WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION 2When someone talks about weapons of mass destruction, what comes to mind? Whether nuclear bombs, biological weapons or dangerous chemicals, they can be hostile and fearsome to many people around the world. Thinking about what to do if an attack of this nature were to occur can be horrific. Learning more about these weapons can help alleviate any anxiety you feel regarding your personal safety due to this equipment possessed by foreign countries. The classification, use and effects of these deadly weapons are all essential topics to understand when approaching this topic. There are different types of weapons of mass destruction. They are classified as nuclear, biological and chemical. Nuclear weapons are defined as devices designed to release energy explosively as a result of nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, or a combination of both processes (Cochran, n.d.). Nuclear weapons can also be divided into smaller categories. These categories are surface, subsurface, underwater, aerial and high altitude bursts. They are determined mainly by their location and the altitude of the explosion. Then, the second classification of weapons of mass destruction is biological. Biological weapons are defined as any of several pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, fungi, toxins or other biological agents, that can be used as weapons against humans, animals or plants (Schneider, nd). . Additionally, they can be divided into smaller groups based on the organism or toxin used. Examples are bacteria, rickettsiae, viruses and fungi. Finally, the third classification of weapons...... middle of paper ......essess that the number of deaths in a well-coordinated and designed attack could result In addition, with all the bans and parameters in place , the use of a weapon of mass destruction by any country or group of people would be greatly tolerated by the rest of the world, except in extenuating circumstances. . - In summary, weapons of mass destruction have proven to be a very powerful resource throughout world history. However, it also proved to be very deadly. There is still so much we don't know about the fallout and consequences of using these weapons due to the strict restrictions put in place to keep us, as a human race, safe. This is why the classification, use and effects of these deadly weapons are all essential subjects to understand when approaching this subject...