Radiation Risk and Israeli Attack

Experts have told Reuters that any Israeli attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities are unlikely to cause high levels of radiation unless a Russian-built reactor is destroyed, which is not thought to be a target of an Israeli attack. The attacks could, however, release toxic chemicals.

"I doubt that the radiation effects would be great," said Hans Blix, former IAEA director.

"There could be some chemical hazard, but I'd think it would be limited to any nearby communities," said Edwin Lyman, a nuclear expert at the Union of Concerned Scientists in Washington. (Reuters, 28 August)