Combating Nuclear Terrorism Preliminary Observations On Preparedness To Recover From Possible Attacks Using Radiological Or Nuclear Materials

A terrorist¿s use of a radiological dispersal device (RDD) or improvised nuclear device (IND) to release radioactive materials (RM) into the environ. could have devastating consequences. This testimony examines: (1) the extent to which fed. agencies are planning to fulfill their responsibilities to assist cities and their states in cleaning up areas contaminated with RM from RDD and IND incidents; (2) what is known about the fed. government¿s capability to effectively cleanup areas contaminated with RM from RDD and IND incidents; and (3) suggestions from gov¿t. emerg. mgmt. officials on ways to improve fed. preparedness to provide assistance to recover from RDD and IND incidents. Also discusses the situation in the United Kingdom.