Radiation Threat
Radiation Threat |
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Radiation Threat
The use of common explosives to spread radioactive materials over a targeted area.
A radiation threat, commonly referred to as a "dirty bomb" or "radiological dispersion device (RDD)", is the use of common explosives to spread radioactive materials over a targeted area. It is not a nuclear blast. The force of the explosion and radioactive contamination will be more localized. While the blast will be immediately obvious, the presence of radiation will not be clearly defined until trained personnel with specialized equipment are on the scene. As with any radiation, you want to try to limit exposure. It is important to avoid breathing radiological dust that may be released in the air.
Terrorist use of an RDD - often called "dirty nuke" or "dirty bomb" - is considered far more likely than use of a nuclear explosive device. An RDD combines a conventional explosive device - such as a bomb - with radioactive material. It is designed to scatter dangerous and sub-lethal amounts of radioactive material over a general area. Such RDDs appeal to terrorists because they require limited technical knowledge to build and deploy compared to a nuclear device. Also, the radioactive materials in RDDs are widely used in medicine, agriculture, industry and research, and are easier to obtain than weapons grade uranium or plutonium.
The primary purpose of terrorist use of an RDD is to cause psychological fear and economic disruption. Some devices could cause fatalities from exposure to radioactive materials. Depending on the speed at which the area of the RDD detonation was evacuated or how successful people were at sheltering-in-place, the number of deaths and injuries from an RDD might not be substantially greater than from a conventional bomb explosion.
The size of the affected area and the level of destruction caused by an RDD would depend on the sophistication and size of the conventional bomb, the type of radioactive material used, the quality and quantity of the radioactive material, and the local meteorological conditions - primarily wind and precipitation. The area affected could be placed off-limits to the public for several months during cleanup efforts.
If There is a Radiation Threat or "Dirty Bomb"
- If you are outside and there is an explosion or authorities warn of a radiation release nearby, cover your nose and mouth and quickly go inside a building that has not been damaged. If you are already inside check to see if your building has been damaged. If your building is stable, stay where you are.
Close windows and doors; turn off air conditioners, heaters or other ventilation systems.
- If you are inside and there is an explosion near where you are or you are warned of a radiation release inside, cover nose and mouth and go outside immediately. Look for a building or other shelter that has not been damaged and quickly get inside. Once you are inside, close windows and doors; turn off air conditioners, heaters or other ventilation systems.
- If you think you have been exposed to radiation, take off your clothes and wash as soon as possible.
- Stay where you are, watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet for official news as it becomes available.
- Remember: To limit the amount of radiation you are exposed to, think about time, distance and shielding.
- Time: Minimizing time spent exposed will also reduce your risk.
- Distance: The farther away you are away from the blast and the fallout the lower your exposure.
- Shielding: If you have a thick shield between yourself and the radioactive materials, more of the radiation will be absorbed, and you will be exposed to less.
As with any emergency, local authorities may not be able to immediately provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet often for official news and information as it becomes available.
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Prepare
Step 1: Get a Kit
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Get an
Emergency Supply Kit
, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio,
extra flashlights and batteries.
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Make sure you have a
"to-go bag"
ready in case you need to evacuate.
Step 2: Make a Plan
Step 3: Be Informed
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Listen to Local Officials -
Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your
state and local government
. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management
officials.