Realistic Radiological Dispersal Device Hazard Boundaries and Ramifications for Early Consequence Management Decisions

Abstract

If dispersal occurs from an explosive radiological dispersal device, first responders need to know what actions they need to take to protect life and property. Many of the decisions required to minimize exposure will be made during the first hour. To help the first responder decide what countermeasures to employ, Sandia National Laboratories has established realistic hazard boundaries for acute and sub-acute effects relevant to radiological dispersal devices. These boundaries were derived from dispersal calculations based on the aerosolization behavior of devices tested in the Sandia Aerosolization Program. For 20 years, the Sandia Aerosolization Program has performed explosive and non-explosive aerosolization tests relevant to radiological dispersal devices. This paper discusses (1) the method and technical bases used to establish hazard boundaries and the appropriate actions that apply within those areas and (2) whether large-scale evacuations or sheltering in place are appropriate responses to a radiological dispersal device event.

Characterization of aerosols from RDD surrogate compounds produced by fast thermal transients

“…Fast laser heating reproduced a bimodal aerosol size distribution, as observed also in integral tests [6][7][8]. Although the fractional release between these two size ranges cannot reproduce the scenario of a real detonation, the study and comparison of these aerosols can help in understanding the phenomena taking place, and the difference between solid and vaporized phases.…”

“…The influence of other source components and environmental materials on the aerosol release from RDDs has been reported by several authors [6][7][8]. Lee and coworkers [8] studied the interaction of the explosive and soil with a simulated CsCl source and observed the formation of mixed aerosols containing both carbonaceous materials and the simulated source material, and a different ratio of Cs and Cl in the aerosols.…”

“…These are materials used as containment and shield for the radioactive source, and have a high probability of reacting with the source. Following a detonation, the cladding materials and the radioactive source are partially dispersed in bigger fragments and blown away, while a part "could interact when in the vicinity of the fireball, as it could be entrained into the turbulent eddies within the fireball" [6]. Once in the fireball the material is vaporized, it can interact chemically in the gaseous phase.…”

“…However, they could not assess the cause of such effects. Harper et al [6] tested simulated full-size devices for a wide range of source materials, and concluded that other surrounding materials (such as soil) can interact with the radioactive materials by agglomeration and/or coagulation and affect the size of the "radioactive" particles. Such a complete simulation of an RDD in an integral test is not the goal of our experiments.…”

Protection against Radiation-Induced Bone Marrow and Intestinal Injuries by Cordyceps sinensis, a Chinese Herbal Medicine

“…They include use of a conventional or improvised nuclear device (IND), which could result in mass casualties, a radiological dispersal device (RDD or ''dirty bomb''), which will produce a smaller number of casualties (140), and experimental/ industrial exposure accidents that tend to involve relatively few individuals. In many cases, outcomes may be complicated by additional injuries; for example the detonation of a 10-kiloton device will likely inflict seconddegree burns on the exposed skin of people at distances of up to 1.4 miles from ground zero (141).…”