Radiation terrorism: what society needs from the radiobiology–radiation protection andradiation oncology communities

Abstract

Society’s and individuals’ concerns about the adverse effects from radiation are logicallyamplified many times when radiological terrorism is considered. The spectrum of eventsinclude industrial sabotage, the use of an explosive or non-explosive radiological dispersaldevice, the placement of a radiological exposure device in a public facility and the use of animprovised nuclear device. The consequences of an event relate to the physicaland medical damage of the event itself, the financial impact, and the acute andlong-term medical consequences, including fear of radiation-induced cancer. Themagnitude of a state-sponsored nuclear event is so great that limited detailedresponse planning had been done in the past, as compared to the work now ongoing.Planning is done on the basis of scenario modelling. Medical response planning includesmedical triage, distribution of victims to care by experienced physicians, developingmedical countermeasures to mitigate or treat radiation injury, counselling andappropriately following exposed or potentially exposed people, and helping the localcommunity develop confidence in their own response plan. Optimal response must be basedon the best available science. This requires scientists who can define, prioritise and addressthe gaps in knowledge with the range of expertise from basic physics to biology totranslational research to systems expertise to response planning to healthcare policy tocommunications. Not only are there unique needs and career opportunities, but there isalso the opportunity for individuals to serve their communities and country with educationregarding radiation effects and by formulating scientifically based government policy.