Abstract
The paper deals with some current aspects related to the possible use of high activity radioactive substances in a so-called radiological dispersive device. Its primary aim is to create extensive radioactive contamination in selected locations with a big number of people who are then affected by high doses due to the external ionizing radiation as well as by the internal radioactive contamination.
Such a malicious attack against a nothing suspecting crowd of people, besides harmful effects of the exposure, can cause panic, fear and confusion, which is in fact one of the main objectives of terrorists in enforcing their particular interests. The paper discusses potential consequences of a radiological assault including some principal procedures aimed at the minimization of the impacts of such violent act.