Location
University of Nevada Las Vegas, Stan Fulton Building
Start Date
2-6-2007 11:20 AM
End Date
2-6-2007 11:30 AM
Description
Since the tragic events of September 11th, 2001 there has been apprehension that the United States may be ill-prepared to prevent future terrorist events. One source of concern is that a Radioactive Dispersion Device (RDD) could be detonated at a vulnerable target anywhere in the nation. A RDD, also known as a “dirty bomb, is a conventional explosive packed with radioactive material. The explosion could disperse radioactive material over a wide area. The target could be an icon associated with American democracy and government, critical systems and infrastructure, a water supply, a nuclear power plant and others. Such an event could result in impact to citizens and communities on a number of levels: physical, economic, psychological and fiscal. The paper provides an overview of salient issues associated with RDD and offers perspectives on the vulnerability of the U.S., to attacks using such devices.
Keywords
Bombings -- Prevention; Dirty bombs; Dirty bombs – Prevention; Nuclear weapons; Radioactive Dispersion Devices (RDD); Security systems; Strategic targets; Terrorism
Disciplines
Defense and Security Studies | Nuclear
Language
English
Session 11 - Radioactive dispersion devices (RDD): What are the odds?
University of Nevada Las Vegas, Stan Fulton Building
Since the tragic events of September 11th, 2001 there has been apprehension that the United States may be ill-prepared to prevent future terrorist events. One source of concern is that a Radioactive Dispersion Device (RDD) could be detonated at a vulnerable target anywhere in the nation. A RDD, also known as a “dirty bomb, is a conventional explosive packed with radioactive material. The explosion could disperse radioactive material over a wide area. The target could be an icon associated with American democracy and government, critical systems and infrastructure, a water supply, a nuclear power plant and others. Such an event could result in impact to citizens and communities on a number of levels: physical, economic, psychological and fiscal. The paper provides an overview of salient issues associated with RDD and offers perspectives on the vulnerability of the U.S., to attacks using such devices.
Comments
7 pages
DOI: 10.1109/ISTAS.2007.4362204