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Nuclear and Radiological Weapons
Nuclear explosions can cause deadly effects — blinding light, intense heat (thermal radiation), initial nuclear radiation, blast, fires started by the heat pulse, and secondary fires caused by the destruction. They also produce radioactive particles called fallout that can be carried by wind for hundreds of miles.
Terrorist use of a nuclear device would probably be limited to a single smaller "suitcase bomb". The strength of such a weapon would be in the range of one to ten kilotons. The nature of the effects would be the same as a weapon delivered by a missile or bomb. However, because this is a ground-burst rather than an air-burst weapon the area and severity of the effects would be reduced.
There will be no warning before a nuclear or radiological weapon attack. The danger of a massive strategic nuclear attack on the United States involving many weapons receded with the end of the Cold War. However, some terrorists have been supported by nations that have nuclear weapons programs.
Protection from radioactive fallout requires taking shelter in an underground area, or in the middle of a large building.
In general, potential targets include:
- Major metropolitan areas such as New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Los Angeles.
- Centers of government such as Washington, D.C., and state capitals.
- Important transportation and communication centers.
- Manufacturing, industrial, technology and financial centers.
- Petroleum refineries, electrical power plants and chemical plants.
- Major ports and airfields.
Protection from radioactive fallout requires taking shelter in an underground area, or in the middle of a large building.
In general, potential targets include:
- Major metropolitan areas such as New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Los Angeles
- Centers of government such as Washington, D.C., and state capitals.
- Important transportation and communication centers.
- Manufacturing, industrial, technology and financial centers.
- Petroleum refineries, electrical power plants and chemical plants.
- Major ports and airfields.