait out the initial radiation going to be worth suffering the cramped quarters for the last few days of your life?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Mike S. said:
In 2020 we wondered if we could use socks as filter masks. In 2021 we wondered if we could use Chromebooks as computers. And in 2022...

But seriously, fallout shelters are supposed to protect against "skyshine", gamma rays from disintegrating isotopes in a Doomsday Shroud in the atmosphere. Ideally, you dig under two or more feet of dirt, but if you don't happen to be a loony doomsday prepper and now tomorrow's weather is rain with a chance of falling H-bombs...

I'm thinking the masonry ought to offer some protection. The damper is a vulnerability - almost certainly hit you with some kind of brehmsstrahlung from radiation from directly overhead. But is that enough to matter? And then of course there's the hole in the front, which has view of a lot of horizon.

All told, is decamping to the fireplace to wait out the initial radiation going to be worth suffering the cramped quarters for the last few days of your life?
Against the blast if you are far enough away from a major city but then what?
Is this because of Ukraine? Russia have about 7000 nuclear weapons, 7800? It's enough to annihilate the infrastructure of everything you have become accustomed to.
Let's hope this situation (which I have not commented on) either de-escalates or settles down to some sort of civil/guerilla war without nuclear involvement.
Not so great for that country unfortunately.
Edit. It is in the middle of the house so if you are far enough away and protected all the rest of the house then why not.
If you can find this on line I recommend it.

 
Last edited:
I was only thinking of the initial period of "skyshine", not long term contamination of water & food sources. Humans are made out of meat ... maybe the Russians will send us food?
 
Is it April 1st already?
 
  • Like
  • Love
Likes   Reactions: russ_watters, berkeman, nsaspook and 1 other person
 
Not recommended ...
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: russ_watters
I wasn't suggesting using the top of the chimney, nor seeking sanctuary at the North Pole. Though having some lady stuck in the opening could help to keep fallout-laced rain from coming in and dripping through the damper.
 
Thread is done.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: hutchphd