08-22-2007, 11:55 PM
This should be applicable to monitoring the fallout from DU shells also.
http://tinyurl.com/2x5rkw
http://tinyurl.com/2x5rkw
Quote:
Defence researchers to shed light on 'luminescence'
The after-effects of so-called 'dirty bomb' attacks are coming under renewed scrutiny by defence researchers.
A 'dirty bomb' is an explosive device containing radioactive material which scatters on detonation, deliberately spreading radioactive contamination.
The Defence Science and Technology Organisation's research project will use a new technique - known as luminescence - to measure the level of that radiation.
Defence parliamentary secretary Peter Lindsay said the technique will improve post-bomb attack treatment measures.
“DSTO is proactively developing ways of measuring radiation exposure because the amount of radiation will determine the type of treatment to be applied," he said.
“Getting an accurate reading of the radiation dose will directly help the recovery effort.”
DSTO scientist Dr Barnaby Smith said recombination luminescence measures electrons trapped in the crystal structure of building materials where they have been forced by exposure to radiation.
“The number trapped is proportional to the radiation dose,” he said.
“Generally, the risk to health from radiation exposure is less than the public perception and lower than the risk of injuries from the blast,” Dr Smith said.
“However, during an incident, public panic could exacerbate the crisis and even result in further casualties.”
He said dirty bombs were rightly referred to as weapons of ‘mass disruption’ rather than ‘mass destruction’.
Mr Lindsay said while no known incidents of dirty bomb explosions had occurred overseas, Australia could not afford to take any chances.
“Our defence scientists are working actively to ensure that we are suitably prepared to minimise the effects of such incidents," he said.
The after-effects of so-called 'dirty bomb' attacks are coming under renewed scrutiny by defence researchers.
A 'dirty bomb' is an explosive device containing radioactive material which scatters on detonation, deliberately spreading radioactive contamination.
The Defence Science and Technology Organisation's research project will use a new technique - known as luminescence - to measure the level of that radiation.
Defence parliamentary secretary Peter Lindsay said the technique will improve post-bomb attack treatment measures.
“DSTO is proactively developing ways of measuring radiation exposure because the amount of radiation will determine the type of treatment to be applied," he said.
“Getting an accurate reading of the radiation dose will directly help the recovery effort.”
DSTO scientist Dr Barnaby Smith said recombination luminescence measures electrons trapped in the crystal structure of building materials where they have been forced by exposure to radiation.
“The number trapped is proportional to the radiation dose,” he said.
“Generally, the risk to health from radiation exposure is less than the public perception and lower than the risk of injuries from the blast,” Dr Smith said.
“However, during an incident, public panic could exacerbate the crisis and even result in further casualties.”
He said dirty bombs were rightly referred to as weapons of ‘mass disruption’ rather than ‘mass destruction’.
Mr Lindsay said while no known incidents of dirty bomb explosions had occurred overseas, Australia could not afford to take any chances.
“Our defence scientists are working actively to ensure that we are suitably prepared to minimise the effects of such incidents," he said.