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Nuclear Terrorism-NPR-Science Friday



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Science Friday
> Archives > 2002 > June > June 14, 2002:
Hour One:Preparedness for Radiological Incidents

On Monday, U.S. government officials announced the arrest of a man suspected of planning a terrorist attack involving a 'dirty bomb' -- a device in which conventional explosives disperse radioactive material, contaminating a wide area. Initially, deaths due to such an explosion would be almost entirely due to the force of the explosives themselves. Later, delayed health effects might be seen among people exposed to the radioactive material. Experts added that the psychological effects of such an attack would be quite significant.

Fears of radiological incidents aren't just limited to fears of terrorism, however. Earlier this month, residents in Westchester County, New York, were provided with supplies of potassium iodide pills. The KI pills would provide the residents with temporary protection against thyroid exposure to radioactive iodide, were an accident to occur at a local nuclear power plant.

In this hour, we'll talk about how prepared the country is to deal with some kind of radiological exposure. Are plans such as the Westchester pill distribution a step in the right direction? Is more needed? Are different kinds of responses needed for different kinds of exposures? Call in with your comments and questions at 1-800-989-8255, and share your opinions online in our Listeners' Lounge (registration required ).

Guests:
Michael Levi
Director, Strategic Security Project
Federation of American Scientists
Washington, DC

Kenneth L. Mossman
Professor of Health Physics
Director, Office of Radiation Safety
Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona

Steven Aukstakalnis
Managing Director
Two Tigers Radiological
Wilmington, North Carolina


Science Friday > Archives > 2002 > June > June 14, 2002:
Hour One:Preparedness for Radiological Incidents

On Monday, U.S. government officials announced the arrest of a man suspected of planning a terrorist attack involving a 'dirty bomb' -- a device in which conventional explosives disperse radioactive material, contaminating a wide area. Initially, deaths due to such an explosion would be almost entirely due to the force of the explosives themselves. Later, delayed health effects might be seen among people exposed to the radioactive material. Experts added that the psychological effects of such an attack would be quite significant.

Fears of radiological incidents aren't just limited to fears of terrorism, however. Earlier this month, residents in Westchester County, New York, were provided with supplies of potassium iodide pills. The KI pills would provide the residents with temporary protection against thyroid exposure to radioactive iodide, were an accident to occur at a local nuclear power plant.

In this hour, we'll talk about how prepared the country is to deal with some kind of radiological exposure. Are plans such as the Westchester pill distribution a step in the right direction? Is more needed? Are different kinds of responses needed for different kinds of exposures? Call in with your comments and questions at 1-800-989-8255, and share your opinions online in our Listeners' Lounge (registration required ).

Guests:
Michael Levi
Director, Strategic Security Project
Federation of American Scientists
Washington, DC

Kenneth L. Mossman
Professor of Health Physics
Director, Office of Radiation Safety
Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona

Steven Aukstakalnis
Managing Director
Two Tigers Radiological
Wilmington, North Carolina