11. Commercial Radioactive Sources: Surveying the Security Risks
- Author:
- Charles D. Ferguson, Tahseen Kazi, and Judith Perera
- Publication Date:
- 07-2003
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies
- Abstract:
- This study examines the security risks posed by commercial radioactive sources. While these sources provide benefits to humanity through numerous applications in medicine, industry, and research, some of these same materials, if not secured, may end up in radiological dispersal devices (RDDs)—one type of which is popularly known as a “dirty bomb.” Though RDD use has not occurred, the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, al Qaeda's expressed interest in acquiring the means to unleash radiological terror, and widespread news reporting on this topic have sparked renewed concern about the security of commercial radioactive sources.
- Topic:
- Security, Arms Control and Proliferation, Terrorism, Weapons of Mass Destruction, and Counterinsurgency