Dirty bomb facts for kids

A dirty bomb is a type of weapon that combines regular explosives, like dynamite, with radioactive materials. It's also known as a radiological dispersal device (RDD). When the explosives go off, they scatter radioactive dust and particles over an area.

The main goal of a dirty bomb is to cause fear and panic, and to make an area unusable for a while due to contamination. It's not designed to cause a massive explosion like a nuclear bomb.

What is a Dirty Bomb?

A dirty bomb uses common explosives to spread radioactive material. Think of it like a small bomb that throws radioactive dust around. The radioactive material could be from hospitals, research labs, or industrial sites. These materials are often used for medical treatments or in factories.

How Does a Dirty Bomb Work?

When a dirty bomb explodes, the blast itself is like a regular explosion. The danger comes from the radioactive material mixed with the explosives. This material is broken into tiny pieces and spread by the explosion. These particles can then settle on people, buildings, and the ground.

What are the Dangers?

The main danger from a dirty bomb is the spread of radioactive material. Being exposed to radiation can be harmful, depending on how much radiation you receive and for how long. It can cause sickness or, in rare cases, long-term health problems. However, a dirty bomb is unlikely to cause many deaths directly from radiation exposure. The biggest impact is often the fear and the cost of cleaning up the contaminated area.

How is it Different from a Nuclear Bomb?

It's very important to know that a dirty bomb is NOT a nuclear bomb.

• A nuclear bomb creates a huge explosion and a massive amount of radiation by splitting atoms. It causes widespread destruction and a deadly radioactive fallout cloud.
• A dirty bomb uses conventional explosives. It does not create a nuclear explosion. It only spreads existing radioactive material. The blast itself is much smaller, and the radiation danger is usually limited to the area immediately affected by the spread of material.

What to Do in an Emergency?

Knowing what to do in an emergency is always helpful. If there were a dirty bomb incident, authorities would give clear instructions.

• Go inside: The best thing to do is quickly go indoors to a sturdy building.
• Stay inside: Stay inside until you are told it's safe to leave. Close all windows and doors.
• Stay tuned: Listen to emergency broadcasts for official information and instructions.

These steps help protect you from any radioactive dust outside.