The public’s idea of nuclear terrorism may depend on
which newspaper articles they read. Two wire service
reports on the terrorist arrested for plotting a
“dirty bomb” attack describe the nature of such a
device. The plot was in the planning stage, and I did
not find specific details on the nature of the
radioactivity.
>From AP:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&ncid=514&e=2&cid=514&u=/ap/20020610/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/terror_arrest_16
A "dirty bomb" would not result in a nuclear
explosion, but experts say such a device could release
relatively small amounts of radiation over several
city blocks. Its most devastating effect would be in
the panic it likely would cause. For that reason, it
has been called an ideal terrorist weapon.
>From Reuters:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&ncid=578&e=1&cid=578&u=/nm/20020610/ts_nm/attack_dirtybomb_dc_5
A so-called dirty bomb involves exploding a
conventional device wrapped in or laced with
radioactive material that can kill victims in the
immediate area and spread highly toxic material to
humans, causing mass death and injury.
-Chris
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! - Official partner of 2002 FIFA World Cup
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com