Radiological risk assessment caused by RDD terrorism in an urban area

This paper specifically discusses a radiological risk assessment due to RDDs (Radiological Dispersion Devices) containing Cs-137 in the metropolitan area of Seoul, South Korea. The comparison of an effective dose caused by airborne plume and deposited Cs-137 is performed with and without consideration of the wind direction. When the dose is computed conservatively, an effective dose is around twice that of a dose computed realistically. Monte Carlo simulations showed that the 95% confidence interval for morbidity was 2.40×10−5 to 8.55×10−5, and mortality was 3.53×10−5 to 1.25×10−4. •This study is to assess radiological consequences assuming a radiological terrorism.•A RDD explosion scenario for the metropolitan area of Seoul is introduced.•To protect the public in cases of radiological emergencies, the best management practices are discussed in this study.