Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Standardized Awareness Practice Test

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What is a Radiological Dispersal Device more commonly referred to as?

Radiation threat device
Dirty bomb
Nuclear bomb
Radiation hazard device

The correct answer is: Dirty bomb

A Radiological Dispersal Device is more commonly referred to as a "dirty bomb." This term accurately describes a device that combines conventional explosives, such as dynamite, with radioactive materials. The primary intention of a dirty bomb is not to produce a nuclear explosion, but rather to spread radioactive material over a wide area, causing contamination and fear. The use of the term "dirty bomb" highlights the device’s aim to create panic through the dispersal of radioactive substances rather than to achieve the destructive force associated with a nuclear bomb. It emphasizes the hazard of contamination and the potential for long-term effects on health and safety. Understanding this distinction is crucial for emergency response planning and public communication during incidents involving such devices.