A Radiological Dispersion Device, often referred to as an RDD or “dirty bomb”, contains conventional explosives (such as dynamite) and radioactive material. The intention is to spread radioactive material over a large area. RDDs are not a new idea. The military considered creating such devices in 1941. Dirty bombs are no longer considered practical for military applications and are now considered terrorist weapons (The Facts about “Dirty Bombs”, 2005, pg. 4). Radioactive materials are commonly used in research, medicine, and agriculture and are readily available. Because these devices are easy to build and deploy, analysts believe it is the radiological weapon most likely to be used by terrorists.
The initial explosion of an RDD will cause property damage, and serious injury or death to bystanders. The radioactive particles, dust, and smoke are spread into the air and carried downwind affecting those farther from the initial site. Though the initial death toll may not be high, a dirty bomb will continue to cause deaths over the course of several years due to exposure and contamination. It is believed that it would be too difficult to design a dirty bomb that would be able to deliver large enough doses of radiation to cause a large number of fatalities or cause immediate …show more content…
Depending on the dose of radiation those within the affected area are at risk for both short-term and long-term effects. Short-term effects include acute radiation syndrome and cutaneous radiation injury. Long-term effects include cancer, damage to DNA cells, prenatal radiation exposure, and mental health. Those at greatest risk for these are pregnant women and their fetuses, children, elderly individuals, and those with a lowered immune
The initial explosion of an RDD will cause property damage, and serious injury or death to bystanders. The radioactive particles, dust, and smoke are spread into the air and carried downwind affecting those farther from the initial site. Though the initial death toll may not be high, a dirty bomb will continue to cause deaths over the course of several years due to exposure and contamination. It is believed that it would be too difficult to design a dirty bomb that would be able to deliver large enough doses of radiation to cause a large number of fatalities or cause immediate …show more content…
Depending on the dose of radiation those within the affected area are at risk for both short-term and long-term effects. Short-term effects include acute radiation syndrome and cutaneous radiation injury. Long-term effects include cancer, damage to DNA cells, prenatal radiation exposure, and mental health. Those at greatest risk for these are pregnant women and their fetuses, children, elderly individuals, and those with a lowered immune