ABSTRACT
Recent terrorist events have raised concern about the possibility of a terrorist attack that would involve the release of radioactive materials. The most common means of such an attack would, in all probability, involve the use of a “dirty bomb.” It is important to note that a dirty bomb is not similar to a nuclear weapon. As noted previously, the major impact of a dirty bomb is produced by the blast and the resulting panic and fear that will ensue. In addition to creating fear and requiring costly cleanup, the primary impact from a dirty bomb containing low-level radioactive sources would be the blast, itself. Promptly detecting the kind of radioactive material used in the bomb would assist local authorities in advising the affected population of what protective measures to take. There is wide-spread speculation regarding terrorist accessibility to the various radioactive materials that could be placed in a dirty bomb.
