Terrorist "Dirty Bombs": A Brief Primer

Publication Date: April 2004

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Military and defense

Type:

Abstract:

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 will be updated. "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.