Table 1 Radionuclides of concern that might be used in the construction of a “dirty bomb”. [9] Source for physical and effective half-life values [10]
From: Medical management of victims contaminated with radionuclides after a “dirty bomb” attack
Item | Am-241 | Cf-252 | Co-60 | Cs-137 | I-131 | Ir-192 | Pu-238 | Pu-239 | Ra-226 | Sr-90 | U-235 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Radiation emitted | α, γ | α, n | β, γ | β, γ | β, γ | β, γ | α | α | α, γ | β | α, γ |
Physical half-life | 432 a | 2.65 a | 5.3 a | 30 a | 8 d | 73.8 d | 87.7 a | 24 103 a | 1600 a | 28.2 a | 7 × 108 a |
Effective half-life | 45 a | 2.5 a | 1.6 a | 109 d | 7.5 d | – | 50 a | 50 a | 44 a | 4.6 a | 15 d |