20 Mar Radiological Weapons and Threats

Discussion Questions: Often radiological bombs (referred to as "dirty bombs") are better described as "weapon of mass disruption," as the radiological exposure effects to any individual not in the immediate area of the detonation is limited. In fact, the explosion itself eclipses the radiological effects for those in the direct vicinity of the incident. From your perspective, based on course and outside material, assess what particular radiological material pose the most significant threat to the United States; hypothesize the means by which non-state actors could acquire radiological material to use in a nefarious manner; and hypothesize what effects on the general public would be (i.e. psychological, physiological, etc.) in the event of a dirty bomb incident?