Porous structures, such as brick and concrete, are notoriously hard to clean when contaminated with certain types of radioactive materials. Researchers in Argonne 's Chemical Engineering Division are developing a new technique that can effectively decontaminate these structures in the event of exposure to radioactive elements. Researchers are using engineered nanoparticles and a super-absorbent gel to design a clean-up system for buildings and monuments exposed to radioactive materials. Having this system available will allow the nation to be more prepared in case of a terrorist attack with a "dirty bomb" or other radioactive dispersal device. "If a radioactive device were...