confirmed: Fact Sheet on Dirty Bombs

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confirmed: Fact Sheet on Dirty Bombs

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Background

A "dirty bomb" or radiological dispersal device (RDD) is a conventional explosive or bomb containing radioactive material. The conventional bomb is used as a means to spread radioactive contamination. It is not a nuclear bomb and does not involve a nuclear explosion. Any type of radioactive material could be used in a dirty bomb, but in general these devices would be unlikely to cause serious health effects beyond those caused by the detonation of conventional explosives. 

Impact of a Dirty Bomb

In most cases, any immediate deaths or serious injuries would likely result from the explosion itself, rather than from radiation exposure. It is unlikely that the radioactive material contained in a dirty bomb would kill anyone. The radioactive material would be dispersed into the air and reduced to relatively low concentrations, resulting in low doses to people exposed. In addition, most people would be expected to run away from the explosion, further reducing potential exposure. A low-level exposure to radioactive contamination could slightly increase the long-term risk of cancer. 

However, a "dirty bomb" could potentially have a significant psychological impact, by causing fear, panic and disruption. Use of a dirty bomb could result in radioactive contamination of an area of a city, up to several city blocks, with low levels of contamination that would require cleanup. The extent of the contamination depends upon a number of factors including the size of the explosive, the amount and type of radioactive material used, and weather conditions. The detectability of radiation is a major asset in reducing health and safety impacts and in evaluating the accident. Cleanup of the contamination could be costly (conceivably running into the millions) and take weeks to months to complete.

ENDS