Making prompt, accurate information available to the public may prevent the panic sought by terrorists.Ī dirty bomb is in no way similar to a nuclear weapon or nuclear bomb. However, depending on the situation, an RDD explosion could create fear and panic, contaminate property, and require potentially costly cleanup. The conventional explosive itself would be more harmful to individuals than the radioactive material. Most RDDs would not release enough radiation to kill people or cause severe illness. The terms dirty bomb and RDD are often used interchangeably. Printable Version BackgroundA 'dirty bomb' is one type of a radiological dispersal device - also called an RDD - that combines conventional explosives, such as dynamite, with radioactive material.
