Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism
Training Support Package
Participant Guide
Slide 10
The next scenario involves incorporating a small amount of radioactive material (“dirty”)
to a conventional explosive. This allows the dispersion of radiation over a fairly large
area (typically in the range of thousands of square yards). Given the ready detectability
of radiation, if monitoring is performed, few individuals are likely to absorb a lethal dose
before they can evacuate the area. Some may be impaled with contaminated shrapnel
or inhale radioactive dust and develop radiation sickness (poisoning), but human
casualties are likely to be low.
A “dirty bomb” is one type of a “radiological dispersal device” (RDD) that combines a
conventional explosive, such as dynamite, with radioactive material. Most RDDs would
not release enough radiation to kill people or cause severe illness. The energy of a dirty
bomb explosion is derived from the amount of conventional explosive used and is much,
much less than that of a nuclear bomb; the energy of a nuclear bomb is derived from
fission, releasing a number of fission products that are not present with a dirty bomb.
There is no radioactive iodine generated by a dirty bomb – and thus no role for the often
mischaracterized “anti-radiation pill” potassium iodide.
Depending on the scenario, an RDD explosion could create fear and panic, contaminate
property, and require potentially costly cleanup. A dirty bomb is not a “Weapon of Mass
Destruction” but a “Weapon of Mass Disruption,” where contamination and anxiety are
the terrorists’ major objectives.
December 2008 Version 2.0 Page 373