Nuclear terrorism and dirty bombs

Nuclear threats or terrorists use of nuclear weapons or highly active radiation sources has become a possibility and needs to be addressed also in WHO’s response to radiation events. Such threats include:

• Dispersal of highly radioactive materials by means of "dirty bombs"
• Contamination of drinking water or food supplies with highly radioactive materials..
• Direct attacks on nuclear power plants or nuclear fuel reprocessing facilities.
• Use of nuclear weapons by countries.
• Locating radioactive sources in heavily populated areas

A "dirty bomb" combines conventional explosives, such as dynamite, with radioactive materials packed around the explosive core. The idea is to spread radioactive material into the area around the explosion and frighten people. Indeed, the main damage from a dirty bomb would be associated with the blast itself, while contamination with radioactive materials to people or the environment is expected to cause only limited harm.

Information Sheets

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