Terrorist "Dirty Bombs": A Brief Primer

Abstract

Many, rightly or wrongly, 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 radioactive material. Dealing with RDDs involves controlling sources, detecting radiation, and preparing for and responding to an attack. This report will be updated from time to time. "Nuclear and Radiological Terrorism," in the CRS electronic briefing book on terrorism, tracks developments. This report does not address nuclear power-related issues; see CRS Report RS21131, "Nuclear Powerplants: Vulnerability to Terrorist Attack."

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 29, 2003
Accession Number
ADA444987

Entities

People

  • Jonathan E. Medalia

Organizations

  • Library of Congress

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Beta Particles
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Electromagnetic Radiation
  • Emergency Response
  • Explosives
  • Gamma Rays
  • Ionizing Radiation
  • Law
  • National Security
  • Nuclear Materials
  • Radioactive Materials
  • Radiological Weapons
  • Terrorists
  • Weapons
  • Weapons Of Mass Destruction
  • X Rays

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Critical Infrastructure Protection in CBRN and WMD Threats.
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Nuclear and Radiation Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics