LOS ANGELES (AP) A radiological ``dirty bomb'' detonated at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports could cost the nation's economy $34 billion, researchers say.
Experts discussed the potential loss during a conference Saturday examining the economic impact of terrorism.
The symposium, which drew researchers from about a dozen universities and think tanks, was hosted by the University of Southern California's Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events.
Among the topics were the effects a radiological attack might have on the nation's power grid, the impact on transportation if Seattle bridges were destroyed and efforts to strengthen port security.
Using a mathematical model, researchers from USC and Texas Southern University in Houston predicted the cost of a dirty bomb at the two ports, which together make up the country's largest port complex.
Clark Abt, who manages a social and economic policy research and consulting firm, stressed the importance of funding overseas scanners to detect nuclear weapons before they reach U.S. shores.
``The Coast Guard and Customs are used to drugs,'' Abt said. ``Getting most of it is good enough. But they can't afford to allow a single nuke into New York Harbor.''
The university's center received a $12 million grant from the federal Department of Homeland Security in March to find ways to assess outcomes of a possible attacks.
Information from: Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com
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