Weapons of mass destruction: what you should know : a citizen's guide to biological, chemical, and nuclear agents & weapons

309 Pages·2004·16.95 MB·English

by  Gladson I. Nwanna

Weaponsiofaiiass
Destruction

What You Shuvid Kaowt
A Citizen’s Guide to.

Biological

Chemical

‘Nuclear &

Radiological

Agents and

Weapons:
Weapons of Mass Destruction
What You Should Know: A Citizen's
Guide to Biological, Chemical and
Nuclear Agents & Weapons

Gladson I. Nwanna, Ph.D., Editor

Frontline Publishers
Baltimore, Maryland
All rights reserved, No part ofthis publication may be reproduced, copied or transmitted i ay form
for by any means, electronic of mechanical induding. photoeapying, eecrding taping ae ang
information doraye and retrieval system without th prior express writen perzuision of the publisher,
‘ewept inthe eure of brief quotations in a revi. This honk isa creative work cupseighted by Glad
1. Neanna, and fully preteied by all applicable copyright La, as well as by misappropriation trade
Scre unfairenmpeiion, and other applicable laws. The edt ofthis work fas sed value tothe
‘onderying fartal material ersin through ear or mure ofthe folosinge Unique and origial selection,
coordination, expresson, arrongeturat, und cusiGeution ofthe information

Conyrigtn 2004 hy Glades 1 Naan

Library of Congress Cataloging in-Publication Data

‘Weapons of ass desis. yu should ken: a etnen = 2d 0
Fioow:et.chenneal, and sclear agente & wenp06! Cadsun . Nest,
sti,

Pt
Tnckes tubligreplicalretereness ud index
ISBN 1-SOUSDS-14.2C pbk. 2k. poper) ~ SBN T-HOQHIE
wwe)
2. Weapons ofmass desiscou Noam, Gladeon |
1793, W433 2008
3 Geshe

55 tad

2003026531

ISBN. paperhace el L-8HKOS-14-%
ISBN, herdeaver cd: 1-800€05-25-¢
ISBN, PDE vd 605-34
ISBN, (oT ed sR 90;05-35-2

Cover Desig by Tawi E, Ricsale
Dein ifs into Sees oF America

‘Visit Fronts Publishers Websito at htpe//aw.frandinepublishers.com
Acknowledgement

This book benefited Iruin ie envouragement aed advie of a ot of peuple, all wf whom L
san indebied to. T would especialy Tike co thank Mes. Phyllis Desbordes for her editorial
support and other valuable suggestions

My giatioude and indebeedness also goes te the agencies and deparmments af me government
whose work L hic reproduce in this hook. ‘These inclule: “he Red Cross, Federal
emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Comers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), the Apenty lor Toxiz Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR).

Preface

‘The September 11, 2001, terrorist/eatastrophie assault on Ametica sets both the background
and motivation tor dis book. The sad events no: only ushered in x mew awakening for
Ameticans, it siso cam an indefible mak ou Aroeriea's comseiousness and history. Ir a8 aut
awakening and ceminder 0° its vulnerabilities, but as well as 2 challenge w its hegemony.
‘The Septeriber {1 event has, (or all praccical purposes. changed the course of American
history and che way of life of Americens. 11 has also mubstinoted dhe salioial callying poicm
‘with vigianes as tae new manera

The September LL event, the onsuing discussion surromufing it and scbsequene national
policy shifis amd changes have included de fearing of words and pirases such as
“Wespons of Mass Desimiction” (WMD), Smart Rob, Hiokerurism. a lexicon af words
and phrases rarely before used with sch thequeuey to vonjure impending and calastruphie
diauer which citizens mest understand and embrace: words and phrases, hilher'o, within che
domain of use and techniced understanding almost exclusively limited ta scientists. top
Policy seakers and specialized instiorions, The September 11 event appeans lu have ereated
teed for am understancing of diese ecmus with & goal 16 beter apprectare ihe 2overnmment’s
policy, the urgency of aetion, wid the command to rally aroucid dk: eause and the challenges,
eatuciated Dy the President of ene (nia Staves

Like many fellow citizens, # fell persuaded and convinged, 11911 understood the case, he
call, the subject matter ead the urgency, [ assuined the snajorigy of the citizen's nnwerstood
as mich, Did the majority of my (ellow citizens really waderstand many of the words,
plicases and statements that fled the airwaves? 1 wondered if Hey seally understood their
responsibilities as called for hy this sudden awakening in the national consciousness not only
will: Mie presemt chreats, but als die potential ubreats whi led ro the mew Departmen 0°
Homeland Sccusity emergenoy alest system

‘Ast pondered! the threats, the warnings, che plirayes wil on what | believed (was nequiced
ro do as a citizen ia the event of an attack, U houybt about the millions of olher Americans
‘who ate fully at alert status, fmt who possess very Lite Knowledge abou; what this is all
about. T pondered in particular, 3f they knew what to do in che event of another inci:
similar 4 the 9-11 event oF a cheisival or biological agent sltick. I pondered eveu more
about Huse types of allacks, the illmesses and havoe they may cause and 1 continue 1
wonder how many friends, relatives and fellow citizens knee whal they cic do te prevent
Cor minimize the efter of such attacks, dhercby siltguarling tacix heath and fae Tile

wag al] of dese concerns and my conviction tot T may aot be fix Frei being corre it
ny Thoughts tht molisau6d mie to write this book, Ths my belie that personal security and
‘weil being is intimacy tied to National Secmiry, And Hf you we apt to agces widh ane, you
vwill aso were Unit book such as iis will be invaluable (or Americans and oon Amsericans
like, im particular those who are not so Urhed with relevane scientific and technical
Invowledge of tke core inaterial, Those wip may mot have the Eine te research these raallers
shculd personally fin the book informative,

Tn this book, T explore ia a tuhher nec-technical fashion the enneept of Weapons. a? mass
Destruction as used Hoth narrowly and broadly, historically aud contemporary. 1 adklress i
particular biotoyical und chemical agents and discases, as well as nucleat‘radiological
gents, agenes rat have hal a h.sumy of being weaponized and tose duat have the pore.

ss of mirimizing thrests posed Iy these agents "neluding the
1's role and nur role as citizens,

| must alga point out determined, deliberate, and persistent efforts on the part of U.S. State
anid local govermmens and media outlets :0 alert andl educate citizens on ibe issue of
tortorism, Weapons of Mess Descruction and related subject matters, Cauforlunately, this
inforsnation as offen widely scattered . I is svanty and very technical or in ihe case of
rulio’TV broadcast medi, very transitory. here are millions of Ameticans who either do
hor have Timely access 0 avarlable mass media oudets to benelit. er do net know about the
cxiskenee of ‘his viduable information. This book is largely intended tor thar audience. 1
have made every efor: arrange me intimation in sich 2 way as fo be wasily uauerstoced
‘snd available fo a readily usable format

‘This book is essentially 4 collection of sclevant information on the subject of Weapons of
mass Destruction. The information came prnmarily trom federal government sources an is
believed to fe retisble and auiboriative, (have iucluded iu he book the sources of all
information.

ft is my hope that this book will not by any means be vonsidere the id words ara toaty
on Weapons of Mass Destruction ar ela rupivy covered, ar should it be considered a
sumpreheusive Ireaunent of she wpic, Rather, T would prefer 1. « be considered stemply 3
rios-lechnicsl and 2asiv introduction and overview af the sahject.

It is, my hope that informarion contained inn dis book will not ony make the lay reader
beter informed on che subject matter, as indeed i has mutie me, but that cial ke all of

iv
tas beter citizens, who collectively will be heer capable of identifying managing fhnare
threus, anu protecting the country

In the Appendix scotion of this book, Uhave provided veuable nsourees Gdnesses, phone
runubers, institutions, agcneies and other ialorraation} that should be of help to readers

L believe this book will generate wide appasl. ‘The information sould be usefal te
Americans as well as citizens of ocher countries thal may be facing similar expurienous.

We hope thar your expectations will be anet xl when they are, we would appreciate hearing
from you. Should the eontens of this book fall short in mwceting your expectations, we
would certainly fike 10 new from you so that an effort can be made tw imprewe thre
edicions. Suggestions and lesters should be mailed to Public Relations Department, Fronflie
Publishers, P.O. Box 32674, Baltimore, Maryland 2122-267

Editor's Not

11) Tn this book, an effirt has been made ta reproduce materials thom several source,
fncluding valuable: advice andl answers in questions of potential interes (wo reaters
‘This book pmvidas these sources by incorporaiiug Uhe advice of experts in de
fiekt. To these souroes, I mnust say THANKS for favilitaling the process of
repaciug this book.

[2] The editor and publisher has made a delermised effort to reproduce several uf the
Dborrovesd miate‘ials verbatim and in their enlirsy, Only in a few imseances was i
necessary ww make ahinor aerations in order to failitwe reading end co ensure
‘consistency and uniforraity.

13] We live in changing times, incluliag changing information on some of che topics
addressed in This book, Whereas most of the information contained i this book
vail] remain valid through the ages. some is bound co change. Therefore, 1 have
provided you with relevant references, including aléresses nailing & web),
phone murnbers, aud e-mail adklkesses of governonent and qon-govemnent apencies
‘and onganzacions that will keep you up-to-date,

For a book of this size, wich all the diligence on the pact of the publisher, erraes,
and omussions both lypeeyrapica! and in convent are bound to occur. [ urge you uo intra us
‘wherever you find such errors aud ounissions so that dhey may be comected in the next
tofition. At the time this buck went 10 press, every sffoit was made «© ensure da all
relkrences wete accnraze. I must, however, make ibe followin eaplici disclaimer
DISCLAIMER

‘The editor and Frowliny Publisters shall ive avither ability oor cesponsibiligy 1 any
person 0: entlgy with respeet to any loss or damage caused, or alleged ro have beer. caused,
diccclly or ixieclly, Uy inlovntion coutained ia this book. Nor will Mey be hele
sespotsible for the experiences of rears. The information contained: ie this book is meas
fo serve only as a yemeral guide and to assist you as you deal with marters in the area of
‘Weapons of Mass Destruction. It's by no means the only souree, or the ullimaae soure ar
{Ue information on the subject of WMD. This information is neicher al! inclusive, exhaustive
nor cast in brome. 1 certiuly reeounmend additions resescch and invdependent verifieaion
snd assessment from olher sourves, If you do not wish 19 be bound by the above, you are
_atvised not (@ patebase this book.
TABLE OF CON

(CHAFUER 1: INCRODUCTION #
Inureduetion ©

Challenges:ure 2

The Rule of Goverment 2

CHAPTER 2; BIOLOGICAL,
CHEMICAL AND NUCLEAR
WEAPONS: 4 MILITARY
PERSPECTIVE 3

Introduccion 3

BIQLOGICAL WEAPONS 3
Biolugival weapons Technology 3
History of Biological Weapons & Recent
Developments 5

Biological Material Production #
Stabulizaton, Dissemination and
Dispersion 9

Derwerion, Wameng and [dentification 11
Biologic’ Detense Systems 11

CHEMICAL WEAPONS 12
‘Chemical Weapons Technology 12,
Chemical Material Production 16
‘Chemical Wespans Delivery 19
Dissernination. Dispersion and Weapons
Testing 20

Detection, Warning and Muniification 21
(Chemical Defense Systera 22

RADIOLOGICAL & NUCLEAR
WEAPONS
Introduction
Nuclear Weapons Technology 23
‘esting of Nuclear Weapons 25
INTERNATIONAL REGIMES,
TREATIES, PROTOCOLS &
CONVENTIONS 26

vii

ENT:

CHAPTER 3: TERRORISM 33
About Terrorism, Prior i Sepleraber 1,
2001 33

‘errorism fre Unitnd Staces 34
Dealing with Tervocism ¢hefore, during
and after} 34

CIAPTER 4: RESPONDING 10
BIOLOGICAL & CHEMICAL
ATTACKS 39

Trurodustion 39

‘The Threat 39

‘Waring Signs of an Attack or Incident
40

What 19 Do in the Case of Atrack 41
Preparing a Sefchaven 4

‘Choosing a Satehaven 42

Suggested Safchaven Equipawent 42

CHAPTER §: BIOLOGICAL

WAREPARE AGE
Aamhrax 43
Bomlism 6
Plague 63
Smalipox 71
Tulacevnia 7

Rivin See Chapter 61, 166

Rif, Valley Fover 81

QeFever HY

Bruccllusis 85

‘Viral Hemerthagic Fevers 87
Arenaviruses 1

Filovinuses 92

Lassa Pever 93

Ebola Heraorshawie Pever 95
‘Marburg, Hemorrhagic Fever 98
Hantavirus Pelmonary Syndrome 100
Lymphocytic choriomenigiis 104
Glendess 106
Mefioidesis 108
Paina 111
‘Typhus Fevers 119
Vical Encephalitis LLL
astern, Lqnine Pheephalics 111
‘Wester Equine Encephalitis 1:2
encira Virus Disease and Nipah
Virus Encephalitis 112
ick-Bome Encephilits L14
Typhuid Fever 115
Shigellosis 117
Foodbame Muses 121
Salmonellosis 131
Cholera 135

CHAPYER 6: CHEMICAL
AGENTS/CHEMICAL WARFARE
AGENTS 137
Narve Agents 137

Soman (GDy 159

Tabun (GA) 141

Sarin (C8) 144

VX 146

Blister or Vesicunt Agents: 148
Lewisire (L} 148
Nitroger: Mustards (HN-1, HN-
2, HIN.3) 152
Site Mustard (Ypericy
Mustard Gas (HD) 153
Phosgene Oxime (CX) 185

ChokingiLuna/Petmarasre Agents: 157
Phosgene (CG) 157
Chlorine (C1) 158
Phosphine 14
‘Waite Phosphorus 161

Broraxius 563
Abrin 164
Ricin 166
Sireluine 168

Wloakt Agents: 171
Arsine (SA) 171

Metals 176
Avene 176

Thalia 179

Organic Soivents 181
Beuzene 181

Riot Contras Agenas 183
Other Chemical Agents 186

Ethylene Glyoo! and Propylene

Glycol 186

Fluocide, Hydrogen Fluoride,

and Fhuorine 187

‘Amuucaia 187

Paraquat 191

Sedan Azicie 104
PERSONAL CLEANING AND
DISPOSAS. OF CONTAMINATED.

CLOTHING 198

SHELTERING IN PLACL DURING A
CHEMICAL DISASTERS TLACK, 208
{What “sbeliering in para” means 200
ow to prepare to shelter in glare 200
‘what do 201

CHATTER
RADIOLOGICALINUCLEAR
ACCIDENTS & EXPOSURE 203
Radiation 203

Radiation & Ileal Atte 203
Protecting & Minioniziny Against
Ruliation Exposure 203

Tiealth Effects of Radiation Exposure on
Unboms abies 205,

‘Osner Risks trom Raciarion Exposuse
3s

Ratiolugival accideas & Emergencies
Before, During & After) 205,
uvlear Terrorism & Health Btfecus 208
Nus.car Power Plant Limergency 208
Propscing For an Emergency 209
Emergency Classilication tevels 210

W You are Alemted 214

SHELTERING [N PLACE DURING &
RADIATION EMERGENCY 214
Preparing Emergency Supplies 215,

PARTY ROMBS 2:7
Acute Radiation Syndrome 219
Potassium lodide 220,

Prussian Blue 222

CHAPTER &: REFERENCES &
SOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION 225

GLOSSARY & DEFINITIONS 229

Tips Before Enterirg. a Shelter 217

APPENDIXES 240

APPENDIX A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 240

APPENDIX 8: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 243

APPENDIX C:

Radioactive Isotopes (Radioisotopes) 250

Aumericinon - 241 (Am-241} 251

Celsium-

137 (Cv-137) 251

Cobalt-60 (C0-60) 254

lodine (1-129 & F-131) 258

Pintonium-239 (Pu-239) 262

Strontium-90 (S1-90} 267

Usanium-235 (U-235) and Uranium-238 (U-238) 278

APPENDIX D:
Table 1
Table 2:
Table 3:
‘Table 4
Table 5
Table 6
Table 7
Table 8
Table 9

TABLES & CITART 76

Australian Group Biological Agents 276

Biological Warfare Agents (Partial List) 278

Biotervorism: Selected Agent Summary 279

Biological Weapons Foreign Technology Assessment Sumunary 280
Biological Material Production Technology Parameters 281
‘Chemical Warture Agents 282

Chemical Weapons Conventions Schedule of Chemicals 284
Chemical Weapons Voreign Technology Assessmen! Summary 285
Nuelcar Weapons Foreign Technology Assessment Summury 237

Table 10: Selected Regime Participants 288