Year: 2007
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: 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.
Author: Dennis Bechtel
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W202800555