Terrorist ÃÂDirty BombsÃÂ: A Brief Primer (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised April 1, 2004 |
| Report Number |
RS21528 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Jonathan Medalia, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
Many fear a terrorist attack with a radiological dispersal device (RDD). RDDs may scatter radioactive material with an explosive (a 'dirty bomb') or other means. Radioactive atoms are unstable; as they decay, they emit electromagnetic radiation or subatomic particles that can damage cells. Many legitimate activities worldwide use such material. Dealing with RDDs involves controlling sources, detecting radiation, and preparing for and responding to an attack. This report discusses technical aspects of RDDs, including radiation, biological effects, sources of radioactive material, and effectiveness of such weapons. The report also addresses prevention and response, with regard to securing radioactive sources, detecting RDDs, and minimizing the effects of an RDD attack.
