Estimation of radiation-induced health hazards from a "dirty bomb" attack with radiocesium under different assault and rescue conditions.

ABSTRACT: In the case of a terrorist attack by a "dirty bomb", blast injuries, external irradiation and the incorporation of radioactivity are to be expected. Departing from information about the radiological attack scenario with cesium-137 in the U.S. National Scenario Planning Guide, we estimated the radiological doses absorbed. Similar calculations were performed for a smaller plume size and a detonation in a subway. For conditions as described in the U.S. scenario, the committed effective dose amounted to a maximum of 848 mSv, even for very unfavorable conditions. Red bone marrow equivalent doses are insufficient to induce acute radiation sickness (ARS). In the case of a smaller plume size, the ARS threshold may be exceeded in some cases. In a subway bombing, doses are much higher and the occurr

SUBMITTER: Rump A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8656004 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature