Terrorism and Wmds: Awareness and Response

Terrorists continue to enhance their technical sophistication in constructing weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) with devastating effects. Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) weapons now pose a greater threat than ever before. Emphasizing basic chemistry and biology, including microbiology and human health, Terrorism and WMDs: Awareness and Response is an introductory manual on CBRNE weapons that helps prepare emergency response, counterterrorism, and security professionals to respond to a WMD attack quickly and effectively.

Examines different threats and the best response

Taking a non-technical approach to technical concepts, the book begins with an overview of the historical and ideological context of modern terrorism and CBRNE weapons. Specific CBRNE weapons are discussed, and each section provides a history of the particular type of weapon as well as details on the design, structure, properties, and behavior of the weapon. The book examines the impacts of CBRNE weapons on human health and recommends safety precautions for both emergency responders and the public. The final section of the book addresses specific responder issues, particularly the Incident Command System, as well as personal protective equipment (PPE), decontamination, and site remediation.

Learning tools to aid comprehension

More than 170 photos and illustrations supplement the text, questions at the end of each chapter test comprehension, and a glossary provides clear definitions to better understand complex terminology. Intended as a starting point for understanding CBRNE weapons and their grave potential for destruction, the book offers practical instruction on how to respond to intentional and accidental releases.

John Pichtel is a professor of Natural Resources and Environmental Management at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, where he has been a faculty member since 1987. His primary research and professional activities have been in management of hazardous materials, remediation of contaminated sites, and environmental chemistry.

Terrorism and WMDs Origins of Terrorism Terrorist Classifications Potential Terrorist Targets Weapons of Mass Destruction The Trend of CBRNE Terrorism Limitations to Terrorists in Use of CBRNE Materials Fallacies Associated with Terrorist Attacks Chemical Agents History of Chemical Weapons Chemical Weapons Types Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs)Recent History of TICs as a Weapon The DOT Hazardous Materials Classes Selected TICs and Relevant PropertiesFlammable Liquids Corrosive Materials Biological Agents Categories of Bioterrorism Agents History of Biological Weapons Bacterial Diseases Viral Diseases Biological Toxins Agroterrorism Nuclear and Radiological Hazards Nuclear Weapons History of Nuclear and Radiological Weapons Properties of the Atom Radioactivity Ionization: When Radiation Interacts with Matter Forms of Radiation Measurement of Radiation Nuclear Reactions Nuclear Weapon Designs Effects of Nuclear Detonations Timeline of a Nuclear Detonation Emergency Response to a Nuclear Detonation Terrorism and Nuclear Devices Terrorism and Radiological Dispersal Devices Explosives Hazards Definition of Explosives Types of Explosions History of Explosives Development Characteristics of Explosives Classification of Explosives Commercial and Military Explosives Use Forms of Explosives Effects of an Explosion Explosives and Terrorism: Improvised Explosive Devices Recent Use of Improvised Explosive Devices Directed-Energy Weapons (DEWs)History of Use of DEWs Modern DEWs Criminal and Terrorist Use of DEWs NIMS and the Incident Command System National Incident Management System (NIMS) The Incident Command System Setup of the ICS ICS Principles Application of the ICS: Oklahoma City, OK Personal Protective Equipment for Emergency Response, Decontamination, and Remediation Personal Protective Equipment Respiratory Protection Systems Decontamination Decontamination Media The Decontamination Corridor Disposal of Contaminated Material Site Remediation AppendicesIndex