A single phrase that topped the Western political scene during the past hours, against the backdrop of the Russian -Ukrainian conflict, which is the “dirty bomb”.
After Moscow voiced its worries about Kyiv using the device against its forces, Western nations supporting Ukraine denied and refuted such claims.
But putting politics aside, what is that horrifying bomb and why is it given that name?
The dirty bomb does not entail a nuclear explosion but was created to contaminate a large region with radioactive elements, making it unsafe for civilians.
It consists of radioactive powder or pellets mixed with explosives like dynamite.
The explosion caused by the detonation of dynamite or other explosives spreads radioactive elements across a large region.
But it has nothing in common with the atomic bomb. These bombs, which were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki decades ago and fascinated the entire globe.
The bomb explosion results from the division of atoms, which releases vast amounts of energy and creates an enormous atomic cloud known as “mushrooms” that obliterates every area.
Using dynamite or other explosives to disperse radioactive dust, smoke, or any other substance in order to induce radiological pollution is known as a “dirty bomb.”
The same explosion poses the biggest threat because it has the potential to result in significant injuries and extensive property damage.
With the exception of those who are quite close to the explosion site, the radioactive materials employed in the dirty bomb are unlikely to produce enough radiation to cause immediate disease. However, radioactive dust and extensive smoke may be harmful if ingested.
Perhaps the greatest danger is that this radiation cannot be seen, smelled, feeling or tasted, so health centers in general advise to take immediate protection measures, the most important of which is covering the nose and mouth, and washing hands immediately if materials are touched by polluting radiation.
The American centres for disease control and prevention, on the other hand, predict that the food and water supplies will stay safe.
However, it should be warned that unpackaged food and water as well as items found outside or close to the accident area may contain radioactive dust, thus experts are cautioned against consuming them.
It is noteworthy that since the beginning of the Russian military operation on Ukrainian soil on February 24, there have been growing concerns from around the world that the conflict could spiral out of control, especially given the Kremlin’s repeated threats to use nuclear weapons whenever it feels threatened.
A wide area with radioactive materials … The dirty bomb, what is it?
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