Understanding the DIrty Bomb

Understanding the “Dirty Bomb” concept, the so called “Dirty Bomb” is feared because of its relationship with nuclear material. People in general consider this device a small tactical nuke capable of being brought to any city and causing massive damage through the destructive force of nuclear fission. An idea still considered the truth by many. This idea gives more credence to terrorists and creates an even larger fear. Although a “Dirty Bomb” is something to fear and yes can cause devastation it is not nuclear in action but in material.
The bomb itself is constructed like any other bomb, explosive, timer, detonator, and shrapnel. Only in the case of the “Dirty Bomb” its shrapnel or casing is built from depleted Uranium. It will cause sickness, possibly cancer and definitely radiation poisoning to those who the shrapnel hits or who breathe in the debris. This weapon would not have been available to terrorists if the US had not first developed it.
During Gulf War 1 the US used depleted Uranium shells to penetrate bunkers and fortifications. The shells performed better than expected aiding in reducing casualties but there was a side effect. Troops both enemy and friendly were effected by radiation fallout. The debris from the shells blown into particulate matter floating down range based on wind direction. Large pieces cluttered all over the battle field. These pieces where collected by various groups. The Army developed a new policy concerning the deployment of penetrating shells that use Uranium and also mopping up the area where deployed so that the material doesn’t hurt civilians or fall into enemy hands. The remaining problem is that there could be a pounds of this material currently in terrorist hands either picked up from the battlefield or bought from Iraq after the first Gulf War.
There are still too many people who believe that because we haven’t had a successful attack on American soil since 9/11 that another one won’t happen. We as Americans can no longer believe in the impossible but what is possible.
It was impossible for a US Navy vessel to be the subject of a terrorist attack-USS Cole.
It was impossible for the Twin Towers to fall from a terrorist attack after already surviving a previous one-9/11.
It was impossible for the Pentagon to be hit-9/11.
Lastly it was impossible for someone to slip past secret service and gain entrance to the White House- Tareq and Michaele Salahi.