HLSS522Wk6

RADIATION EVERYDAY USE THEFT OF MATERIALS

Radiation travels through the air, but it cannot be seen or felt and has no odor or taste and can sometimes penetrate through packaging materials, vehicles, and building walls. The dose of radiation that a person receives is the amount that they are exposed to and that they absorb. Small doses of radiation (for example, from x-rays) are not capable of causing much harm. A high dose can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, burns, and possible death, making radiation a potentially lethal material in itself.

Four types of radiation are emitted by radioactive material: alpha, beta, gamma, and neutron. This radiation can travel from one-quarter of an inch in distance to hundreds of feet, depending on the type of material present, and can also travel in all directions, including upwind. Radiation becomes weaker and less dangerous the further it travels.

Radioactive material contains unstable (radioactive) atoms that emit radiation and may be a solid, liquid, or gas. The possibility of terrorists using radioactive material in dust or powder form is very realistic, as it can emit radiation even when properly contained. Radioactive contamination, caused by material that is not properly contained, may be readily spread from one surface to another or even suspended in the air.

Many, but not all, radioactive materials can be used to construct an RDD, including fission products, spent fuel from nuclear reactors, and relatively low-level materials, such as medical, industrial and research waste. Weapons grade materials (i.e., highly enriched uranium or plutonium) are not needed, although they could be used.

 

Sources for Radioactive Materials

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