Radiation Effects

Abstract

At the outset, it is important to define some terminologies. A “nuclear weapon detonation” is propelled, not by conventional chemical reactions, but rather by an atomic chain reaction, in which a massive amount of energy is released in a confined space in an instant of time. This energy release manifests in several different forms, such as initial nuclear radiation, residual nuclear radiation, thermal radiation, and blast and shock waves (1). Because of the massive explosive power of even small nuclear weapons, large-scale destruction of buildings and human deaths are likely. In contrast, a “radiological dispersal device” (RDD), commonly referred to as a “dirty bomb,” has less impact as a weapon; radioactive materials are dispersed through the use of chemical explosives. The RDD is designed mainly to cause chronic radiation injuries and create delayed radiation sickness, panic, and fear among military and civilian populations. To predict the level of exposure or injury an RDD might cause is difficult, because radiation dose depends on many factors, such as the physical and chemical forms of the radioactive material, the size and type of explosive, and proximity to the blast. Most likely, the most severe, immediate effects of a dirty bomb would be the disruption from the evacuation, the fear and panic in the general population, the subsequent cleanup of contaminated property, and the associated economic costs. The long-term health effects of an RDD may not be immediately predictable but clearly might produce chronic injuries and late-arising pathologies.

The views expressed in this chapter are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.