Introduction to Biological, Chemical, Nuclear, and Radiological Weapons

History will record 2001 as a watershed year for the role of organized medicine in the national response to terrorism. Significant terrorist events on U.S. soil, highlighted by the use of explosive weapons and biological agents, has heightened concern for future widespread use of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive materials. The total number of international terrorist attacks in 2001 declined to 346, down from 426 in 2000. However, these attacks were more deadly. There were 3547 deaths and 1080 injuries in 2001, compared with 409 deaths and 796 injuries in 2000 (1).