RDD Radiological Dispersal Devices (RDD)

RDD

Radiological Dispersal Devices (RDD) / Dirty Bombs

Radiological Dispersal Devices

Radiological Dispersal Devices (RDD) / Dirty Bombs

Terrorism is pervasive threat of in our century. This major threat is made all the more alarming by the possibility that terrorists may make use of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction against the public. While a nuclear bomb is difficult to construct and conceal, a major contemporary security concern is the possibility of a 'dirty 'nuclear device or Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD) being used by terrorists.

A RDD device is defined as "…any device that causes the purposeful dissemination of radioactive material without a nuclear detonation" (Radiological Dispersal Devices (RDDs): Dirty Bomb, Other Dispersal Methods). In essence an RDD device is a combination of conventional explosives and radioactive material which is "…designed to scatter dangerous and sub-lethal amounts of radioactive material over a general area" (Terrorism - Nuclear and Radiological Attack).

These types of bombs emit both nonradioactive and radioactive shrapnel upon detonation, with the resultant radioactive dust being particularly hazardous, especially in crowed urban areas. While this type of bomb is not as destructive as a conventional nuclear device, it can be extremely disruptive and lead to large-scale panic and deaths in confined spaces and areas. Among the negative effects of this device is the possibility of radiation exposure and contamination, as well as the subsidiary effects of burns and the spread of panic and fear, which is often the primary aim of the terrorist Radiological Dispersal Devices (RDDs): Dirty Bomb, Other Dispersal Methods).

The history of RDD can be traced back to a memo to Brigadier General Leslie Groves of the Manhattan Project in 1943 ( Radiological Weapon: History). This memo was the first to suggest the possible significant threat of RDD devices. It stated that,

Radioactive warfare can be used ... To make evacuated areas uninhabitable; To contaminate small critical areas such as rail-road yards and airports; As a radioactive poison gas to create casualties among troops; Against large cities, to promote panic, and create casualties among civilian populations. (RADIOLOGICAL WEAPON)

Fortunately, the contemporary history of RDD devices has not yet been written. However, there have been a number or reports in recent years of attempts to initiate an RDD Attack. A good example of this is the report use of radiological weapons by Saddam Hussein in the war against Iran in 1987. However, this use of RDD was not effective because of rapid decay of the radioactive isotopes ( RADIOLOGICAL WEAPON).

While there have been no recent incidents of the use of this type of weapon, a news report from the Wall Street Journal in July of this year raises fears about the future use of this device. Entitled, Al Qaeda Still Wants a Dirty Bomb, the article states that, "Denying terrorists access to radiological materials that can be used in a dirty bomb attack -- one that could bring our economy to a standstill and render areas uninhabitable for decades -- is a major security challenge" ( Al Qaeda Still Wants a Dirty Bomb).

In order to deal with this threat there have been a number of international treaties put in place. These fall under the general heading of the reduction of the proliferation of nuclear materials for weapons of mass destruction. These include the following:

The Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material. This was adopted in 1987 and was intended to set international standards for securing nuclear material in trade and commerce. It is important to note that in 2005 the "…Parties extended the scope of the Convention to include nuclear material in domestic use, storage, and transport, as well as the protection of nuclear material and facilities from sabotage" (Nikitin, 2010).