Radiological dispersal devices (RDDs) are commonly referred to as what?

Radiological dispersal devices (RDDs) are commonly known as dirty bombs. This terminology stems from the nature of the device, which combines conventional explosives with radioactive material. The primary intent of an RDD is not to maximize destruction through the explosive power, like a nuclear bomb, but rather to spread radioactive contamination over a wide area when detonated. The explosion disperses the radioactive material, which can lead to contamination of the environment and pose health risks to those nearby. This distinguishes dirty bombs from other types of devices that either rely purely on an explosive effect or are intended for more lethal damage, such as nuclear bombs.

The other terms, while they may seem plausible, do not accurately describe RDDs. Nuclear bombs are designed to release massive energy from nuclear reactions, while radiation bombs is not a widely recognized term in public safety or emergency response contexts. The term hazardous devices is also too broad and does not specifically convey the unique nature of RDDs concerning their combination of conventional explosives with radioactive materials. This specificity is crucial for understanding the risks and appropriate responses to such threats in emergency management scenarios.