The "Dirty Bomb" Crisis

Dirty Bomb Facts

  What is a Dirty Bomb?

• A ‘dirty bomb’ is a type of radiological dispersal device (RDD)
  • An RDD uses conventional explosives, such as dynamite, to disperse radioactive material.
  
  
• Once the explosive is set off the RDD spreads radioactive material, usually in powder form, contaminating the surrounding area.
  
  •Necessary decontamination of the affected area and its victims would require considerable time and expense, which could result in anxiety in the population and economic damage to areas rendered temporarily unusable.
  
  
• The conventional explosives used in dirty bombs are likely to cause more immediate lethal effect than the radioactive material itself, as it is unlikely there would be enough radiation present to cause severe illness or death
  
  
• A terrorist dirty bomb is referred to as a weapon of mass disruption because it would likely cause fear, panic and costly cleanup as opposed to the large number of fatalities caused by a weapon of mass destruction.
  

  Dirty Bomb vs. Nuclear Bomb

• A nuclear explosion, through nuclear fission, creates a blast millions of times more powerful than the blast made by the conventional explosives used in a dirty bomb
  
  
• The radiation cloud of a nuclear bomb could spread to hundreds of square miles whereas the radiation released by a dirty bomb would be dispersed within a few miles of the explosion.
  
• Anyone exposed to extremely high levels of radioactivity is likely to suffer radiation sickness.
  o Radiation destroys cells with which it comes into contact and is most dangerous when it enters the body by being swallowed, breathed in or entering through an open wound.
  
  

1. The destructive capacity and health effects of a dirty bomb are a function of the amount and type of both the explosive and radioactive materials used.
   
   
2. A bomb with a small amount of radioactive material might wreak economic havoc and spread terror, but would have little biological effect on local populations.
   
   
3. A bomb laced with large amounts of strontium-90 (a highly radioactive isotope), highly enriched uranium, or spent nuclear fuel from a nuclear power plant could be devastating.
   
4. The means of dispersal, weather conditions, distance between the individual and radiation, and length of time exposed could also influence the extent of contamination.
   
   • Those closest to the RDD would be the most likely to sustain injuries due to the explosion.
   
   
5. As radioactive material spreads, it becomes less concentrated and less harmful. Immediate health effects from exposure to the low radiation levels expected from an RDD would likely be minimal.
   
   •Prompt detection of the type of radioactive material used will greatly assist local authorities in advising the community on protective measures.
   
   • At lower levels, radiation is linked with cancer.

  Economic Impact of a Dirty Bomb

• The dispersal of radioactive material and the explosion from the bomb could cause a huge public panic and disrupt the economy and living conditions in the contaminated area.
  
  
• EPA regulations require that contaminated areas should be cleaned if the risk is one death in ten thousand people. If the risk of cancer deaths could not be curtailed to around 1-in-10,000, the EPA would likely recommend long-term evacuation of the contaminated area.
  
  • With urban areas especially difficult to decontaminate after a radiological attack, any abandonment could be permanent, potentially costing trillions of dollars.
  
  •Because decontaminating certain areas might not be financially or technically possible, it may be necessary to demolish or abandon several square miles of a city. This could force us to destroy our own buildings on a grand scale.

  National Impact of a Dirty Bomb

• If a dirty bomb is exploded, especially in a city or region with a highly concentrated civilian population, massive panic and disruption would most likely ensue.
  
  
• Millions of people will leave the affected area in a state of panic, leading to potentially deadly accidents. The relocation of so many people in such a short time could turn into a logistical nightmare.• Radioactive dust will settle on people, buildings, and roads. Winds and air circulation systems in buildings will spread the radioactive dust even more. Rain will wash the radioactivity into soil, sewer systems and rivers.
  
  
• Food and water supplies most likely will remain safe. However, any unpackaged food or water that was out in the open and close to the incident may have radioactive dust on it. Therefore, do not consume water or food that was out in the open.
  
  
• The food inside of cans and other sealed containers will be safe to eat. Wash the outside of the container before opening it.
  
  
• Authorities will monitor food and water quality for safety and keep the public informed.