A "dirty bomb," or radiological dispersal device, combines conventional explosives with radioactive materials. Its primary purpose is to spread contamination and create panic rather than cause mass destruction. The explosion disperses radioactive particles into the environment, potentially affecting public health and safety. While a dirty bomb is not a nuclear weapon, it can lead to long-term contamination of an area, requiring extensive cleanup efforts. The psychological impact on the population can be significant, as fear of radiation exposure may lead to widespread anxiety and disruption, even if the actual physical harm is limited.