Weapons of Mass Destruction
Weapons of mass destruction (WMD) are chemical, biological, or radiological agents capable of causing death or serious injury to great numbers of people. Chemical agents require a hazardous materials response with specialized equipment and pharmaceuticals. Biological agents require a response by the medical community similar to an epidemiologic response. Radiological agents emit radiation, which is an invisible hazard that requires special detection instruments.
In the event of a chemical or biological weapon attack, your local authorities will instruct you on the best course of action. It may be to evacuate immediately, seek shelter at a designated location, or take shelter where you are and attempt to seal the premises.
Chemical Agents
Chemical agents are poisonous vapors, aerosols, liquids or solids that have toxic effects on people, animals or plants. Some may be odorless and tasteless, and can be released by bombs, sprayed from aircraft, boats, or other vehicles, or used as a liquid to create a hazard to people and the environment. Their effect can be either immediate or delayed, taking hours—or even days—to produce the desired effect. While potentially lethal, chemical agents are difficult to produce and deliver in lethal concentrations, especially outdoors, where the agents can dissipate rapidly.
Biological Agents
Biological agents are organisms or toxins that can kill or injure people and animals, or severely damage crops. The three basic groups of biological agents that would likely be used as weapons are bacteria, viruses, and toxins.
Most biological agents are difficult to grow and maintain. Many break down quickly when exposed to sunlight and other environmental factors, while others such as anthrax spores are very long lived. They can be dispersed by spraying them in the air, infecting animals that carry the disease to humans, or through food and water contamination.
Radiological Agents
Radiological exposure may come in the form of what is commonly known as a “dirty bomb,” which is an explosive device that has is laden with radioactive materials. This is not a nuclear explosion. It may be difficult, at first, to determine whether the explosion includes radioactive materials, since their detection requires equipment that registers radioactivity. Once radioactivity is detected in your area, it is important to limit your exposure. This is done by considering three factors:
- Shielding – place a thick shield between yourself and the radioactive materials to absorb more of the radiation, thereby exposing you to less of it.
- Distance – the greater the distance between you and the radioactive source, the better.
- Time – you reduce your personal risk by minimizing the amount of time you’re exposed to the radioactive source.
For additional information about chemical, biological and radiological agents and terrorism, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.