Dirty Bombs: What are they and how they could affect you?

It is human nature to fear things that we don’t understand. One of these things is how radiation exposure actually works. There is an incredible amount of misinformation about radiation and its effects on human beings. Truthfully small quantities of radiation are negligible, and in fact we are exposed to small amounts of various kinds of radiation all the time.

One concern that has been raised by the public is that terrorists will escalate from explosive or shrapnel bombs to bombs with hidden dangers as well as physical ones. In fact, one of the major worries in the aftermath of the recent Boston Marathon bombings was whether or not the shrapnel bombs were also radiological dispersion devices (RDDs) also known as dirty bombs.

Explosives Plus an Easily Dispersed Radioactive Source

First, an overview of dirty bombs and how they work.

Dirty bombs go a step beyond traditional explosives and add a radioactive component in the form of pellets or powder to the mix. One thing to note is that devices containing materials classified as radioactive does not equate them to a nuclear or atomic bomb. The violent fission reactions found in atomic bombs are not present in RDDs. Dirty bombs are meant to foment chaos and disruption instead of mass destruction. Terrorists count on public misinformation to help create further panic in a crisis situation.

When an RDD explodes, it coats everything nearby including people and objects with radioactive particles which can travel beyond the initial blast radius. Because of this, in addition to immediate contamination, secondary contamination can occur well beyond the radius of the blast.

What should I do if I find myself within the blast radius of one of these bombs?

First of all, don’t panic. While exposure to the types of radioactive material that would be found in these bombs could be an issue eventually if not properly cleaned up, the strength of the material used is not going to cause immediate radiation sickness, cell damage, or instant cell mutation¹.

Because radiation cannot be felt or seen, the cautious thing to do is assume that there was a radioactive component to the bomb and respond accordingly. The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) has listed some general guidelines to follow if you find yourself in this situation and you are not seriously injured by the initial explosion.

• Leave the immediate area on foot—do not take public transportation.
• Go inside the nearest building. Seeking immediate shelter will reduce exposure to any radioactive material at the scene of the explosion.
• Remove clothing as soon as possible and seal it inside a plastic bag. Save the clothing so that emergency response personnel can test it. Removing clothing will eliminate 90 percent of the radioactive contamination, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Take a shower or wash yourself as completely as possible. This will reduce the amount of radioactive contamination.
• Seek more information from emergency response personnel who respond to the explosion. 

What if I live nearby? Should I evacuate or stay where I am?

If emergency responders have not made their way to your area, unless your building is damaged, it is recommended that you stay put. Many of the radioactive materials that are likely to be used in dirty bombs have a short half-life and decay quickly. They are also unlikely to penetrate building walls. If you are instructed to or choose to shelter where you are in the absence of instruction, it is recommended that you turn off your heating/air conditioning and any other device that draws air from the outside temporarily. As the situation becomes more organized, you should be able to get feedback from emergency personal by radio or in person for instructions on how to proceed.

In a particular event, who determines whether or not a bomb contains radioactive material?

The National Guard has a Civil Support Team (CST) whose members are deployed to most major events. Included in the gear that they have on hand is a portable radiation detector. As these individuals scan the area for various threats, they will determine whether or not radioactive material was mixed with the explosives. The CSTs will then alert the nearby population with the results of their testing.

Portable Radiation Detector with a Belt Clip

The best defense against these kinds of terrorist actions is to be informed. Knowing what to do if you find yourself in this situation robs them of their goal to spread chaos and fear. Better yet, spread the knowledge you’ve gained and together we can stand against those that want to harm us and take away our freedoms.

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D-tect Systems is a supplier of advanced radiation and chemical detection equipment sold around the world. www.dtectsystems.com

¹    Information provided by NEI

References:

Steps for Public Safety Against a ‘Dirty Bomb’, Nuclear Energy Institute
http://www.nei.org/resourcesandstats/Documentlibrary/Safety-and-Security/factsheet/publicsafetystepsagainstadirtybomb  
Boston Marathon Bombings Raises New Concerns of “Dirty Bombs,” Emergency Film Group 
http://www.efilmgroup.com/emergency-film-blog/boston-marathon-bombings-raises-new-concerns-of-dirty-bombs/  
Dirty Bomb, National Terror Alert Response Center
http://www.nationalterroralert.com/dirtybomb/

Shielding Olympic Dreams: Security at the 2012 London Games

London is bustling as athletes, trainers, reporters, and spectators pour in for the 2012 Olympic games starting this month.  The city has been preparing to host the 2012 Olympic Games since mid 2005 when London was announced to be the winning bidder.  The need for security in London has been an integral part of these preparations, especially considering the lethal subway bombings that pounded London the very next day after the bid announcement.

Security won’t be cheap for the 2012 Olympics: estimates for security costs top $1.6 billion.  This enormous cost is partially due to concerns that didn’t exist in previous Olympics.  In addition to defending against terrorist attacks and violent crowds that are a threat at nearly any major sporting event, Olympic organizers are even planning to defend against cyber-attacks that could upend athletic events and programs.

Security efforts started long ago for the 2012 Olympics. source

An incredible amount of manpower is also going to protect against dirty bombs – small explosive devices containing dispersible radioactive material.  As one expert involved in London security stated, “The main risk is radioactive materials which may be used to contaminate an area or combined with conventional explosives to create a so-called ‘dirty bomb.”¹  This type of easy-to-construct bombs could be extremely disruptive to any event. The fear of contamination brought on by a dirty bomb could shut down a venue for years.  The risk is all too real at this point in preparation: a fake bomb was smuggled into the main Olympic stadium on construction equipment only one day before the official opening.

Photo on the london2012 site describing security measures at the games

 To mitigate bomb fears, Olympic organizers are turning to strength in technology.  2,700 airport-type scanners are being brought in to check over crowds of over 200,000 that are expected to attend every day.  Covert scanners will also be employed to check for threats day and night.  Some of these scanners are expected to be built into pillars around the Olympic complex.²  

So as the stadiums fill in just a few short weeks, we won’t be the only ones watching with baited breath to see who comes out victorious.  We wish not only those performing, but also those protecting, the best of luck.

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D-tect Systems is a supplier of advanced radiation and chemical detection equipment sold around the world. www.dtectsystems.com.

Hospital Radiation Risks Uncovered

There is no doubt that the U.S. spends a lot of money on antiterrorism efforts. Estimates vary greatly, but some experts have put the cost of efforts since 9/11 at over $3.3 trillion¹ . The question remains: is it enough? Millions of dollars are spent on foreign operations and border protection to keep threats out of the United States.  But threats arising from negligence inside the U.S. are on the rise according to new research findings disclosed recently in congressional hearings.

An article released last week by the New York Times documents the results of hospital audits where large amounts of radioactive materials are used and stored.  The testimony of security experts included comments that hospital radioactive materials are much more vulnerable to theft or tampering than in other industries. 

Hospital equipment utilizing radiation may cause a threat if not properly secured.  source

Evidence of these weaknesses includes poor security of radioactive supplies (several hospitals had lock combinations for radiation store rooms written right on the door posts) and outdated tracking technology for radioactive materials in use. On top of the physical security underpinnings, a distinct lack of training security personnel exists to guard supplies or deal with threats. 

The real danger in these patterns of loose security is that even small amounts or weak radioactive materials can be very dangerous.  Dirty bombs can be created that disperse tiny amounts of radiation over large areas with dire consequences – contamination (and fear of contamination) could render the location of dispersion vacant for many years. We need to be sure that the United States is not only safe from radioactive materials entering our borders, but also safe from within. 

To read the entire article, visit this link.  For more information on radiation basics and how much radiation constitutes a risk, visit the Radiation Safety page on the D-tect Systems website.

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D-tect Systems is a supplier of advanced radiation and chemical detection equipment sold around the world. www.dtectsystems.com. 

Rad-DX Mesh Network

Everyone knows that a single camera doesn’t make a very effective security system.  Even if placed in an optimal location, a single camera can miss important details – a fact that becomes very apparent on countless action movies.  The same is true with radiation detection.  Many detectors working together can identify threats that might slip by a single detector.  This is the core idea behind the mesh network capabilities of the Rad-DX. 

The D-tect Sensor Net, a wireless mesh network built on the 802.15.4 hardware layer, is responsible of the novel network capabilities of the Rad-DX..  All Rad-DXs used in a system (for example multiple devices used at various entrances of building complex) communicate to each other via the D-tect SensorNet.  Each Rad-DX in range of the system automatically connects to the network, the devices automatically form the most efficient network possible, and all units can be monitored at once.  Because each Rad-DX has integrated WiFi and Ethernet, network data is available to smartphones, iPads, and PCs from anywhere in the world.

The D-tect SensorNet is a self-healing network, meaning that even if a Rad-DX loses its connection to the rest of the network (power outage, communication failure, etc.), the rest of the Rad-DXs will route communications around the inoperative unit and continue to communicate effectively.  Have a large area to cover?  The node-to-node range of the Rad-DX is up to 1 km (line of sight), and systems with multiple nodes can cover great distances.  Integrated GPS in every Rad-DX unit allows you to quickly identify the exact location of incidents.

Each detector is able to communicate with the entire mesh network.  Information is relayed anywhere in the world by units in WiFi range.

The communication abilities of the network are supplemented by the following unique features to ensure security.  First, the both the network and WiFi connections are 128-bit encryption protected.  Monitoring can be conducted in real-time, or past even logs can be reviews.  And floor plans can be integrated into the Rad-DX display to provide an intuitive understanding of where radiation is detected. 

So, remember the lessons of James Bond and don’t try to protect your facility with a single detector.  With a mesh network of Rad-DXs you’ll be able to identify and track threats in ways that were never possible before.  Visit the Rad-DX page for more mesh network explanations and examples.

Am I at Risk of Radiation Exposure?

The ongoing uncertainty of the Japanese nuclear crisis has left people around the world questioning the danger of radiation contamination in their own communities. How much is the general public really at risk of radiation? Because D-tect Systems specializes in detecting threats from radioactive and chemical sources, we offer this article to provide some information on some of the current radiation risks in context and some general guidelines on radiation safety.

The first step in qualifying contamination risks is to separate fact from fiction. The way the public views radiation has mostly been shaped by a few incidents in modern history: Chernobyl and Hiroshima/Nagasaki. These extreme cases have influenced many to assume that radiation is an exotic and deadly phenomenon. In reality, our environment is steeped in radiation that our bodies absorb without any ill effect. The most important factor in understanding the impact of radiation is quantity – how high radiation levels are and how these levels translate to risk.

To give some idea of safe radiation levels, natural background radiation – the radiation that we are exposed to every day from cosmic rays and naturally-occurring radioactive materials – is about 3 mSv (300 mrem) per year. According to the FAA, A coast-to-coast airplane trip will expose you to about 5 µSv per hour (which comes out to 43.8 mSv/yr for continuous flight), and a year of watching four hours of television of day adds up to about 20 µSv total (2 mrem). These quantities are pretty small compared to a federal occupational limit of radiation exposure set by OSHA at 50 mSv (5000 mrem) per year. Now let’s compare the situation in Japan to all this. Recent reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency stated that radiation levels at the perimeter of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear complex have been measured at 1 – 3 mSv/hr. Although this is an elevated radiation level and prolonged exposure could be dangerous, the short-term radiation level set for Japanese workers working on the nuclear complex is 250 mSv, and would take considerable time to reach.

Although the risks of serious widespread radiation contamination in this case are low, the procedures outlined by government agencies should always be strictly adhered to. These procedures aim to limit the spread of radiation and minimize risk to exposed areas. Although the specific instructions given out for each incident vary, here are a few general guidelines that should always be followed.

First, in case of radiation contamination, get people (including yourself) out of harm’s way as quickly as possible and notify authorities. Radiation spreads easily though blowing dust and smoke, so radiation-free secure zones must be established by sealing off areas from the outside environment by closing and weather-proofing doors and windows and placing food and water in well-insulated areas such as basements.

Second, since human skin generally acts a good barrier against low-level radiation, the biggest threat is breathing in radioactive materials or somehow ingesting them. Make sure to wear a face mask in areas that may be contaminated and wash hands regularly. If you suspect someone has been exposed to radioactive dust, the best solution is usually as simple as discarding contaminated clothing and washing with soap and water, as this will rid the body of radiation before it can cause damage. As an additional precaution against significant amounts of radiation, potassium iodide tablets are sometimes given to protect the thyroid gland.

Third, preparation is vital when it comes to any kind of disaster, and we recommend everyone keep an emergency kit close at hand so that they can be personally prepared in case of any crisis. This kit should include such things as food and water for a few days, water filtration kit, emergency blanket, rain gear, batteries for radios and detectors, dust mask, extra clothing, flashlight, candles, waterproof matches, cooking utensils, necessary medications, and a first aid kit. Although we generally take these supplies for granted, shortages can occur quickly in crisis situations.

Preparation is vital when it comes to any kind of disaster, and we recommend all public safety personnel keep an emergency kit close at hand so that they can be personally prepared to serve the public. This kit should include such things as food and water for a few days, emergency blanket, rain gear, batteries for radios and detectors, dust mask, extra clothing, candles, waterproof matches, cooking utensils, necessary medications, and a first aid kit. Although we generally take these supplies for granted, shortages can occur quickly in crisis situations.

Although the current nuclear crisis continues to make headlines and is a great source of fear for many, it is important to know the real risks involved and how to cope with them. With a little knowledge of radiation safety, and material preparation for a crisis, we can minimize future risks and know better what we’re up against.

D-tect Systems is supplier of advanced radiation and chemical detection equipment sold around the world. www.dtectsystems.com.

D-tect Systems Counters Newly Discovered ‘Dirty Bomb’ Threats

Draper, Utah, February 3, 2011 – D-tect Systems, a leader provider of radiological and chemical security products, is a long time participant in the war against terrorism.  The silent technology battles of security vs. terrorists have remained, for the most part, out of sight and out of mind for most Americans.  A shift, however, is underway that may bring this battle much closer. 

An article entitled “WikiLeaks: al-Qaeda ‘is planning a dirty bomb’”¹ was released yesterday by The Telegraph news organization.  According to the article, leaked diplomatic documents published by WikiLeaks portray much greater advances in terrorist technologies than previously thought, especially in the field of radiological warfare, such as ‘dirty bombs.’  These bombs, though lacking the raw power of nuclear weapons, have the potential to produce devastating effects because they disperse radiation-emitting substances over a large area.  Exposure to various types of radiation has serious medical implications: burns, loss of sight, long-term diseases such as cancer, and even death.  The materials for making these bombs are much easier to gather than nuclear weapons-grade material: the article cites examples of increased radioactive material trafficking in various parts of the world. 

Although the new information published by WikiLeaks is shocking, the US government has known about the threat of ‘dirty bombs’ for years.  In fact, the US Department of Health included this in a 2007 handbook for response for radiation emergencies: “government authorities and other experts believe a real probability exists that a radiological or nuclear device could be used in a terrorism attack in the future.”  The fact is that response to these concerns has been slow.  Precious few gamma or neutron radiation systems are in place in the United States.  Less than 25% of American hospitals, a logical target of terrorist organizations, have the equipment and training capabilities to deal with the event of a dirty bomb. 

Morgan Taylor, president of D-tect Systems, discusses the magnitude of newly-discovered threats.  “Preparation is key.  To effectively combat threats such as these, the technology to find and contain radiation has to already be in place.  It’s too late once it happens.”

D-tect Systems has long known of the threats facing the American people and provides a line of radiation and chemical detectors, used globally as well as by the Department of Homeland Security, to counter this danger.  D-tect Systems products include the MiniRad-D, a small, pager sized radiation detector containing a sensitive radiation detection system, has been used by police and military forces for years, and the handheld Rad-ID device which can not only detect radiation, but can also identify 110 different radioactive istopes, giving emergency response personnel the lifesaving edge to control and contain dangerous materials. 

¹http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/wikileaks/8296956/WikiLeaks-al-Qaeda-is-planning-a-dirty-bomb.html