Weapons of Mass Destruction

Question 1

A term normally intended to encompass the use of chemical, nuclear, or biological agents, or improvised nuclear devices (IND) by terrorists.

Answer 1

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Question 2

Applies to a weapon system designed to cause serious bodily harm, incapacitation, or death to large numbers of individuals, or to cause extensive property damage beyond that of conventional weapon systems.

Answer 2

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Question 3

Generally the easiest and cheapest WMD to produce. Many are found in legitimate arenas such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and household cleaners.

Answer 3

Chemical Agents

Question 4

Can be cultivated or manufactured. Effectiveness is dependent on the type of agent used, the type of delivery system, and the weather conditions around or at the attack site.

Answer 4

Biological Agents

Question 5

Not normally detected by the five senses. Look for unexplained indicators like sick or dying animals or people; spraying or suspicious devices; unusual illness in region.

Answer 5

Biological Agents

Question 6

Usually found in research, power generation, and medical treatment. Constitute the smallest area of threat; few cases of the use of these agents exist.

Answer 6

Radiological Material (Nuclear)

Question 7

Type of chemical agent - effects include: severe eye and lung damage as well as serious skin blistering.

Answer 7

Mustard Gas

Question 8

This chemical agent effects include: disrupt nervous system and suffocate by paralyzing the chest muscles.

Answer 8

Nerve Agent, such as Sarin

Question 9

This chemical agent effects include: blocks the absorption of oxygen by blood cells.

Answer 9

Blood agents such as hydrogen cyanide

Question 10

this chemical agent effects include: take effect in seconds and cause suffocation by damaging the lungs

Answer 10

choking agents such as phosgene

Question 11

this chemical agent is extremely toxic, attacks the nervous system. One drop of the liquid absorbed through the skin causes nausea, convulsions, vomiting, and seizures, killing victims quickly and very painfully.

Answer 11

VX

Question 12

Biological agent produced by bacteria associated mainly with livestock and animal infections. spread through the air causing pneumonia and suffocation. Incubation is 1-5 days and inhalation of a minuscule amount is fatal within five to seven days.

Answer 12

Anthrax Spores

Question 13

Biological agent - one of the most potent toxins derived from the bacterium that causes botulism. paralyzes the respiratory muscles and suffocates within 36 hours.

Answer 13

Botulinum

Question 14

Biological agent - toxin derived from castor beans. Can be spread in aerosol or liquid form. causes blood poisoning that collapses the circulatory system. 6000 times more toxic than cyanide, and there is no antidote.

Answer 14

Ricin

Question 15

Other biological agents include:

Answer 15

plague, tularemia (rabbit fever), and cholera.

Question 16

many different forms such as plutonium, deuterium, and cesium 137. Small amounts will sicken, but with larger doses, death is inevitable.

Answer 16

Radiological Agents

Question 17

Cordon Zones - Involving nuclear or conventional weapons or radioactive material

Answer 17

require a 2,000 foot cordon

Question 18

Cordon Zones - involving chemical agents

Answer 18

Require a cordon 1 mile in radius upwind/crosswind and 2 miles downwind.

Question 19

Cordon Zones - involving biological agents

Answer 19

Require a 2,000 foot cordon upwind and crosswind. The on-scene commander will determine downwind distance.