On the Reconstruction of a Radiological Incident and Its Possible Implications for an R-Type Terror Attack

Abstract

A covert deployment of a high-strength unsealed radiation source, also known as a radiological exposure device, is often described in the literature as a potential scenario whereby a terrorist organization can create panic and disruption and affect a number of innocent people. Although this type of scenario does not involve the use of explosives, authorities need to be prepared for and also consider measurements to manage a large number of people seeking reassurance and possibly medical follow-up.

In the framework of the European Commission’s seventh framework program, security-funded project CATO (CBRN crisis management, architectures, and operational procedures), a group of scientists carried out a set of field experiments inspired by a radiological incident that took place in the highlands of Bolivia, during which an Ir-192 source was accidentally placed in the cargo bay of a bus, irradiating 55 people during an 8-hours trip. During the field experiments, a complete dosimetry study was performed by means of both thermoluminescent and electronic dosimeters deployed on water and anthropogammametric phantoms. The results provide a wealth of information that can be used to dealing with accidental radiological scenarios as well as in planning preparedness and response to malevolent uses of ionizing radiation.