Radiological And Nuclear Terrorism (25 Points)

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Describe the four main types of radiological and nuclear terrorism (25 points). In regards to WMDs, both radiological and nuclear terrorism are extremely hazardous to a targeted population. Therefore, understanding the different types and/or means to develop and implement such an attack is paramount. Specially, there are four main types of radiological and nuclear terrorism. The first type is the actual acquisition of nuclear and radiological arm and ammunition. Followed by the ability of a terrorist group and/or organization to make their own nuclear or radiological weapons. Thirdly, the actual action of conducting an attack on or sabotaging a nuclear plant. Lastly, the tradition implementation of nuclear and radiological attacks via explosive …show more content…

Specifically, there is always a threat of acquiring nuclear and radiological arms and technologies by the terrorists through smuggling, bribery and black mailing of the officials (Forest & Howard, 2013). Also, certain terrorist groups can make their own nuclear and radiological weapons. Such terrorist groups usually have large financial resources, they can develop their own technology to make such weapons using their finances and taking advantage of the lapses of strategic policies of several nations of the world (Forest & Howard, 2013). The other threat posed by the terrorist groups are attacking and sabotaging the nuclear plants. This is a high risk threat that is posed and looms over those countries that have nuclear power plants and are under the threat of terrorist attack. Another high risk threat, that terrorist can use are the traditional weapons and bombs to diffuse nuclear and radiological elements into the environment (Forest & Howard, 2013). In all, if a terrorist group and/or organization is successful at any one of these type of attacks, the targeted area would face extreme devastation. Making it pivotal for governments to research and study the specific means that terrorist will utilize in order to employ such …show more content…

anthrax). Some ways emergency personnel will be able to identify this hazard is through several methods, such as identification of a credible threat, bioterrorism evidence (i.e. devices and agents), being able to identify a disease only cause by a specific agent, and gathering public health surveillance data (FEMA, 2002, p.11). With a biological attack a delay between the exposure and the onset of an actual illness, make the means to combat it or mitigate the risk very hard. More so, incidents involving chemical agents are usually detected quickly, however initial detection for biological attacks are usually made by direct patient care providers and the public health community (FEMA, 2002, p.11). It is imperative that first responders are highly familiar with the characteristics of specific biological agents. Unlike chemical or radiological agents, victims of biological agents are usually intended to serve as carriers of a specific disease, in order to infect others on a wide scale (i.e. smallpox and plague) (FEMA, 2002, p.11). Stressing the overall importance of constant training and then refresher training, in order to prepare and equip emergency personnel with the resources to help combat a specific threat and help mitigate inflicting risks to them. The use of chemical