Biological Threats
A biological attack is the deliberate release of germs or other biological substances that
can make you sick.Many
agents must be inhaled. Others will enter the body through an opening in the skin, or some
must be eaten to make you sick.
Some
biological agents, such as anthrax, do not cause contagious diseases. Others, like
smallpoxvirus, can result in diseases you can catch from others. More biological
threats:
Botulism | Tularemia
Chemical
Threats
A chemical attack is the deliberate release of a toxic gas, liquid or solid that can
poison people and the environment.
Agricultural
Threats
The potential for terrorists to disrupt economies and societies by introducing pathogens
into the food chain and livestock is being taken seriously by government agencies. More...
Nuclear
Threats
A nuclear blast is an explosion with intense light and heat, a damaging pressure wave,
and widespread radioactive material that can contaminate the air, water and ground
surfaces for miles around. While experts may predict at this time that a nuclear attack is
less likely than other types, terrorism by its nature is unpredictable.
Radiation
Threats
A radiation threat or "Dirty Bomb" is the use of common
explosives to spread radioactive materials over a targeted area. It is not a nuclear
blast.
The force of the explosion
and radioactive contamination will be more localized. While the blast will be immediately
obvious, the presence of radiation will not be clearly defined until trained personnel
with specialized equipment are on the scene. As with any radiation, you want to try to limit
exposure. More... |
Methods of Infection
"Methods of infection" are the
processes by which infectious diseases or toxins are dispersed to cause disease or
intoxication.
The same routes of entry used in the
natural spread of diseases are also relevant when biochemical agents are delivered
intentionally as weapons. |