June 2006 - Fact Sheets on Terrorist Attacks Available from National Academies

The National Academies has prepared, in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, fact sheets that provide information on four types of terrorist attacks – biological, chemical, nuclear, and radiological. The fact sheets would be helpful to anyone looking for a clear explanation of the fundamentals of science, engineering, and health related to such attacks. The four fact sheets are:

• Biological Attack: Human Pathogens, Biotoxins, and Agricultural Threats

Information provided in the fact sheet includes the origin of biological agents; the difference between "infectious" and "contagious" agents; and how long after exposure will symptoms appear. The fact sheet is available at www.nae.edu/NAE/pubundcom.nsf/weblinks/CGOZ-6C2MCR/$file/Biological%20Attack%2006.pdf.

• Chemical Attack: Warfare Agents, Industrial Chemicals, and Toxins

Information provided in the fact sheet includes the different origins of toxic chemicals that could be used; how chemical toxicities vary; and the practical steps to take if there is a chemical release. The fact sheet is available at www.nae.edu/NAE/pubundcom.nsf/weblinks/CGOZ-66JRHZ/$file/chemical%20attack%2006.pdf.

• Nuclear Attack

Information provided in the fact sheet includes what is radioactive fallout, and how is it dangerous; the short term and long term effects of radiation exposure; and the likely size of a nuclear explosion from an attack by terrorists. The fact sheet is available at www.nae.edu/NAE/pubundcom.nsf/weblinks/CGOZ-6DZLNU/$file/nuclear%20attack%2006.pdf.

• Radiological Attack: Dirty Bombs and Other Devices

Information provided in the fact sheet includes what are radiological dispersal devices, a.k.a. "dirty bombs;" how they are different from nuclear bombs; and what are the physical and psychological health effects. The fact sheet is available at www.nae.edu/NAE/pubundcom.nsf/weblinks/CGOZ-646NVG/$file/radiological%20attack%2006.pdf.

The National Academies is comprised of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, and the National Research Council. These private, nonprofit institutions provide science, technology and health policy advice under a congressional charter. The fact sheets are a product of the National Research Council Division on Earth and Life Studies. For more information on the National Academies, go to www.nationalacademies.org/about.

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