Context:
In Russia’s latest advocacy campaign over its invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has focused on accusations that Kyiv might be planning to use a so-called “dirty bomb” – a conventional explosive device laced with toxic nuclear material.
Relevance:
GS III: Science and Technology
Dimensions of the Article:
- About Dirty bomb
- Concerns
About Dirty bomb
- A “dirty bomb” is a dispersion device containing radioactive material – possibly uranium, but more likely low-grade materials such as caesium-137 or other radioactive materials in common use.
- Dirty bombs do not create city-flattening atomic explosion but are designed to spread toxic waste.
- It is form of terrorist weapon to be used on cities to cause havoc among civilians, rather than as a tactical device for use by warring parties in conflict.
Concerns:
- Immediate health impact would probably be limited, since most people in an affected area would be able to escape before experiencing lethal doses of radiation.
- But the economic damage could be massive from having to evacuate urban areas or even abandon whole cities.
-Source: Indian Express
