Preparing for a dirty bomb attack

The authorities in Britain and the US are preparing for the increasing possibility of a radiological dirty bomb being detonated by terrorists.Pagers to detect personal radiation exposure have already been issued to some ambulance services in Britain.A dirty bomb would use radioactive material wrapped around conventional explosive.Although it is estimated that the inclusion of radioactive isotopes would cause very few immediate additional casualties there could still be a major psychological effect,with some people trying to flee the affected area and local businesses seriously damaged.In the worst-case scenario,whole areas could be rendered uninhabitable for up to several months or even years.But scientists are now developing a number of novel ways of mitigating the likely effects of a dirty bomb.The aim,they say,is to minimise the effect on human lives."Today we see the use of home-made improvised explosive devices:tomorrow's threat may include the use of chemicals,bacteriological agents,radioactive materials and even nuclear technology,"Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller,MI5 Director-General, said in a speech in London last November....
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