Scenario of a dirty bomb in an urban environment and acute management of radiation poisoning and injuries

Chin FKC
Correspondence: Dr Chin Kuok Choon Francis, francis.chin.k.c@nccs.com.sg

ABSTRACT
In the new security environment, there is a clear and present danger of terrorists using non-conventional weapons to inflict maximum psychological and economic damage on their targets. This article examines two scenarios of radiation contamination and injury, one accidental in nature leading to environmental contamination, and another of deliberate intent resulting in injury and death. This article also discusses the management of injury from radiological dispersion devices or dirty bombs, with emphasis on the immediate aftermath as well as strategy recommendations.

Keywords: dirty bombs, non-conventional weapons, radiological dispersion devices, radiation injuries
Singapore Med J 2007; 48(10): 950–957