Weapons of Mass Destruction

Anthrax Attacks, Biological Terrorism, and Preventive Responses (PDF)
RAND, November 2001
This report presents testimony before the Senate Subcommittee on Technology, Terrorism, and Government Information on the use of anthrax as a biological terror attack via the U.S. mail, including specific discussion of the threat of bioterrorism and preventive measures to diminish the proliferation of biological agents to states and terrorists.

ATF: Thefts of Explosives from State and Local Government Storage Facilities Are Few but May Be Underreported (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, October 31, 2005
More than 5.5 billion pounds of explosives are used each year in the United States by private-sector and government entities. This report provides information about the extent of thefts of explosives from state and local government facilities, the authority of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to regulate and oversee these facilities, and security measures at selected facilities.

Beyond UNSCR 1540: The Forging of a WMD Terrorism Treaty
Center for Nonproliferation Studies, October 23, 2008
Analyzing the political trends in the United States and globally, this article argues that conditions appear ripe for initiating international negotiations on a treaty to combat the terrorist use of weapons of mass destruction.

Biological Attack—Human Pathogens, Biotoxins, and Agricultural Threats (PDF)
National Academies and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, March 2006
This fact sheet discusses biological pathogens, biotoxins, and weapons.

Biological Weapons in the Twentieth Century: A Review and Analysis
Milton Leitenberg, June 2001
This article reviews the history of biological weapons and the political and societal influences on their management.

Biosecurity: Limiting Terrorist Access to Deadly Pathogens (PDF)
Jonathan B. Tucker, United States Institute of Peace, November 2003
This report explores national and international efforts to prevent terrorists from acquiring dangerous pathogens and presents arguments for establishing global biosecurity standards.

Biosecurity Measures for Preventing Bioterrorism (PDF)
Center for Nonproliferation Studies, 2002
Bioterrorism—the deliberate use of microorganisms or toxins by nonstate actors to sicken or kill people or to destroy or poison food supplies—poses an uncertain but potentially devastating threat to the health and well-being of people around the world. This essay provides an introduction to biosecurity measures, key elements among policy efforts to address the threat of bioterrorism.

Biotechnology Research in an Age of Terrorism: Confronting the "Dual Use" Dilemma (PDF)
National Research Council, National Academies Press, 2003
This document confronts the "dual use" dilemma: biotechnology that can be used legitimately for human betterment or misused for bioterrorism. It proposes policies that could be applied to minimize or mitigate threats without impeding open communication in science or hampering U.S. research to develop vaccines, therapeutic aids, and other defenses against biological agents.

Bioterrorism: Coordination and Preparedness (PDF)
U.S. Government Accounting Office, 2001
This report presents testimony before the House Subcommittee on Government Efficiency, Financial Management, and Intergovernmental Relations on the efforts of federal agencies to prepare for the consequences of a bioterrorist attack.

Bioterrorism: Federal Research and Preparedness Activities (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, September 2001
This report describes the federal activities and funding related to the public health and medical consequences of a bioterrorist attack, details the coordination of activities among federal agencies and identifies any shortcomings in the current coordination structure, and reviews existing evaluations of the effectiveness of these activities in preparing state and local authorities.

Bioterrorism: Information Technology Strategy Could Strengthen Federal Agencies' Abilities to Respond to Public Health Emergencies (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, May 30, 2003
In this report, the U.S. General Accounting Office identifies and inventories federal agencies' information technology initiatives to support bioterrorism readiness, determines their range of coordination with other agencies, and identifies the use of health care standards in these efforts.

Black and Smokeless Powders: Technologies for Finding Bombs and the Bomb Makers
Commission on Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Applications, National Academies Press, 1998
Although bombs made from black or smokeless powders are usually small, they are the devices most commonly used in criminal bombings. This book examines the feasibility and desirability of adding markers and taggants to explosives made from these powders that would increase the detection of and assist in the identification of the powders and/or sources.

The CBW Conventions Bulletin: News, Background and Comment on Chemical and Biological Weapons Issues (PDF)
Quarterly Journal of the Harvard Sussex Program on CBW Armament and Arms Limitation, December 2002
The bulletins in this series offer news, background information, and commentary on chemical and biological warfare (CBW) issues. They feature a news chronology (a systematic account of events in and around the CBW world during the previous 3 months), a list of notable recent publications in the field, a calendar of events, and detailed reviews of the latest developments within the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

Chemical and Biological Agents: Fact Sheet
U.S. Department of State, 2001
This fact sheet provides general information about chemical and biological agents and describes the U.S. Department of State's activities to prevent further anthrax attacks through the mail.

Chemical Attack Warfare Agents, Industrial Chemicals, and Toxins (PDF)
National Academies and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, March 2006
This fact sheet discusses chemical agents.

Chemical Safety: Emergency Response Community Views on the Adequacy of Federally Required Chemical Information (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, July 2002
This report to congressional committees presents results from a survey of local and national emergency responders that asked their opinions on the adequacy of information on chemical inventory forms and in risk management plans and the manner in which that information is delivered. It also presents suggestions made by survey responders to improve the usefulness of chemical information.

Chemical Weapons: Better Management Tools Needed to Guide DOD's Stockpile Destruction Program (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, October 2003
This report examines the Chemical Demilitarization (Chem-Demil) Program, which is charged with destroying the nation's large chemical weapons stockpile. The report summarizes the U.S. General Accounting Office's September 2003 report and addresses the following issues: (1) the status of schedule milestones and cost estimates, (2) the impact of the current schedule on the Chemical Weapons Convention deadlines, (3) the challenges associated with managing the program, and (4) the status of the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program.

Chemical Weapons: FEMA and Army Must Be Proactive in Preparing States for Emergencies (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, August 2001
This report investigates the Army's Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program, discussing the status of program funding, progress made under the program, and whether changes in program management might increase program effectiveness.

Combating Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Terrorism: A Comprehensive Strategy (PDF)
Center for Strategic and International Studies, December 2000
This report lays out near-term and long-term priorities to marshal federal, state, local, private sector, and nongovernmental resources for defending the U.S. homeland against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear terrorism.

Combating Nuclear Smuggling: Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) Has Not Yet Collected Most of the National Laboratories' Test Results on Radiation Portal Monitors in Support of DNDO's Testing and Development Program (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, March 9, 2007
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) has researched, developed, tested, and evaluated equipment that can detect smuggled nuclear or radiological materials. This report describes the Government Accountability Office's review of the testing status of radiation detection portal monitors using data gathered from DNDO's testing efforts, testing facility visits, reports, and discussions with federal agency personnel and officials from each of the 17 states and the District of Columbia who attended one of DNDO's working group meetings.

Combating Nuclear Smuggling: Efforts to Deploy Radiation Detection Equipment in the United States and in Other Countries (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, June 2005
This report presents testimony given before the Subcommittee on the Prevention of Nuclear and Biological Attack and before the Emergency Preparedness, Science, and Technology Committee on Homeland Security regarding U.S. efforts to combat the trafficking of nuclear and radiological materials worldwide.

Combating Nuclear Terrorism: Federal Efforts to Respond to Nuclear and Radiological Threats and to Protect Key Emergency Response Facilities Could Be Strengthened (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, November 15, 2007
The Department of Energy (DOE) maintains emergency response capabilities so it can quickly respond to potential nuclear and radiological threats. These capabilities are found primarily at DOE's two key emergency response facilities: the Remote Sensing Laboratories at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. These capabilities took on increased significance after the attacks of September 11, 2001 because of heightened concern that terrorists may try to detonate a nuclear or radiological device in a major U.S. city. This testimony discusses (1) the benefits of using DOE's aerial background radiation surveys to enhance emergency response capabilities and (2) whether the physical security measures in place at these two emergency response facilities are consistent with DOE guidance.

Combating the Threat of Nuclear Smuggling at Home and Abroad
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 2006
U.S. Customs and Border Protection employs a multilayered approach to protect the United States from the introduction of nuclear weapons, radiation dispersal bombs (dirty bombs), and other weapons of mass destruction (WMD) at U.S. borders.

The Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the United States Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction: Report to the President of the United States (PDF)
Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the United States Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction, March 2005
This report contains recommendations for improving the U.S. intelligence community following the investigation into the weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, specifically Iraq.

Controlling Nuclear Warheads and Materials: A Report Card and Action Plan
Nuclear Threat Initiative, March 2003
This report describes the threat posed by inadequately managed nuclear weapons and materials, identifies what is being done to address that threat, and suggests ways to prevent nuclear weapons terrorism from occurring.

Cooperative Threat Reduction for a New Era (PDF)
Center for Technology and National Security Policy, National Defense University, September 2004
Many countries have unguarded research reactors that are old, obsolete, inoperative, or in need of repair. In some cases, stocks of spent fuel are stored in dangerously insecure facilities; in others, spent fuel has been allowed to build up for years. The authors of this study argue that a global integrated approach is needed to secure all highly enriched uranium (HEU), plutonium, and other fissile and radiological materials to safeguard against illicit nuclear weapons programs, trafficking, and terrorism. In this global approach, the highest priority should be given to securing and consolidating the existing stocks of HEU found in the least secure sites located in the most vulnerable regions of the world.

Coping with an Attack: A Quick Guide to Dealing with Biological, Chemical, and "Dirty Bomb" Attacks (Poster)
Center for Technology and National Security Policy, National Defense University
This poster describes immediate actions to take in case of and answers frequently asked questions about a biological, chemical, or dirty bomb attack. It's available in both color (PDF) and black-and-white (PDF) and can be used by any federal, state, and local agency or nongovernment organization.

The Day After: Action Following a Nuclear Blast in a U.S. City (PDF)
A.B. Carter, M.M. May, and W.J. Perry, Washington Quarterly, autumn 2007
This article outlines the findings of a group of leading federal government civilian and military officials, scientists, policy experts, and journalists who convened in April 2007 to discuss the necessary preparations for coping with the aftermath of a nuclear blast in a U.S. city.

Defending America: Redefining the Conceptual Borders of Homeland Defense: The Risks and Effects of Indirect, Covert, Terrorist, and Extremist Attacks With Weapons of Mass Destruction (Final Draft) (PDF)
Center for Strategic and International Studies, February 2001
This report examines the threat of terrorist attacks as well as more conventional means of attack (including how the two might overlap), the impact of technological change on homeland defense, and challenges for response planning.

Department of Defense Chemical and Biological Defense Program (PDF)
U.S. Department of Defense, July 2001
This report assesses the overall readiness of the Armed Forces to fight in a chemical-biological warfare environment. The report describes steps and plans to improve readiness and the requirements of the chemical and biological warfare defense program.

Department of Defense Chemical and Biological Defense Program
Annual Report to Congress (PDF)
FY2002–04 Performance Plan (PDF)
U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), April 2003
The U.S. DoD has released its annual report on chemical and biological defense capabilities in this two-volume set. Volume One provides information on the recent reorganization of the department's chemical and biological defense program components; an overview and assessment of chemical and biological defense logistics, doctrine, training, and readiness; and a list of the department's activities in supporting the Chemical Weapons Convention. Volume Two is the Chemical and Biological Defense Program performance plan.

DHS' Domestic Nuclear Detection Office Progress in Integrating Detection Capabilities and Response Protocols (PDF)
Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, December 2007
This report addresses the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Domestic Nuclear Detection Office programs and initiatives to support the integration of domestic radiological and nuclear detection, notification, and response systems, including coordination efforts with other federal and state governmental entities. It also examines efforts undertaken by the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office to identify and address potential program overlap with other federal agencies involved in nuclear detection.

DoD Announces WMD-CST Fielding Plan
U.S. Department of Defense, November 22, 2004
The Department of Defense has notified Congress of the fielding plan for 11 new Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Teams (WMD-CSTs), which will be funded through the Defense Appropriations Act for FY 2005. Presently, 32 certified teams are stationed throughout the United States, and 12 additional teams are working toward certification. The action to establish the 11 new teams is a final step toward fulfilling Congress's request that every state and territory have a WMD-CST.

Domestic WMD Incident Management Legal Deskbook
Domestic Threat Reduction Agency, January 2004
Designed as a research tool for federal attorneys, this deskbook identifies legal authorities available to federal executive branch departments and agencies that respond to a terrorist incident or accident involving weapons of mass destruction.

The Effects of Nuclear Weapons
Atomic Archive
Nuclear explosions produce both immediate and delayed destructive consequences. Blast, thermal radiation, and prompt ionizing radiation cause significant destruction within seconds or minutes of a nuclear detonation, while radioactive fallout and other environmental effects inflict damage over an extended period. This article provides information on all the possible effects of a nuclear explosion from exposure to fallout.

End Points for Spent Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Waste in Russia and the United States
The National Academies, 2003
The Board on Radioactive Waste Management and the Division on Earth and Life Studies (DELS), components of The National Academies, conducted a study to analyze the management of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste in Russia and the United States. This report describes inventories, compares approaches taken in the two countries, and assesses end-point options for storage and permanent disposal of these products.

Explosives and Bomb Disposal Guide
R.R. Lenz, Charles C. Thomas Publisher, Ltd., 1976
This classic guidebook for bomb disposal personnel is in its fifth printing. It covers safe access and rendering techniques and provides photographs and diagrams.

Fact Sheet: NNSA's Second Line of Defense Program (PDF)
National Nuclear Security Administration, January 2008
This fact sheet examines the National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) Second Line of Defense program to strengthen foreign governments' capabilities to deter, detect, and interdict illicit trafficking in nuclear and other radioactive materials across international borders and through the global maritime shipping system. The goal is to reduce the probability of these materials being fashioned into weapons of mass destruction or a radiological dispersal device (dirty bomb) to be used against the United States or its key allies and international partners.

Fact Sheet: Proposed Protective Action Guides for Radiological Dispersion and Improvised Nuclear Devices
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, January 3, 2006
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has posted the Application of Protective Action Guides for Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD) and Improvised Nuclear Device (IND) Incidents. The proposed guidance provides federal, state, local, and tribal decisionmakers with uniform federal guidance for protecting the public, emergency responders, and surrounding environments from the effects of radiation following these incidents. The protective action guides outline the projected dose of radiation to an individual from an accidental or deliberate release of radioactive material and recommend a specific protective action to reduce or avoid such a dose of radiation. The public and interested stakeholders will have until March 6, 2006 to comment on this proposed protective action guidance.

Fact Sheets on Terrorist Attacks
National Academy of Engineering of the National Academies
In cooperation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the National Academies is making available fact sheets on four types of terrorist attacks: biological, chemical, radiological, and nuclear. Although designed primarily for reporters as part of the project News and Terrorism: Communicating in a Crisis, the fact sheets will be helpful to anyone looking for a clear explanation of the fundamentals of science, engineering, and health related to such attacks.

A Guide for Explosion and Bombing Scene Investigation (PDF)
National Institute of Justice, June 2000
This guide provides an investigative outline of the tasks that should be considered at every explosion scene. The tasks are designed to ensure that proper procedures are used to locate, identify, collect, and preserve valuable evidence so that it can be examined to produce the most useful and effective information.

Guidelines for Cold Weather Mass Decontamination During a Terrorist Chemical Agent Incident (PDF)
U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command, January 2002
This report offers guidance on cold weather mass decontamination procedures for emergency responders. The recommendations provided in the report were developed with input from cold-weather experts and rescue personnel.

Guidelines for Responding to and Managing a Chemical Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorist Event (PDF)
U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Demand, December 2003
This playbook provides jurisdictions and agencies with guidelines for preparing for and responding to an attack involving chemical weapons.

Homeland Security Centers of Excellence: Partnering with the Nation's Universities
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, January 2005
Through the Homeland Security Centers of Excellence program, the Department of Homeland Security is investing in university-based partnerships to develop centers of multidisciplinary research that will analyze important fields of inquiry and develop, debate, and share best practices. The centers bring together the nation's best experts and focus its most talented researchers on various topics, including explosives, cyberterrorism, the behavioral aspects of terrorism, and agricultural, chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological threats.

An Individual's Strategy for Responding to Chemical, Radiological, Nuclear, and Biological Terrorist Attacks (PDF)
RAND Corporation, 2006
This guide focuses on simple steps individuals can take to prepare for and respond to terrorist attacks with chemical, biological, radiological (“dirty bomb”) and nuclear weapons. It contains both preparatory steps and specific response guidance for what individuals will experience and what they should do during each type of attack.

Integrated Chemical & Biological Defense Research, Development and Acquisition Plan: Chemical & Biological Point Detection, Decontamination and Information Systems (PDF)
Counterproliferation Program Review Committee, Department of Defense, April 2003
This report expands on previous work related to technology area roadmaps intended to facilitate coordination between the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy. It includes the chem-bio detection point roadmap, the decontamination roadmap, and the new information systems roadmap and details related to each.

Introduction to NBC Terrorism: An Awareness Primer and Preparedness Guide for Emergency Responders (PDF)
Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response Association, October 2001
This monograph provides first responders with an introduction to the types of weapons (nuclear, biological, and chemical) they may be exposed to in a terrorist attack. It advises responders on quick and efficient rescue and treatment of victims and control or containment of the disaster scene.

Law Enforcement and Hazmat/WMD Emergency Response: NFPA 472 as a Tool for Compliance (PDF)
Ed Allen and Steve Patrick, Federal Bureau of Investigation Law Enforcement Bulletin, March 2008
The recent revision of the National Fire Protection Association's technical Standard 472, Professional Competencies of Responders to Hazardous Materials Incidents, provides a basis for defining awareness and responder and technician roles in a weapon of mass destruction incident.

Law Enforcement Officers Guide for Responding to Chemical Terrorist Incidents (PDF)
U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Demand, January 2003
This quick reference guide helps law enforcement officers identify and respond to attacks involving chemical warfare agents.

Letter and Package Bomb Detection Techniques (PDF)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, August 1996
This brochure offers tips for detecting suspicious packages and letters that may contain explosive material.

MANPADS Components (PDF)
Defense Intelligence Agency for the Transportation Security Administration, 2002
This illustrated briefing on the components of MANPADS (shoulder-fired antiaircraft missiles) was prepared to help security personnel identify these weapons and apprehend unauthorized persons who possess them. It is also available in a PowerPoint version.

Measuring and Evaluating Local Preparedness for a Chemical or Biological Terrorist Attack (PDF)
RAND, 2002
This issue paper examines local organizations' preparedness to respond to chemical and biological terrorism incidents. The authors advocate establishing nationally representative measures of local responder preparedness.

Monitoring Nuclear Weapons and Nuclear-Explosive Materials
Committee on International Security and Arms Control, National Research Council, April 2005
Policymakers around the world are working to minimize the proliferation of nuclear weapons, prevent terrorists from acquiring them, and reduce the risks posed by existing nuclear arsenals. This report outlines technical and collaborative approaches that could help leaders meet these goals.

National Military Strategy to Combat Weapons of Mass Destruction (PDF)
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, March 2006
The National Military Strategy to Combat Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) is derived from the Department of Defense's mission to dissuade, deter, and defeat those who seek to harm the United States, its allies, and partners through WMD use or the threat of their use and, if attacked, to mitigate the effects and restore deterrence.

NIAID Biodefense Research Agenda for CDC Category A Agents Progress Report (PDF)
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, June 2004
This report describes the myriad steps taken by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since February 2002 to catalyze the development of vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics for the most threatening bioterrorism agents.

Nonproliferation: Delays in Implementing Chemical Weapons Convention Raise Concerns About Proliferation
U.S. General Accounting Office, March 2004
The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) bans chemical weapons, requires such weapons to be destroyed, and seeks to reduce weapons proliferation by requiring member states to adopt national laws that criminalize CWC-prohibited activities. This report reviews member states' efforts to meet key requirements of the CWC, including inspection efforts to ensure compliance, and examines Russia's efforts to destroy its stockpile of chemical weapons.

Nuclear Attack (PDF)
National Academies and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, March 2006
This fact sheet describes the effects of a nuclear attack.

Nuclear Nonproliferation: DOE Action Needed to Ensure Continued Recovery of Unwanted Sealed Radioactive Sources
U.S. General Accounting Office, April 2003
This document reports on U.S. Department of Energy efforts to recover, store, and dispose of sealed sources containing greater than Class-C radioactive material, which can be used to make "dirty" bombs.

Nuclear Nonproliferation: DOE's Program to Assist Weapons Scientists in Russia and Other Countries Needs to Be Reassessed (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, December 2007
To address concerns about unemployed or underemployed Soviet-era weapons scientists in Russia and other countries, the Department of Energy (DOE) established the Initiatives for Proliferation Prevention (IPP) program in 1994 to engage former Soviet weapons scientists in nonmilitary work and private-sector jobs. This report examines the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) assessment of DOE's reported accomplishments, exit strategy, and the extent to which the program has experienced annual carryovers of unspent funds. To address these issues, GAO analyzed DOE policies, plans, and budgets, and interviewed key program officials and representatives from 22 Russian and Ukrainian institutes.

Nuclear Threat Initiative: 2001 Annual Report (PDF)
Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), 2002
NTI works to strengthen global security by reducing the risk and preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction. This annual report summarizes the programs and projects undertaken by NTI during its initial year to reduce the gap between the global threats and the global response.

Nuclear Threat Reduction Measures for India and Pakistan (PDF)
S. Squassoni, Congressional Research Service, February 17, 2005
Following September 11, unconfirmed media reports stated that the United States assisted Pakistan in keeping its weapons safe. Revelations in 2004 that Pakistani scientist A.Q. Khan was selling nuclear technology to Iran, Libya, and North Korea helped renew interest in making nuclear weapons programs more secure from exploitation—in particular, Pakistan's. This paper discusses why cooperative threat reduction programs developed for the former Soviet Union are considered models for assistance elsewhere and their potential application to Pakistan and India.

Osmium Tetroxide: A New Chemical Terrorism Weapon?
Center for Nonproliferation Studies, March 2004
This article describes the characteristics, uses, and hazards of osmium tetroxide and evaluates its potential as a terrorist chemical weapon.

Port and Maritime Security: Potential for Terrorist Nuclear Attack Using Oil Tankers (PDF)
Jonathan Medalia, Congressional Research Service, December 7, 2004
This report examines the potential of, and potential outcomes for, terrorist placement and detonation of an atomic device in a tanker in a U.S. port. Various options to address this threat are suggested.

Potential Biological Weapons Threats
Emerging Infectious Diseases, July-August 1999
This article provides an overview of biological warfare by discussing the types of groups or individuals that might use biological weapons and the pathogens most effective as weapons.

Potential Indicators of Threats Involving Weapons of Mass Destruction and Emergency Actions
Special Agent Gary Harter, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington Field Office/NVRA ANSIR Coordinator
This article provides general information on, and potential indicators of, threats or incidents related to weapons of mass destruction (WMD). This information is not all-encompassing, and its applicability should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with local conditions, policies, and procedures.

Potential Military Chemical/Biological Agents and Compounds (PDF)
U.S. Armed Forces, January 2005
Although this report was developed for use by the armed forces, law enforcement, hazmat, and medical personnel may find the information and technical data found within it of interest. The report explains the use, classification, and physical, chemical, and physiological properties of chemical/biological agents and other compounds of military interest (e.g., toxic industrial chemicals).

Preventing a Nuclear 9/11
Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard University, September 13, 2004
This article assesses the risk posed by terrorists potentially acquiring nuclear materials via former U.S.S.R. stockpiles and the actions needed to block access to them.

Preventing Nuclear Terrorism
Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, September 2002
This report presents testimony before the House Subcommittee on National Security on reducing the threat of nuclear terrorism. It discusses potential terrorist use of an actual nuclear bomb and potential terrorist use of a radiological "dirty bomb," the consequences of each, and how the threats can best be reduced.

Proliferation: Threat and Response (PDF)
U.S. Department of Defense, January 2001
This report discusses security challenges created by the global proliferation of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons and describes policies and programs that the U.S. Department of Defense is implementing to counter the growing threat to U.S. citizens, the Armed Forces, and America's allies.

Radiation Exposure Compensation Act: Program Status (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, September 7, 2007
The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), enacted on October 15, 1990, makes the Attorney General responsible for processing and adjudicating claims of radiation exposure. This report assesses the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) administration of RECA by reviewing RECA-related cases for fiscal years 1992 through 2007 (as of June 20) from DOJ's Civil Division's database of case histories.

Radiological Attack—Dirty Bombs and Other Devices (PDF)
National Academies and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, March 2006
This fact sheet discusses the effects of dirty bombs and other devises.

Report on Activities and Programs for Countering Proliferation and NBC Terrorism, Executive Summary (PDF)
Counterproliferation Program Review Committee, Department of Defense, May 2003
This annual report summarizes the findings and recommendations of the Counterproliferation Program Review Committee regarding interdepartmental activities and programs to address shortfalls in capabilities to counter the proliferation of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons.

Responding to a Biological or Chemical Threat in the United States (PDF)
U.S. Department of State, 2001
This pamphlet provides a broad overview of the chemical and biological terrorist threat. Drawing on the few lessons learned from the few chemical and biological incidents to date, it suggests some basic means of detection, defense, and decontamination.

Responding to the Threat of Smallpox Bioterrorism: An Ounce of Prevention Is Best Approach (PDF)
The Cato Institute, 2002
According to this report, the current containment strategy favored by the U.S. government to deal with the threat of smallpox may not adequately protect against an attack of bioterrorism. The report recommends preventive measures, including diluting the current stockpile of smallpox vaccine to increase the supply and making it available to the public.

Safety and Security of Commercial Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage: Public Report
Committee on the Safety and Security of Commercial Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage, National Research Council, April 2005
Spent nuclear fuel stored in pools at some of the nation's 103 operating commercial nuclear reactors may be at risk from terrorist attacks, according to this report from the National Academies' Board on Radioactive Waste Management. The report calls on the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to conduct additional analyses to obtain a better understanding of potential risks and to ensure that power plant operators take prompt and effective measures to reduce the possible consequences of such attacks.

Securing the Bomb: An Agenda for Action (PDF)
Mathew Bunn and Anthony Wier, Nuclear Threat Initiative, May 2004
This report argues for actions that could be taken now and that, within the next few years, could drastically reduce the danger that a terrorist nuclear attack could ever occur. It outlines continuing dangers, describes the progress and problems of existing programs to address such dangers, and recommends a plan of action for a faster and stronger response to those threats.

State of Kansas: Review of Authorities to Address Terrorism Weapons of Mass Destruction
National Emergency Management Association, December 2001
This report reviews Kansas state statutes that may be used to deal with a terrorist event. It also addresses issues identified by representatives from a wide range of Kansas state agencies that may be responsible for managing terrorism crisis or consequence activities.

Terrorist Motivations for Chemical and Biological Weapons Use: Placing the Threat in Context (PDF)
Audrey Kurth Cronin, Congressional Research Service, March 28, 2003
Patterns in the way that biological and chemical weapons are used could change. This report presents arguments for and against future nonstate terrorist acquisition and/or use of biological and chemical weapons against the United States and offers a brief discussion on how to counter the threat. This report will not be updated.

Terrorist Nuclear Attacks on Seaports: Threat and Response (PDF)
J. Medalia, Congressional Research Service, January 24, 2005
A nuclear attack on a U.S. seaport could cause local devastation and also affect the global economy. Although the ability to detect a bomb appears limited, the U.S. is using technology, intelligence, international cooperation, and other methods to thwart such an attack. This report summarizes different scenarios that involve terrorists' acquiring nuclear bombs, discusses different responses, and reviews policy issues.

Toxic Warfare (PDF)
RAND, 2002
This report examines "toxic warfare," the use of inexpensive chemicals and industrial waste in weaponry. It presents examples of where and how toxic weapons have been used in the past decade, analyzing U.S. operations during toxic warfare and current thinking in the United States about toxic weapons with respect to both military operations and homeland security. The final chapter offers recommendations for military and civilian crisis response planning.

Trafficking Networks for Chemical Weapons Precursors (PDF)
Center for Nonproliferation Studies, 2008
This paper analyzes new information on the illicit 1980s sale of materials for chemical weapons to Iran and Iraq, the operation of international trafficking networks, and practical steps for countering them. The paper describes the current U.S. system of dual-use export controls, how it has changed since the 1980s, and its continuing gaps and weaknesses.

Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions (1 July through 31 December 2003)
Central Intelligence Agency, November 2004
Many terrorist groups and non-state actors around the world are interested in using chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons. This unclassified version of a Central Intelligence Agency report states that any attacks that might occur would likely be "small-scale, incorporating improvised delivery means and easily produced or obtained chemicals, toxins, or radiological substances." The report also discusses acquisition patterns for Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, and Syria.

Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology Related to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions (1 January through 30 June 2003)
U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, November 2003
This report presents a country-by-country account of the acquisition of technology relating to nuclear, ballistic, chemical, and biological weapons of mass destruction and advanced conventional munitions during the first half of 2003. It also discusses key suppliers and emerging state and nonstate suppliers.

Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions, 1 January Through 30 June 2002
Central Intelligence Agency, June 2003
This report presents a country-by-country account of the acquisition of technology relating to weapons of mass destruction and advanced conventional munitions during the first half of 2002. It also discusses key suppliers and emerging state and non-state suppliers.

Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions, 1 July Through 31 December 2001
Central Intelligence Agency, June 2003
This report presents a country-by-country account of the acquisition of technology relating to weapons of mass destruction and advanced conventional munitions during the second half of 2001. It also discusses key suppliers and trends.

Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions, 1 January Through 30 June 2001
Central Intelligence Agency, June 2003
This report presents a country-by-country account of the acquisition of technology relating to weapons of mass destruction and advanced conventional munitions during the first half of 2001. It also discusses key suppliers and trends.

Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions
Central Intelligence Agency, September 2001
This report summarizes (by country) all acquisition activities related to weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear, chemical, biological, and advanced conventional weapons, that occurred between July 1, 2000, and December 31, 2000.

Uncovered Nukes: Arms Control and the Challenge of Tactical Nuclear Weapons (PDF)
Fourth Freedom Forum, November 2001
This report examines the risks associated with tactical nuclear weapons (TNWs). These weapons are not monitored or controlled by any existing treaties or formal agreements, even though they pose distinct dangers and are vulnerable to theft by potential terrorists. The rise of international terrorism presents a grave and compelling reason to develop international controls on the presence of existing TNWs and their possible future deployment.

U.S. Postal Service: Issues Associated with Anthrax Testing at the Wallingford Facility (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, May 2003
This testimony before the Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats, and International Relations, House Committee on Government Reform, reports on the anthrax contamination of the U.S. Postal Service facility in Wallingford, Connecticut. In this testimony, the U.S. General Accounting Office presents its preliminary findings concerning the test results for the Wallingford facility, including (1) the collection of samples to detect anthrax, (2) the meaning of the test results, and (3) the communication of the test results to the facility workers.

The War on Terror Handbook: Understanding and Facing the Threat to America
Fox News.com
This interactive handbook details the intricate web of terrorist threats against the United States. It outlines potential weapons of mass destruction that could be used by terrorists, identifies a list of groups designated by the U.S. Secretary of State as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, and provides a historical timeline of terrorist events.

Weapons of Mass Destruction—Additional Russian Cooperation Needed to Facilitate U.S. Efforts to Improve Security at Russian Sites (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, March 2003
In an effort to address concerns that terrorists could gain access to poorly secured locations within Russia that store nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons of mass destruction, the GAO has reported on U.S. programs to help improve site security in that country.

Weapons of Mass Destruction: Defense Threat Reduction Agency Addresses Broad Range of Threats, but Performance Reporting Can be Improved (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, February 2004
This report presents an overview the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)--summarizing evolutionary changes and goals--and makes recommendations that would make DTRA's performance reports more useful for decisionmakers outside the agency.

Weapons of Mass Destruction: The New Strategic Framework
U.S. Department of State, U.S. Foreign Policy Agenda, July 2002
This edition of U.S. Foreign Policy Agenda, an electronic journal from the U.S. Department of State, offers perspectives on the "The New Strategic Framework," a comprehensive U.S.-Russian security strategy that involves reducing offensive nuclear weapons, creating defensive systems that protect against missile attacks, strengthening nonproliferation and counterproliferation measures, and cooperating with Russia to combat terrorism.

Weapons of Terror: Freeing the World of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Arms (PDF)
Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission, June 2006
This report presents recommendations on what the world community—including national governments and civil societies—can and should do to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It also recommends special measures that can be taken to ensure that terrorists do not acquire any weapons of mass destruction. Biological and chemical weapons have been comprehensively outlawed through global conventions, but these conventions need to be universally accepted and fully implemented. Nuclear weapons also must be outlawed. Before this goal is realized, however, new initiatives must be instituted to reduce the number of nuclear weapons and the threat posed by them.

WMD Terrorism and Usama bin Laden
Center for Nonproliferation Studies, March 2001
This report discusses the trial of Usama bin Laden and others for the August 7, 1998, bombings of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania and describes bin Laden's efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction.