Evaluating the health impacts of two extreme-releasing radiological hypothetical events

Abstract

Purpose: This simulation study compares the long-term health for military troops exposed by a drone dispersing low-dose radioactive material either in a ground-level explosion or aerial release. It examines the consequences of dispersing radioactive material using a drone through both ground-level explosions and aerial releases.

Materials and methods: The simulations were conducted over four days, without adjusting for radioactive decay, and considered six atmospheric stability classes.

Results: The findings indicate that ground-level explosions lead to higher total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) values across all atmospheric stability classes, especially in stable atmospheric conditions (Classes E and F). The excess relative risk of leukemia induced by radiation is also more significant in the ground-level explosion scenario, particularly for younger individuals (20 years old).

Conclusion: The study's findings indicate that ground-level dispersion of substances poses a greater risk to public health compared to drone-based dispersal methods. This risk is notably exacerbated under stable atmospheric conditions and is particularly pronounced among younger demographics. Such outcomes hold significant implications for policy formulation and strategic decision-making within the context of public health initiatives and military radiological operations.

Keywords: Radiological dispersion; computer simulation; military operations; radiological risk.