June 2, 2004

scientists comment on risk of dirty bomb attack

These comments follow the publication in New Scientist of an announcement by the International Atomic Energy Agency that a terrorist attack with a dirty bomb was more likely than ever before.

Frank Barnaby, nuclear physicist and author of ‘How to Build A Nuclear Bomb and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction’, said:

“It is easy to construct a dirty bomb because many tens of thousands of radioactive sources are used by society. These sources are relatively easy to steal as in many cases they are not kept securely. The radioactivity from a dirty bomb would be spread far and wide down wind and require a large area to be evacuated and decontaminated, a lengthy and expensive operation. It is the ease of constructing a dirty bomb that makes it incredibly likely that one will be set off in a city.”

Dr Bill Durodie, Director of the International Centre for Security Analysis, King’s College London, said:

“Extrapolating from poor, often uncorroborated data, to speculate as to the worst case scenario in order to demand action is, sadly, one of the dominant trends of our times. Evidently, even the IAEA is not immune to using this politics of fear, despite its own data pointing to a significant decline in incidents of smuggling relating to the most hazardous nuclear materials. How the public interest is served by such sensationalism is unclear.”

Dr Danny Penman, expert in unconventional and chemical warfare, said:

“If you have enough money and are fanatical enough, certain ‘rogue states’ w0uld be happy to supply materials to allow you to create a dirty bomb. Radioactive materials are easy to get hold of, especially in the former Soviet Union where in many areas the infrastructure is collapsing. Because small amounts of radioactivity can do a lot of damage they are relatively easy to smuggle. Then all you need is a fanatical hatred of the West for a devastating attack to occur. The IAEA is an respected organization and any suggestion of the likelihood of a dirty bomb attack from their evidence should be taken very seriously.”

Note for Editors New Scientist, 5th June 2004. New Scientist press release/article can be obtained through usual channels or alternatively contact Claire Bowles on 0207 3312751. As usual please credit New Scientist as the source of this story.