Saturday August 1, 2009 - Vol. VIII Issue 8

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Technically Speaking

Radiological Dispersive Device; “Dirty Bomb”

By Dr. John Nordin, PhD

One of the most difficult training exercises for responders is how to deal with a radiological dispersive device or “dirty bomb” incident. Unlike fires, explosions, or chemical spills, there aren’t past examples where radioactive material has been actually dispersed by a terrorist where responders can learn from the experience. Furthermore, how do we even know that a radioactive material has been dispersed; if so, what radioactive material and how much? One trainer came to AristaTek and asked for a simple “widget” for converting gamma radiation counts, Curies, Becquerels, Roentgens, Rads, etc. Grays, etc. to a measure of dose, e.g. Sieverts, or Rems. The units by which radiation is measured in itself is bewildering. What are the chances of a person exposed to radiation developing cancer later in life?

(FULL STORY)

Just What the Doctor Ordered

More great humor to get you through the month. (FULL STORY)

Utah Backcountry Scenes

Photos of Rocky Mountain National Park (FULL STORY)

The Railroad

Interesting stories and facts from our neck of the woods... (FULL STORY)