First Hours: Radiation Emergencies

Possible terrorism events could involve introducing radioactive material into the food or water, using explosives (such as dynamite) to scatter radioactive materials(called a "dirty bomb"), or destroying a nuclear facility. These are considered "radiation emergencies." A “nuclear event” involves explosion of a nuclear device, which produces a large fireball that creates a mushroom cloud and fallout. A radiological event typically involves the release of much less radioactivity than a nuclear event. An example of a radiological event is a dirty bomb.

This section includes information on two types of radiation emergencies:

• Nuclear Weapons
• Dirty Bombs

For more information on radiation emergencies, including radiological and nuclear events, go to the CDC Radiation Emergencies website.