It seems to me I remember something about this on CS from the old days.

From what I understand a "dirty bomb" is more of a radiation bomb rather than a true nuclear weapon. The idea is, from what I understand, you surround an explosive charge with radioactive material, explode the device in a populated area and you "generate" alot of sick people over a long period of time.

How does one prepare for something like that? Are there any herbal or natural things one can do to provide a level of protection against the effects of something like this?

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

Answers

That is my understanding of a "dirty bomb" as well, John. I suppose living in a rural area far from city centers would be one form of protection.

Here's a leftover from my Y2K file -- you might find it interesting to read: http://www.ki4u.com/#9

That website also has a "free book" about surviving nuclear war. Probably applies to "dirty bomb" radiation too. Cover page is here: http://www.ki4u.com/free_book/s73p904.htm

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

Mr. S. and I were discussing this topic the other day (sort of, anyway). We figured that what we could do would be to: Stay away from obvious targets (most likely in cities or landmark areas); keep well-stocked up at the homestead, and figure out ways to make a living remotely (like we are: transcription, and he's getting his gig put together in medical billing. Boring, but it's a job one can do from home, with health care benefit possibilities...)

As long as I have a keyboard, internet access, and some privacy protocols, software, etc., plus electricity and phone lines (or wireless), etc., I can potentially keep a job without having to go to a busy place. If not, well....that's what all that self-sufficiency learning has been for!

(Actually, we were talking more about the kind of terrorism that's going on in the Mideast, etc....folks that just walk up to you and explode.)

As far as radiation goes, I have heard that these devices don't spread fallout like conventional nukes do. Just trash an immediate geographic area.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

John, that's my understanding also. It's not like a nice clean tactical nuke where it just obliterates the place. It leaves residual radiation, oh, for the next 50,000 years or something. I think the only effective protection is a lead shield. Or was that Superman? Kryptonite? Radiation? Isn't X-ray vision and radiation the same? Blue pill, red pill? Don't remember anymore!

Wildman, (searching for answers)

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002

I kinda dout any of the bad guys have such a thing yet. If they did it would have been un-leashed upon Israel. I betcha the jews will be the targets long before us. Of course that also depends on Dubya keeping his BIG mouth shut!!! Axsis of evil! What a jerk!!!...kirk

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2002