Radiological and Nuclear Hazards - the R and N in CBRN

Source: Ionactive Radiation Protection Resource

A 2009 video looking at radioactive and nuclear materials. In particular the nuclear hazard is considered in terms of critical mass and chain reaction, and also  by looking at power output in a nuclear reactor, as compared to a prompt critical excursion. Historical context is added by considering the Louis Slotin criticality incident.

Notes about this video

During 2009, and for about the next three years there after, Ionactive  designed and delivered CBRN related radiation safety courses to the UK emergency services (Police, Fire, Ambulance). These were both multi-blue light courses (such as at Ryton  - PNCBRN) and also around the UK at specific services (e.g. London Fire Brigade, Met Police, Scottish Ambulance service and Police Service of Northern Ireland). At the time much resource was produced to help deliver the training and this is one example. Produced by our friend and colleague Dr Chris Robbins (Grallator), this resource provides an easy to understand colourful animated explanation of nuclear and radioactive materials. 

There are children playing in the street who could solve some of my top problems in physics, because they have modes of sensory perception that I lost long ago.

– J. Robert Oppenheimer -