Highlights
− Researchers developing cell phone radiation detection system, hope to commercialize system
− On a larger scale, false positives could create wide-spread panic
− Federal efforts continue to monitor cities and prepare emergency response
At Purdue University, a research team of engineers and scientists is currently working to integrate radiation detection sensors into cell phones. The team plans to use the detectors with cell phones’ global positioning systems to help authorities rapidly and accurately locate a potential radiation threat posed by a “dirty bomb” attack. Eventually, the team is looking to manipulate the system for usage in laptop computers and other personal digital assistants (PDA). Although the project is in the early stages, the team is working with Purdue’s senior technology manager to commercialize the system.
US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials continue to state that there is no known imminent threat to the homeland at this time. However, since the 1990s, al-Qaeda central has pursued the technology and the ability to conduct a chemical, biological, radioactive or nuclear (CBRN) attack against the West. Preemptive efforts, as those being conducted by university research teams and federal officials, are a critical component for detection and lessening the effects of a possible radioactive attack.
A Collective Action System
The new technology operates as a collective system of steps including detection, analysis, and notification. Small, solid-state radiation detectors are embedded into the cell phones. As a detector picks up on a radioactive trace, a software program simultaneously analyzes the data. Then, using cell phones’ global positioning units, the system transmits real time signals to a data center, notifying authorities of a finding that is potentially a threat to public safety. As the distance from the detector and the radioactive source increases, the signals become weaker. In theory, the system seeks to capitalize on the large volume of cell phones in a Metropolitan area, empowering authorities to pinpoint the exact source location. Additionally, the team says the system could also pick up on radioactive spills and detect nuclear weapons.
While the project is still in early stages, the technology showed promise after the team conducted the first environmental test for the system. After gaining the necessary safety approval from university officials, the team set up an extremely weak, sealed source of radiation on Purdue’s campus. The team equipped several volunteers, including officials from the Indiana Department of Transportation, with the cell phone sensors and directed them to walk past the sample. The devices were able to pick up a signal 15 feet away from the radioactive sample.
False positives
While the technology has shown promise, the possibility of false positives could delay the system’s release date. The team stated that the system is capable of detecting small sources of radiation found in hospitals and other household items, yet the software is allegedly capable of deducing the difference between a miniscule, harmless source from a dangerous radioactive threat. Additionally, the team claimed that the system would not alert the individual cell phone user as the software completes an analysis of a signal. This is likely due to the possibility of widespread fear and panic ensuing from thousands of false positives. However, the team must develop an alert system through participating service providers for units which detect a dangerous source.
Defending Against Dirty Bomb Threat
In addition to university researchers, federal teams and scientists are also partaking in defense programs against the threat of a radiological attack.
• As part of a US $80 million DHS initiative, federal authorities are equipping police departments in the tri-state region and in North Jersey with radiation detection equipment. The project, titled, “Securing the Cities,” has a set goal of equipping 200 police departments within 45 miles of Manhattan, with varying detection equipment including radiation detection traffic “portals.” The initiative highlights the concern of potential terrorist activity in the tri-state area.
• As part of a multiple agency counterterrorism effort, federal teams will draw from 1,000 nuclear scientists and 500 to 1,000 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents to prepare and respond to potential nuclear threats. Typical operations include conducting metropolitan radiation flyover surveillance missions and blending into large crowds with special detection equipment at popular public venues such as sporting events.
• The US National Nuclear Security Administration will begin a training program with the Chicago Police Department. Chicago police officers will be trained in advanced aerial radiation detection methods using helicopters and airplanes. Officials expect to expand the program to other cities in the future.
According to Deborah Wilber, Director at the Office of Emergency Response at the National Nuclear Security Administration, it is not a question of whether a radioactive bomb attack will occur in the US, but more a question of when. Efforts by radioactive research teams and preemptive federal programs are essential for preparing the potential ensuing disaster scenarios from a radioactive attack.
