Group launches dirty-bomb awareness effort

WASHINGTON, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- The threat posed by a possible dirty-bomb attack in a U.S. city has prompted the creation of a new coalition aimed at raising public awareness.

A nationwide group of emergency first responders and homeland security experts, along with business and health leaders, announced the launch of the Radiological Threat Awareness Coalition. Officials say the non-profit R-TAC's primary focus will be to increase the American public's understanding of the dangers posed by the threat of a radiological attack in the United States, R-TAC said in a release.

Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, security authorities have warned that one of the greatest threats facing the United States is the potential of terrorists exploding a dirty bomb in a major U.S. city. R-TAC officials say they plan to pursue programs that focus not only on educating the public about potential dangers, but also programs supporting federal and state preparations, and a greater push for additional funding for radiological defense.

"Since Sept. 11, Americans have known terrorism knows no borders nor boundaries," James Pinkerton, R-TAC chairman, said in a statement.

"Yet we must come to grips with the reality that perhaps the greatest danger we face is inside our own borders -- here in the U.S. So we urgently need to do more to protect and prepare our country against this hideous threat."