The “dirty bomb” consists of traditional explosives associated with radioactive material; it does not trigger a nuclear reaction. Moscow claims that Kiev can use it; NATO and Ukraine instead accuse Russia of preparing a “false flag” operation and then accuse Kiev
A “dirty bomb” is made up of traditional explosives, such as dynamite, to which radioactive material is added such as the radionuclides Uranium-235, Cesium-137, Cobalt-60, Americium-241 Californium-252 , Iridium-192, Plutonium-239, Strontium-90 or Radio-226. It is also called a “radiological weapon” and affects both the initial explosion of conventional explosives and the radiation and contamination that occurs through the air (hence the “dirty” attribute).
The dimensions
Such bombs can be both tiny in size and as large as vans. making them does not require a much higher skill than that required for a conventional bomb. The hardest part is “just getting hold of the radioactive material.”
The differences with a nuclear bomb
This type of device does not trigger a nuclear chain reaction but its potential for contamination depends on the amount of radioactive material used. A dirty bomb therefore lacks the shock wave, the ionizing radiation at the moment of exposure and the flash of heat. A big difference certainly lies in the magnitude of the explosion and the impact it can have on people.
The potential
A nuclear bomb kills more people over a wider range, while it has been calculated that a dirty bomb in a busy location can cause the instant death of around 20 people and several other injuries. However, there would be no shortage of radiation exposure, but the emissions are lower and should not cause acute illness or death. Precisely because of the low impact of such a bomb, even in an inhabited center, it does not classify it as a “weapon of mass destruction”. On the contrary, however, an explosion can trigger a series of other chain consequences: from the anxiety of contamination, to a response through broad conflict. The extent of contamination can depend on a number of factors, including the size of the explosive, the quantity and type of radioactive material used, the means of dispersion and the weather conditions. The immediate effects on health would be determined by the amount of radiation absorbed by the body, by their type and by the distance from the explosion of the individuals involved.
October 24, 2022 (change October 24, 2022 | 12:55)
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