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Weapons of Mass Destruction

General description
Biological agents

1. Bacteria

2. Viruses

3. Toxins

Nuclear and radiological weapons

Incendiary Devices

Chemical Agents

1. Types:

Explosives

General description
Q: What are weapons of mass destruction?
A: Some of the weapons used by terrorists are known as weapons of mass destruction, because they have the potential to cause great harm over a large area.

Q: What weapons of mass destruction can terrorists use?
A: Terrorist attacks can take several forms, depending on the technological means available to the terrorist, the nature of the political issue motivating the attack, and the points of weakness of the terrorist's target.

The range of weapons a terrorist might use includes:

Biological -- disease-causing organisms.
Nuclear -- dangerous radiation or radioactivity.
Incendiary -- firebombs.
Chemical -- poisonous compounds.
Explosive -- bombs, grenades, rockets, missiles, mines or similar devices.

Q: What weapons of mass destruction have terrorists used?
A: Bombings are the most frequently used terrorist method in the U.S. Some chemical and biological agents have been used against civilians by terrorists.

Q: What potential harm do weapons of mass destruction carry?
A: These weapons may cause mass casualties or they may disrupt the economy causing mass hysteria and hardship.

Next: Biological agents >>

Questions or comments about this guide may be directed to the VDEM Public Affairs Office at (804) 897-6510 or pio@vdem.virginia.gov.

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