RDD Dirty Bomb

What is an RDD Dirty Bomb? Is it the same as an Improvised Nuclear Weapon? What are the chances of a terrorist detonating and RDD? What are the hazards of a Dirty Bomb?

We'll attempt to answer these and many more of your questions on this page and its links to other specific pages. SGC Group is an anti-terrorism training company that specializes in IED's, IWMD's and the training and protective / detection gear used around these devices. If you have specific questions regarding any of the above, please use the "Contact Us" page and we'll get back to you as soon as we can which is usually the same day.

What is an RDD Dirty Bomb?

An RDD and dirty bomb are the same thing. An Improvised Nuclear Weapon and RDD are not the same. An IND, when detonated, would actually produce a nuclear yield as a militarized nuclear warhead would. An RDD does not yield. It only spreads the radioactive contamination.

What are the characteristics of an RDD event?

An RDD dirty bomb event would be caused by terrorists using low cost, low technology and a wide range of nuclear material such as Cesium,Cobalt and Radon.

Although there are physical hazards, the psychological impact and the following panic would cause the greatest harm outside the event epicenter.

How does an RDD Dirty Bomb function?

A dirty bomb would be detonated using an explosive charge that is big enough to spread the radioactive material but not so large where it would consume the material to be dispersed.

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What is Radioactive Material?

Radioactive material is an element that contains an unstable atomic structure or too many neutrons compared to the number of protons. Examples would be Tritium, Uranium, Plutonium, Americium, Neptunium and Krypton. Unlike biological or chemical weapons/IWMD's, radioactive material does not have a smell and therefore detection is very difficult without the correct dosimeters.

Personal Radiation Dosimeter

There are other examples of radioactive materials that would be used in an RDD. Some sources include bananas with Potassium 40, Exit signs, lantern mantles with Thorium and smoke detectors with Americium. For further questions, please use the "Contact Us" page.

What is Radiation as it relates to an RDD Dirty Bomb?There are two types of radiation, non-ionizing and Ionizing radiation. We will discuss ionizing radiation as that is the type of radiation that would be involved in an RDD event.Ionizing radiation is in the spectrum above ultraviolet radiation and includes X-Rays and Gamma Rays and we are concerned with Alpha, Beta and Gamma radiations. The energy given off by an atom’s nucleus is ionizing. Ionizing radiation causes damage to living tissue. Ionization occurs when there is sufficient energy to break the molecular bond an atom releasing an electron.Ionizing radiation destroys cells, causes genetic defects, affects unborn children and increases cancer rates.

Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of a WMD Attack!

Alpha radiation is particulate and can be ingested or inhaled as it is usually contained in a dust form. When the atom gives off energy in the form of an Alpha, it travels a short distance and falls. Again, because it is particulate, it can be ingested and is very difficult and expensive to clean up. Alphas can be stopped by paper, paper filters and your skin. Open sores, cuts, nose and mouth can absorb the Alpha radiation.

Beta Radiation is also particulate buy travels much faster and further that Alphas. Betas can be hazardous when in contact with skin, eyes or ingested through your nose, mouth or cuts.

Gamma Radiation is non-particulate energy that travels penetrating your body regardless of clothing, safety gear, etc. Time, Distance and Shielding with lead is your only protection.

End Game

Intelligence Agencies including DHS say that an RDD attack is the biggest threat to the US. With our porous borders to the north and the south and the massive quantities of ships entering our ports, we must be prepared for an attack or multiple attacks by having a plan in place, detection capabilities and a solid response plan not only on the national level but also on a personal level.

If you have questions regarding RDD Dirty Bomb events and how to best protect yourself, please let us know.

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