Radiological Weapons Research Articles

Desperate and Opportunistic: CBRN Terrorists and Civilian Radiological Material

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) terrorism has long been a threat that has concerned policy makers. This paper highlights the factors which determine when a group is likely to use CBRN weapons given the numerous constraints on their use. A group which is desperate, small, and innovative is most likely to resort to their use as the taboos which constrain groups under normal circumstances become an incentive. These characteristics also determine what type of CBRN weapon will be used, a basic radiological weapon. A radiological weapon is relatively easy to develop compared to other options, and the material for it can be easily acquired. Using International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports, this research explores numerous shortcomings in sectors using radiological material both past and present. Significant failures have occurred in, and continue to occur in the medical, scrap metal, energy, and industrial practices. These are shown to provide ample opportunity to a resource poor group to carry out a successful CBRN attack.

Mass Casualty Triage: What Works and Who Does it Best?

Introduction:There is a consensus that there lacks a standard for primary triage during mass casualty incidents. This is further compounded by a dearth of high quality research on the topic. Some studies suggest the superiority of SALT triage versus other triage systems, however, findings have not widely transitioned to clinical practice. We believe that despite specialized training including that in emergency medicine or emergency medical services (EMS), there will be significant variability amongst triage determination and use of triage methods. This study intends to analyze various provider skill levels and their accuracy of triage determination.Method:In a disaster exercise, a group of providers trained to use START triage were expected to triage, treat and determine transport order of the patients from a scenario of a simulated intentional radiological dispersal device (RDD) detonation with multiple casualties. Another group of providers trained to use SALT triage were expected to triage, treat, and determine transport order of patients from a scenario of a building collapse after a hurricane to assess SALT triage with the participating officers. Additional cohorts of EMS clinicians will be given the same case scenarios and asked to triage, treat when necessary, and determine transport order of the patients.Results:The initial data from the RDD exercise includes 102 patient case scenarios with 27 minimal (green), 40 delayed (yellow), and 35 immediate (red) patients. The providers involved in the exercise are trained at minimum to NREMT EMT level. Results showed an under-triage rate of 7.8%, an over-triage rate of 20.6% and overall accuracy of 71.6% when using START triage.Conclusion:The undertriage rate with START is 7.8% is higher than the generally acceptable rate of less than 5%. Our research is ongoing and we anticipate completion in 2023. We hope that our research provides future direction to improve triage in disaster scenarios.

Radioisotope replacement with compact electron linear accelerators

The replacement of radioactive sources with alternative technologies has been identified as a priority by international authorities, due to the risk of accidents and diversion by terrorists for use in Radiological Dispersal Devices. Many of these sources can be replaced with the X-rays produced by electron beams accelerated to MeV energies. However, the size, weight and costs of electron linacs must be significantly reduced to be considered for radioisotope replacement. RadiaBeam Technologies, LLC is developing a series of inexpensive compact electron accelerators in the 1–10 MeV range for radioisotope replacement such as Ir-192, Cs-137 and Co-60 for various applications. The dramatic level of miniaturization and cost-reduction was achieved thanks to the implementation of such innovative technologies as high-frequency magnetrons, split accelerating structure fabrication technology and solid-state Marx modulators. In this paper, we overview RadiaBeam's compact linac developments, discuss the enabling technologies, and report on the current progress.

Human and Environmental Bias Affecting Risk Perception in Military Radiological and Nuclear Operations

The urban military operating environment may offer favorable conditions for combat involving asymmetric actions or 4th generation warfare which includes the chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) environment. The CBRN environment is characterized by threats and hazards capable of producing negative impacts to the operations. The detriment may be produced by intentional release of hazardous materials into the operational environment. This study deals with an environment deliberately contaminated by radioactive materials because of the activation of a radiological dispersive device (RDD). A computer simulation of the radioactive scenario was performed in order to produce useful information which in turn can be used to support decision-making. The main goal was to assess the risk of developing radio-induced solid cancer by studying the articulation between local environmental variables and a cognitive bias, the Dunning-Kruger effect. The findings highlight intuitive correlations between local atmospheric stability and cognitive bias affecting the threat level (radiation dose), the responsiveness and the perceived risk. The findings also allow us to infer that, especially in the military-operational context, the methodology proposed for the assessment of environment-human interactions may be decisive for correctly direct available resources, both human and material, reducing operational risk.

Emergency Management in the Event of Radiological Dispersion in an Urban Environment.

Dispersion of a radiological source is a complex scenario in terms of first response, especially when it occurs in an urban environment. The authors in this paper designed, simulated, and analyzed the data from two different scenarios with the two perspectives of an unintentional fire event and a Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD) intentional explosion. The data of the simulated urban scenario are taken from a real case of orphan sources abandoned in a garage in the center of the city of Milan (Italy) in 2012. The dispersion and dose levels are simulated using Parallel Micro Swift Spray (PMSS) software, which takes into account the topographic and meteorological information of the reference scenarios. Apart from some differences in the response system of the two scenarios analyzed, the information provided by the modeling technique used, compared to other models not able to capture the actual urban and meteorological contexts, make it possible to modulate a response system that adheres to the real impact of the scenario. The authors, based on the model results and on the evidence provided by the case study, determine the various countermeasures to adopt to mitigate the impact for the population and to reduce the risk factors for the first responders.

Design and Development of Children's Calibration Phantoms for Whole and Mobile Body Counters

Abstract The experiences from several past radiological accidents (e.g., Fukushima Daiichi, Chernobyl, and Goiania) have shown that not only occupationally radiation-exposed adults but also children of all age groups can be affected by such an accident. Moreover, in asymmetric conflicts, children could possibly be affected by the explosion of a radiological dispersal device. Whole-body counting facilities all over the world are well prepared to measure children and adults but suffer in the case of newly born babies and toddlers owing to a lack of corresponding calibrations. A series of calibration phantoms representative of adult persons and larger children is commercially available or can be constructed from easily accessible materials, but for newly born and children up to 20 kg, only very few phantoms have been described which approximate the infantile body, and only very roughly. The aim of this work was to improve the current unsatisfactory situation. Two main steps toward achieving this aim included the compilation of anthropomorphic data for children and the construction of a modular set of calibration phantoms for the weight classes between 3 and 20 kg from simple, readily accessible, and cheap materials. The phantoms are made from commercially available freezer packs, which can be filled with a radionuclide solution. By using calibrations based on these purposely-built realistic weight class phantoms, internal radioactive contamination in children can be assessed more reliably than would be otherwise possible with the standard adult phantom calibrations.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Participation in Cobalt Magnet National-Level Radiological Exercise.

Since September 11, 2001, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has increased efforts to prepare the agency and public health partners for response to potential nuclear/radiological disasters. During the week of May 16-20, 2022, the CDC participated in a national-level radiological emergency exercise, Cobalt Magnet 22 (CM22). The exercise scenario consisted of a notional, failed search mission for a radiological dispersal device (RDD, "dirty bomb"), followed by its explosion during a public event in a large US city. Testing radioanalytical laboratory capabilities during a nuclear/radiological incident was an exercise objective, and developing clear messaging on low-dose exposure and long-term health concerns was a primary output of the exercise. The CDC practiced its activation protocols, exercised the establishment of its updated Incident Management System structure for radiation emergencies, and identified critical staffing needs for this type of response.

Cognitive bias and selected atmospheric parameters may severely influence the threat perception in a radiological disaster

The increasing application of nuclear technology worldwide raises the associated risks of such technology being used for harm. This study shows how an urban area affected by a radiological threat can experience the influence of the coupling of cognitive biases and apparently independent environmental variables. The simulated scenario considers the deliberate release of radioactive material over an inhabited urban area through a radiological dispersion device (RDD). The simulation was performed using the computer code HotSpot Health Physics version 3.1.2. A conservative assessment of the situation in its initial phase is developed to better support early decision-making. The influence of human factors through cognitive bias were considered based on the Dunning-Kruger (DK) effect. The results suggest that local atmospheric stability factors and the DK specific coefficients coupling effects should be emphatically considered in the decision process at this early stage. It was also found that there is a coupling between environmental variables and human factors in the perception of radiological risk. The conservative perspective adopted leads to courses of action that can make better use of available resources. Conducting frequent studies, building exercises based on simulated scenarios and testing decision-makers’ capabilities are measures of fundamental importance to improve the effectiveness of response plans.

Aerial and Collimated Sensor Radiological Mapping Following Dispersal of Activated Potassium Bromide.

The exposure rate distribution was quantified over a site of three activated potassium bromide radiological dispersal device detonations at the Idaho National Laboratory Radiological Response Training Range with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and ground-based methods. Discussions on the methods' survey characteristics, such as survey time, data spatial resolution, and area coverage, serve to inform those concerned with radiological response and cleanup efforts. Raster scans over the site at 4 m s-1 with 6 m between passes at an altitude of 4 m above ground level were executed with a 2.54 cm × 2.54 cm × 7.62 cm cesium iodide, sodium-doped [CsI(Na)] sensor mounted to a UAV. Exposure rates were calculated from the spectra obtained by the CsI(Na) using a flux unfolding method. Data obtained from the UAV raster were interpolated to produce a continuous exposure rate map across the site. The activity on the ground, inferred from collimated, ground-based sensor (Nomad) measurements in previous work, was used to calculate exposure rate distributions at the same altitude as the UAV-mounted CsI(Na) sensor. Agreement between Nomad and UAV exposure rate distributions is observed at rates up to 1.0 mR h-1 after corrections for ground effects were implemented on the Nomad data. Discrepancies in exposure rate contours are present at higher rates, directly above the detonation locations. In areas of high exposure rate gradients, it is anticipated that a faster UAV-mounted sensor and more refined scans by the UAV will improve characterization of the distribution.

A wearable gamma radiation-responsive granulocyte colony-stimulating factor microneedle system protecting against ionizing radiation-induced injury

Exposure to a nuclear accident or a radiological attack may cause serious death events due to ionizing radiation-induced injury and acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is now used for the treatment of ARS. However, the current injection formulation might not ensure treatment as early as possible after a nuclear accident, resulting in a decrease in therapeutic efficiency. In the present study, we have developed a G-CSF wearable system (GWS) consisting of a commercial microchip, a temperature sensor, a gamma-ray detection sensor, a flexible heater, and a G-CSF temperature-sensitive microneedle (GTSMN) patch. G-CSF-containing hyaluronic acid solutions were cast into the mold to obtain G-CSF microneedles (GMNs), which were coated with a temperature-sensitive layer of dodecanoic acid-cetylamine salt to obtain GTSMNs. The flexible heater was prepared by jet printing Ag nanoparticle inks. The GWS and its components are explored and optimized in the aspects of electronics, mechanics, heat transfer and drug diffusion. The γ radiation signal is sensitively monitored by the GWS. The wearable G-CSF system immediately releases G-CSF into the body in response to signal feedback and provides maximal protection against ionizing radiation-induced injury. Therefore, the GWS is a promising wearable system against emergent ionizing radiation injury. Statement of significanceIonizing radiation-induced injury is always the very important public health problem all the global people care. Some medicines have been applied to protect the body from the injury. Unfortunately, sometimes the injuries accidently happen and the medicines cannot be administered in time, leading to serious acute radiation syndrome. Here, we design a wearable system loading G-CSF that has been approved by FDA to protect the body from ionizing radiation-induced injury. This system consists of a commercial microchip, a temperature sensor, a Gamma-ray detection sensor, a flexible heater, and a G-CSF temperature-sensitive microneedle patch. It can monitor γ radiation and immediately release G-CSF into the body to protect the body to the maximal extent. Therefore, the system is a promising wearable medical device against emergent ionizing radiation injury.

From Gas Hysteria to Nuclear Fear

While the histories of chemical and nuclear weapons are often categorically demarcated, this paper presents the transitional history between the development of early chemical weapons and the first atomic bomb in order to reveal both the institutional and imaginary connections between the two. In the wake of World War I, nationalized chemical weapons research provided one blueprint for the kind of large-scale military-industrial-academic complex required to build the atomic bomb. The German chemical weapons laboratories at the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Physical and Electrochemistry (KWI), directed by Fritz Haber, were particularly successful in creating a hierarchical mobilization of people, funds, and materials that the Americans were able to replicate both in their own chemical weapons production and when building the atomic bomb in the early 1940s. Institutional and cultural similarities between these weapons programs were further fertilized by a strikingly similar interwar imagining of both chemical and radiological weapons. These prophecies prefigured certain eye-witness reports from the dropping of the first atomic bombs, where radioactive clouds supposedly spread over the bomb site. In reality, there were important distinctions in both power and method of destruction between chemical weapons and the atomic bomb, but the post–World War II positing of a newly demarcated “Atomic Age” created a conceptual distance between poison gas and nuclear weapons. By pointing to chemistry’s significant contributions (both real and imaginary) to the creation of the atomic bomb, this article reminds readers of the rhetorical similarities and institutional connections between the two weapons with an eye toward broadening our categorical understanding of the atmospheric weapons that still threaten the world today.

Wartime toxicology: the spectre of chemical and radiological warfare in Ukraine

The unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation has resulted in the largest humanitarian crisis in Europe since World War II. As fighting intensifies throughout Ukraine, there is an increasing concern that the Russian Federation may consider the direct use of chemical or radiological weapons against military personnel and civilians in Ukraine. Despite prohibition of chemical weapons from the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1997, recent evidence has demonstrated that state actors will continue to use these agents as weapons of war and terror, despite publicly denying their use. We review chemical weapons produced and used by the Russian Federation (or its allies) to identify plausible risks in the Russian war in Ukraine. We also provide rapid assessment and treatment guidelines to recognize and manage these acute exposures.

Quantification of a Facility Radiological Security Risk Index With a Graphical User Interface Tool.

Healthcare facilities around the world routinely use radioactive sources to diagnose and treat illness. To effectively manage the security of radioactive sources, these facilities need to understand the risk, which is comprised of threat, vulnerability, and consequences. The threat component of risk requires knowledge of potential adversaries and understanding their capabilities and intentions. To help articulate the multiple layers of threat and support better informed decisions, the research developed a risk-based methodology to evaluate radiological security at the facility level. The methodology is applied to a radiological dispersal device (RDD) incident from three radionuclides of concern: 137Cs, 60Co, and 192Ir. The results of the research have led to the creation of a potential facility risk index (PFRI). The PFRI is mathematically represented as the exponential product of the maximum expected utility among the threat groups, the sum of geographic vulnerability and cultural vulnerability, and net consequences. The PFRI is a novel risk index that quantifies the facility risk on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being "very low risk" and 10 being "very high risk." A MATLAB-based graphical user interface (GUI) tool was also developed to enable the radiological facility (i.e., healthcare facility) staff to conduct self-assessments and manage their most valuable assets. The PFRI methodology is a useful starting point for any healthcare facility risk assessment and is a valuable input for decision makers considering potential investments in security upgrades.

An update on romiplostim for treatment of acute radiation syndrome.

Detonation of an improvised nuclear weapon, or a radiological dispersal device by terrorists, or an unintended radiological/nuclear accident in populated areas would result in a mass casualty scenario with radiation exposures of different severities. Such incidences are perceived as national security threats of major consequences. Acute radiation syndrome (ARS) is triggered by an exposure to a high dose of penetrating ionizing radiation during a short time window. In humans, moderate exposure to 2 to 4 Gy of ionizing radiation results in clinically manageable hematopoietic ARS (H-ARS), characterized by severe depletion of vital blood cells and bone marrow progenitors. Since 2015, the United States Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) has approved four radiation medical countermeasures for H-ARS following the Animal Rule; namely, Neupogen, Neulasta, Leukine and Nplate (romiplostim). Here, we briefly present the treatment modalities for H-ARS. We have discussed the latest FDA-approved agent, romiplostim, as a treatment modality for H-ARS. The nature of this agent and the preclinical and clinical work that preceded its FDA approval as a radiation medical countermeasure are discussed, as are the development and use of related thrombopoietic agents for the treatment of radiation-exposed victims.

Limiting Wind-Induced Resuspension of Radioactively Contaminated Particles to Enhance First Responder, Early Phase Worker and Public Safety-Part 1.

An accidental radiological release or the operation of a radiological dispersal device (RDD) may lead to the contamination of a large area. Such scenarios may lead to health and safety risks associated with the resuspension of contaminated particles due to aeolian (wind-induced) soil erosion and tracking activities. Stabilization technologies limiting resuspension are therefore needed to avoid spreading contamination and to reduce exposures to first responders and decontamination workers. Resuspension testing was performed on soils from two sites of the Negev Desert following treatment with three different stabilization materials: calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and saltwater from the Dead Sea in Israel. Two and six weeks post-treatment, resuspension was examined by inducing wind-driven resuspension and quantitatively measuring particle emission from the soils using a boundary-layer wind tunnel system. Experiments were conducted under typical wind velocities of this region. Treating the soils reduced resuspension fluxes of particulate matter < 10 μm () and saltating (sand-sized) particles to around background levels. Resuspension suppression efficiencies from the treated soils were a minimum of 94% for all three stabilizers, and the Dead Sea salt solution yielded 100% efficiency over all wind velocities tested. The impact of the salt solutions (brine) was directly related to the salt treatment rather than the wetting of the soils. Stabilization was still observed six weeks post-treatment, supporting that this technique can effectively limit resuspension for a prolonged duration, allowing sufficient time for decision making and management of further actions.

Operationalizing Community Assessment Results to Enhance Preparedness for a Radiological Emergency.

A radiological emergency such as the detonation of a radiological dispersal device would have catastrophic health, environmental, and economic consequences. Community assessments can provide useful information about radiological and other emergency preparedness at the household level. Tools such as logic models can be applied to link data collected in a community assessment to planned activities and targeted outcomes. This study sought to answer how public health departments can use the results of a community assessment to improve preparedness for radiological and other types of emergencies and to present a sample logic model demonstrating how questions asked in a community assessment can be used to drive intended outcomes. Surveys were fielded in 2019 to professionals with experience in radiological emergency preparedness, state and local health and emergency management, and journalism. Questions included the role of health departments in radiological emergency preparedness, the operationalization of results from a community assessment for preparedness, and information sharing in a radiological emergency. Descriptive statistics and a modified framework approach were used for open-ended questions. Nearly three-fourths of state/local officials reported that it would be at least somewhat difficult (73%; 11 of 15 state/local officials) for a local health department to operationalize the results of a community health assessment for radiological emergency preparedness. Potential barriers included competing priorities, lack of funds, and limited staff. Resources such as pretested communication materials, tailored messaging, and technical tools and training can assist health departments and emergency management agencies in using the information collected from a community assessment. To address implementation challenges in operationalizing the results of a community assessment, officials can use tools such as logic models to illustrate how the information gathered from a community health assessment will create an intended preparedness outcome and to advocate for funds for this type of assessment.

Jaderné, radiologické a chemické zbraně, radiační a chemické havárie

In addition to the professional description of the history of development and use of nuclear, radiological weapons, chemical weapons and radiation and chemical accident cases, their destructive effects and principles of protection against them the e-book also contains original case studies on the consequences of nuclear accidents and incidents such as Jaslovské Bohunice (Slovakia, 1971), Tree Mile Island (USA, 1979), Chernobyl (Ukraine, 1986), Fukushima (Japan, 2011) and also oncerning hitherto known and potential scenarios of so-called CBRN terrorism using radioactive materials. In the field of nuclear and radiological weapons, the e-book also contains a historical excursion into past nuclear crises and the subsequent period of nuclear disarmament efforts in the world. In their e-book, the authors also address the secondary effects of depleted uranium munitions on both the population and soldiers at the sites of use of these munitions in the war in the states of the former ugoslavia in the 1990s. In the field of chemical weapons and chemical accidents, the e-book contains case studies of the misuse of neuroparalytic substances such as "Novičok" from the Russian military chemical project "Foliant".

MRNA and small RNA gene expression changes in peripheral blood to detect internal Ra-223 exposure

Purpose Excretion analysis is the established method for detection of incorporated alpha-emitting radionuclides, but it is laborious and time consuming. We sought a simplified method in which changes in gene expression might be measured in human peripheral blood to detect incorporated radionuclides. Such an approach could be used to quickly determine internal exposure in instances of a radiological dispersal device or a radiation accident. Materials and methods We evaluated whole blood samples from five patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer and multiple bone metastases (without visceral or nodal involvement), who underwent treatment with the alpha emitting isotope Radium-223 dichloride (Ra-223, Xofigo®). Patients received about 4 MBq per cycle and, depending on survival and treatment tolerance, were followed for six months. We collected 24 blood samples approximately monthly corresponding to treatment cycle. Results Firstly, we conducted whole genome screening of mRNAs (mRNA seq) and small RNAs (small RNA seq) using next generation sequencing in one patient at eight different time points during all six cycles of Ra-223-therapy. We identified 1900 mRNAs and 972 small RNAs (222 miRNAs) that were differentially up- or down-regulated during follow-up after the first treatment with Ra-223. Overall candidate RNA species inclusion criteria were a general (≥|2|-fold) change or with peaking profiles (≥|5|-fold) at specific points in time. Next we chose 72 candidate mRNAs and 101 small RNAs (comprising 29 miRNAs) for methodologic (n = 8 samples, one patient) and independent (n = 16 samples, four patients) validation by qRT-PCR. In total, 15 mRNAs (but no small RNAs) were validated by methodologic and independent testing. However, the deregulation occurred at different time points, showing a large inter-individual variability in response among patients. Conclusions This proof of concept provides support for the applicability of gene expression measurements to detect internalized alpha-emitting radionuclides, but further work is needed with a larger sample size. While our approach has merit for internal deposition monitoring, it was complicated by the severe clinical condition of the patients we studied.

Life-shortening effects of radiological weapons in military operations

Military operations can present risks whose origins may be unconventional. As an example, we can mention those within the spectrum of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense. This study evaluates, through a computer simulation, an operation in which soldiers face radiological contamination after the triggering of a radiological dispersion device (RDD) in an inhabited urban area. The simulation of the Gaussian scattering (analytical) of the Cs-137 radionuclide is performed using the HotSpot Health Physics codes software. The results of the simulation are evaluated according to two radiological risk domains, referring to high (above 100 mSv) and low integrated radiation doses over 4 continuous days of operation. The radiological risk for developing solid cancer according to specific epidemiological models was estimated. This information served as a basis for estimating the future detriment, that is, the loss of life expectancy (LLE). In addition, the methodology may serve as an instructional resource for tabletop exercises contributing to develop leadership and preparation for decision-making in asymmetric environments.

Estimation of radiation-induced health hazards from a \u201cdirty bomb\u201d attack with radiocesium under different assault and rescue conditions

In the case of a terrorist attack by a “dirty bomb”, blast injuries, external irradiation and the incorporation of radioactivity are to be expected. Departing from information about the radiological attack scenario with cesium-137 in the U.S. National Scenario Planning Guide, we estimated the radiological doses absorbed. Similar calculations were performed for a smaller plume size and a detonation in a subway. For conditions as described in the U.S. scenario, the committed effective dose amounted to a maximum of 848 mSv, even for very unfavorable conditions. Red bone marrow equivalent doses are insufficient to induce acute radiation sickness (ARS). In the case of a smaller plume size, the ARS threshold may be exceeded in some cases. In a subway bombing, doses are much higher and the occurrence of ARS should be expected. The health hazards from a dirty bomb attack will depend on the location and the explosive device. The derived Haddon matrix indicates that preparing for such an event includes education of all the medical staff about radiation effects, the time lines of radiation damages and the treatment priorities. Further determinants of the outcome include rapid evacuation even from difficult locations, the availability of a specific triage tool to rapidly identify victims at risk for ARS, the availability of an antidote stockpile and dedicated hospital beds to treat seriously irradiated victims.