Hall Book Ch 14 (Radiobiologic Terrorism)

Question 1

The following are several possible scenarios for radiologic terrorism:
What are the risks of “Detonation of a nuclear weapon?”

Answer 1

(Exposure to γ-rays and neutrons Fallout of fission products)

Question 2

What is the outcome of “detonation of a nuclear weapon?”

Outcome
Large number of acute deaths
Long-term carcinogenesis
Likelihood
Remote
Attack on a nuclear power plant
Risk
Attack on reactor itself
374
Attack on stored used fuel elements
Release of fission products
Outcome
Unlikely to involve acute deaths
Long-term carcinogenesis
Likelihood
Extremely unlikely
Dirty bomb (RDD)
Risk
Release of radioactive material
Small number of contaminated people
Large number of slightly contaminated people
Psychological chaos, many frightened people
Outcome
Unlikely to involve acute deaths
Small risk of long-term carcinogenesis
Likelihood
Likely
Hidden RED
Risk
Large number of people exposed to small doses of radiation
Psychological chaos, many frightened people
Outcome
Unlikely to result in acute deaths
Small risk of long-term carcinogenesis
Likelihood
Likely
Availability of radioactive material
375
Small amounts readily available from smoke detectors, humidity gauges,
and lost or stolen medical sources
Health effects of radiation
Tissue reactions occur at high doses, such as cataract, fibrosis, or the
ARS. Stochastic effects, including carcinogenesis and heritable effects,
are important even at lower doses and occur much later.
External exposure to radiation refers to irradiation from an outside source
that never comes in contact with the body. External contamination refers
to radioactive material on the skin or clothing. Internal contamination
refers to radioactive materials that are inhaled, ingested, or internalized
through open wounds.
Medical management issues in the event of radiologic terrorism
Standard medical triage; attend first to critical injuries
Decontaminate
Remove clothing; survey with Geiger counter
Decontaminate
Open wounds
Mouth and nose
Intact skin
Cease decontamination efforts when:
Further efforts do not reduce count
Count less than twice background
Collect urine sample to detect internal contamination
Potassium iodide (KI) tablets to stop uptake of radioactive iodine
Prussian blue to prevent absorption of cesium-137