What does RDD mean in UNCLASSIFIED

Radiological dispersal devices (RDD) are often referred to as "dirty bombs" and they are a type of weapon used to disperse radioactive materials. They work by combining conventional explosives with radioactive material. The explosion disperses the radioactive material, resulting in a radiological hazard to individuals in the area of the detonation.

An RDD can pose serious health risks depending on the type and amount of radiation released into the environment. Even short-term exposure can cause severe physical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and weakening of the immune system. Long-term exposure can increase the risk of developing cancer, as well as other diseases related to radiation exposure. It is important to minimize exposure to any potential RDD contamination.

In some cases it may be difficult to identify an RDD attack until after it has occurred due to the nature of a dirty bomb explosion. However, some common warning signs include a sudden loud explosion or shockwave, loud bangs or cracks from nearby buildings or structures collapsing, visibility impaired due to smoke or dust in the air, and increased radiation levels detected using equipment designed for this purpose.

Everyone in close proximity of an RDD detonation is potentially at risk for radiation exposure and its associated health effects. People near the site of detonation will likely suffer more severe consequences than those further away due to their greater proximity to the source(s) and higher levels of radiation exposure. In addition, certain groups including children, pregnant women, elderly people and those already ill may be particularly vulnerable following such an attack.

In case of an suspected RDD attack it is important that everyone follows safety procedures that have been put in place by local authorities. This may include seeking shelter indoors away from windows or other sources of potential contamination; moving carefully if evacuation becomes necessary; covering noses and mouths with cloth when outside; avoiding contact with any substance that appears connected with the incident; avoiding eating food that may have been exposed; regularly washing hands; monitoring local media outlets for updates on developments; and avoiding any contaminated items left behind in affected areas until properly decontaminated by professionals trained in such procedures.

Professional medical treatment is typically necessary following any instance of radiation exposure due to an RDD attack, including both short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic). Acute treatments may include administering chelating agents which bind with toxic elements such as uranium particles; antibiotics (to prevent infection); fluids (in cases where dehydration results); analgesics (for pain relief); blood transfusions; teletherapy (radiation therapy delivered via machines); and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Chronic treatment options include providing medications specific to treating various cancers or administering preventive measures such as oncogenic drugs which lessen substantially lower risks associated with further exposures.

After an incident involving a radiological dispersal device (RDD), it is important that individuals take all necessary steps outlined by local officials for decontamination purposes before returning home or entering public spaces again post-incident. Additionally those returning home should wash clothing using cold water separately from other clothing items before reusing them. Electrical items coming into contact with contaminated air must also be thoroughly cleaned before reuse. It's essential that victims seek professional medical attention if experiencing any adverse side effects related directly or indirectly with possible contamination caused by radiation.

Detecting radiological dispersal devices requires specialized equipment due to their unique form factor consisting largely invisible material like dust particles or gas emissions spreading over larger distances versus conventional weapons resulting in much tougher detection challenges.. This includes but isn't limited to detection systems based on ‘sniffers' capable pick up trace concentrations - generally single parts per million - of special radioisotopes making up these weapons.

During incidents involving declared incidents potentially linked with a radiological dispersal device terrorist act key responders encompass international bodies typically operated through channels specified within UN conventions along with national safety units including fire services, military personnel, police forces,radiation protection teams, emergency services, hazardous materials teams et cetera.

Currently no vaccine exists specifically designed against radioactivity caused by Radiological Dispersal Devices. Vaccines exist against a few illnesses related directly from ionizing radiation such as brucellosis, meliodiosis & plague however these have limited efficacy when compared especially against potential multi organ failure likely caused massive acute toxic doses linked with RDS releases.