Introduction to Weapons of Mass Destruction
Radiological, Chemical, and Biological
1. Auflage März 2004
424 Seiten, Hardcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Kurzbeschreibung
The text provides an introduction to nuclear, chemical, and biological (NBC) weaponry. It is designed to be both a textbook for novices as well as a reference for the experienced. The goal is to provide accurate and concise information to the public, industrial hygiene and other safety professionals, first responders, and the news media. Following 9/11, the threat of NBC weapons use has increased after a period of relative calm following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The possibility of NBC use is real, but much available information is either false or excessively alarming. Potential readers need facts upon which to base both policy and response. This book performs this function.
Crucial information on nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons
From the diseased animal carcass hurled over the wall of a besieged castle to the nuclear suitcase bomb carried by a clandestine operative, the threat of unconventional weapons has always been a feature of warfare. Today's danger comes mainly from the potential use of nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by international terrorists or rogue states. False alarms and misinformation about these weapons have abounded in the jittery post-9/11 atmosphere. To understand and deal with the actual threat posed requires basing response plans, policy, and reporting on actual facts.
Introduction to Weapons of Mass Destruction separates fact from fiction about NBC weaponry by providing clear, technically precise information. For each family of weapon, coverage in this handbook includes:
* History and background information
* Agent types and delivery mechanisms
* Effects of exposure
* Protection
* Safe storage and handling
* Decontamination
* Medical treatments
Drawing from a broad array of military, scientific, and safety resources, this text offers both accessibility to the general public and accuracy and depth for professional emergency responders. Additional resources include a bibliography of references and a list of addresses and telephone numbers of federal and military agencies and professional organizations of interest. With full coverage of WMDs, from high-tech, genetically modified organisms to rudimentary radiological "dirty bombs," Introduction to Weapons of Mass Destruction is an essential reference for understanding and responding to these dangerous warfare agents.
PART 1: RADIOLOGICAL WEAPONS.
2. Nuclear Radiation.
3. Brief History of Nuclear Weapons.
4. Types of Nuclear Weapons.
5. Effects of Nuclear Weapons.
6. Nuclear Weapons Detection, Protection, and Decontamination.
7. Medical Treatment of Wounds from Nuclear Weapons.
PART 2: BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS.
8. Brief History of Biological Weapons.
9. Bioweapons Disease and Medical Treatments.
10. Delivery Systems for Bioweapons.
11. Biological Weapon Detection, Protection, and Decontamination.
PART 3: CHEMICAL WEAPONS.
12. Introduction to Chemical Agents.
13. Effects of Chemical Weapons and Medical Treatments.
14. Delivery Systems for Chemical Weapons.
15. Chemical Agent Safety, Protection, Detection, and Decontamination.
PART 4: SURVIVAL, PLANNING, AND CONTACTS.
16. Summary of Weapons of Mass Destruction.
17. References.
