5-Radiological Materials
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V8.2.1 WMD Awareness Level Response Training
Focus: Radiological Materials and Nuclear Weapons
Presented by: Office of Grants and Training, National Domestic Preparedness Consortium
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Quote from President Obama (April 2009): "We must ensure that terrorists never acquire a nuclear weapon."
Importance of addressing unsecured nuclear materials within four years.
Quote highlights the urgency and severity of the threat posed by unsecured nuclear materials.
Tim Roemer's statement emphasizes the prediction of a dirty bomb attack.
Key Concern: Securing nuclear materials to prevent terrorist access.
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Incidents Highlighting Danger:
Dirty bomb parts found in slain man’s home, December/08.
Missing uranium pellets in South Carolina leads to concerns about larger losses.
Emergency response planning: New York tests dirty bomb scenario in June/09; receives $12M for radiation detection.
Al Qaeda leader linked to dirty bomb plot.
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Incident: Stolen truck carrying dangerous radioactive material (Cobalt 60) found in Mexico, December 2013.
Represents ongoing risks associated with transporting radiological materials.
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Employee Radiation Exposure at Idaho Nuclear Waste Site, June 2018:
Series of safety incidents including serious exposures to plutonium dust in 2011.
Highlighted systemic issues of unsafe practices and conditions reported by staff prior to incidents.
Several lawsuits and investigations resulted from these exposures.
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Objectives for Radiological Materials Training:
Describe radiation and radioactive materials.
Identify physiological signs and symptoms of radiation exposure.
Differentiate between radiation exposure devices and radiological dispersal devices.
Distinguish between nuclear weapon detonations and conventional explosions.
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Key Definitions:
External exposure, external contamination, internal exposure, internal contamination.
Importance of time, distance, and shielding in managing radiation hazards.
Discuss pros and cons of using radiological materials and nuclear weapons in terrorism.
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RAIN Process:
Recognize characteristics of radiological materials.
Avoid hazards through protective measures.
Isolate hazards to manage risks effectively.
Notify authorities when responding to WMD events involving radiological materials.
Reference: ERG Guide 163.
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Definitions Related to Radiation:
Atom, Ionizing Radiation, Radioactive particles (alpha, beta, gamma), Neutrons.
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Composition of Atoms:
Contains protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Radiation results from particles and energy emission from unstable atoms.
Sources: natural and human-made (e.g., tobacco, TVs, smoke detectors, nuclear medicine).
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Types of Radiation:
Non-ionizing vs. Ionizing radiation.
Definition of isotopes and nuclides: unique characteristics and designations.
Various types of particles (alpha, beta, gamma, neutron).
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Radiation Exposure Statistics:
Breakdown of exposure sources: Radon (55%), Medical X-Rays (11%), etc.
Common household and environmental sources of radiation.
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Locations of Radioactive Material:
Found in hospitals, industrial sites, nuclear power plants, and during transportation.
Size and weight specifications for dangerous materials.
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Radioactive Materials Labels:
Label classifications: §White-I, §Yellow-II, §Yellow-III.
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Package Markings:
Example of Radioactive Yellow II labels; indication of potential hazards based on markings.
D.O.T 7A - TYPE A specifications and impact on emergency response.
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Radiopharmaceuticals:
Used in medical testing and treatment; kept in small vials, and handled with care.
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Type B Shipping Containers:
Transport of larger quantities of radioactive materials; steel outer drum and inner containment details.
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Exposure vs. Contamination:
Distinctions between external/internal exposure and contamination.
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Signs of Radiation Exposure:
Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, radiation burns.
Reference to "Acute Radiation Syndrome" or radiation sickness.
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Examples of Radiation Burns:
Varying effects from exposure; examples of victims in Chernobyl and Georgia.
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Acute Radiation Dose:
Focus on effects of high doses over a short duration.
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Alexander Litvinenko Case:
Highlighting the dangers of Polonium-210, its properties and lethal potential.
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Investigations into Poisoning:
UK judge's remarks on possible state involvement in Litvinenko's case.
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Radiation Exposure Devices:
Introduction of radioactive sources intended for harm in public areas.
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Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD):
Commonly referred to as the "Dirty Bomb"; designed to spread contamination rather than cause immediate deaths.
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Nuclear Weapons Overview:
Potential of catastrophic effects and low likelihood of use in terrorism.
Differences in size, effects, and necessity for expertise in handling.
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Fission and Fusion Processes:
Description of how fusion combines atoms and fission splits them.
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Nuclear Detonation Mechanics:
Explanation of achieving supercritical mass and effects during nuclear detonation.
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Types of Nuclear Weapons:
Including hydrogen bombs and the requirement of fission initiators for fusion.
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Nuclear Bomb Effects:
Categories of immediate effects: blast, thermal radiation, ionizing radiation and subsequent fallout predictions.
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Visual Aid: Map depicting detonation zones and radiation levels associated with various distances.
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Safety Measures:
Recommendations: Limit time, maximize distance, and use shielding to reduce exposure.
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Inverse Square Law:
Relationship between distance and radiation dose; doubling distance reduces dose by 75%.
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Symptoms Based on Dose Exposure:
Breakdown of symptomatic thresholds from minor to lethal radiation doses.
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Survival Rates & Risk Factors:
Various doses experienced during common activities and their health implications.
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Radiation Dose Comparisons:
Similarity of doses across different scenarios and their acute effects based on exposure levels.
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Acute Exposure and Cancer Risk:
Correlations and probabilities of cancer resulting from varying exposure levels.
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Emergency Activity Dose Limits:
Guidelines for dose limits during emergency situations pertinent to public safety and health.
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Isolation Protocols for Radiological Materials:
Importance of establishing control zones during WMD incidents to prevent further exposure.
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Notification Guidelines:
Information to be communicated to emergency responders during a radiological incident.
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Advantages/Disadvantages of Radiological Materials in WMD:
Pros include availability and psychological impact.
Cons include deployment challenges, costs, and operational difficulties.
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Summary of Key Concepts:
Essential definitions and discussions related to radiological materials, their uses, and implications in terrorism.