title: Radiological dispersion devices: are we prepared?
abstract: Already before the events of September 11th 2001 concern was raised about the spread of orphan sources and their potential use in Radiological Dispersion Devices by terrorist groups. Although most of the simulated scenarios foresee a rather limited direct health impact on the population, the affected region would suffer from the indirect consequences such as social disruption, cleanup requirements and economic costs. The nature of such a radiological attack would anyway be different compared to conventional radiological accidents, basically because it can happen anywhere at any time. Part of the response resides in a general preparedness scheme incorporating attacks with Radiological Dispersion Devices. Training of different potential intervention teams is essential. The response would consist of a prioritised list of actions adapted to the circumstances. As the psychosocial dimension of the crisis could be worse than the purely radiological one, an adapted communication strategy with the public aspect would be a key issue.
authors.affiliation: Decision Strategy Research Department, Radiation Protection Division, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol, Belgium. asohier@sckcen.be
authors.forename: Alain
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sohier
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hardeman
mesh_terms: D002947:Cities; D004189:Disaster Planning; D005107:Explosions; D006801:Humans; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D011834:Radiation Monitoring; D011835:Radiation Protection; D011868:Radioisotopes; D023481:Terrorism
chemical_list: D011868:Radioisotopes