Introduction to Weapons of Mass Destruction - by R Everett Langford (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Crucial information on nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons
From the diseased animal carcass hurled over the wall of a besieged castle to the nuclear suitcase bomb carried by a clandestine operative, the threat of unconventional weapons has always been a feature of warfare. Today's danger comes mainly from the potential use of nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by international terrorists or rogue states. False alarms and misinformation about these weapons have abounded in the jittery post-9/11 atmosphere. To understand and deal with the actual threat posed requires basing response plans, policy, and reporting on actual facts.
Introduction to Weapons of Mass Destruction separates fact from fiction about NBC weaponry by providing clear, technically precise information. For each family of weapon, coverage in this handbook includes:
* History and background information
* Agent types and delivery mechanisms
* Effects of exposure
* Protection
* Safe storage and handling
* Decontamination
* Medical treatments
Drawing from a broad array of military, scientific, and safety resources, this text offers both accessibility to the general public and accuracy and depth for professional emergency responders. Additional resources include a bibliography of references and a list of addresses and telephone numbers of federal and military agencies and professional organizations of interest. With full coverage of WMDs, from high-tech, genetically modified organisms to rudimentary radiological "dirty bombs," Introduction to Weapons of Mass Destruction is an essential reference for understanding and responding to these dangerous warfare agents.

From the Back Cover

Crucial information on nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons

From the diseased animal carcass hurled over the wall of a besieged castle to the nuclear suitcase bomb carried by a clandestine operative, the threat of unconventional weapons has always been a feature of warfare. Today's danger comes mainly from the potential use of nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by international terrorists or rogue states. False alarms and misinformation about these weapons have abounded in the jittery post-9/11 atmosphere. To understand and deal with the actual threat posed requires basing response plans, policy, and reporting on actual facts.

Introduction to Weapons of Mass Destruction separates fact from fiction about NBC weaponry by providing clear, technically precise information. For each family of weapon, coverage in this handbook includes:

• History and background information
• Agent types and delivery mechanisms
• Effects of exposure
• Protection
• Safe storage and handling
• Decontamination
• Medical treatments

Drawing from a broad array of military, scientific, and safety resources, this text offers both accessibility to the general public and accuracy and depth for professional emergency responders. Additional resources include a bibliography of references and a list of addresses and telephone numbers of federal and military agencies and professional organizations of interest. With full coverage of WMDs, from high-tech, genetically modified organisms to rudimentary radiological "dirty bombs," Introduction to Weapons of Mass Destruction is an essential reference for understanding and responding to these dangerous warfare agents.

Review Quotes

"The general public, safety professionals, emergency responders, and those in the media will find this book useful." (Cab International, 18th February 2005)

"...its listings, compilation of data, brief technical histories and the sections dealing with containment are excellent..." (Chemistry & Industry, Issue 4, 21st February 2005)

"Langford holds two Ph.D.'s in scientific disciplines relevant to the subject area of the book, and brings a wealth of experience in military service and industry..." (CHOICE, October 2004)

"The target audiences for the book are clinicians and students who will appreciate the compactness of this reference. The book is also recommended for health, medical and hospital libraries as an useful 'ready' reference for quick access to information on microorganisms." (E-STREAMS, August 2004)

"Langford provides an excellent introduction to the historical use and effects of 'weapons of mass destruction'.... It's nice to have this much information in a single volume." (Chemical & Health Safety, August 2004)

"If you want to get a good overview of mass destruction potential, this offers an easily understandable and practical insight into the variety of agents available and the basic information of understanding the mechanisms and potential responses to minimize their effects." (Vet Human Toxicol, 46 (3) June 2004)

About the Author

R. EVERETT LANGFORD is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel who commanded the Army's Toxicology Research Laboratory from 1991 to 1998. Dr. Langford has thirty years of experience in radiological health and industrial hygiene, working for the government in research, educational institutions as a college professor, the military as a subject-matter expert, and in industry as a manager and safety expert. Also, he is certified as an Industrial Hygienist, a Safety Professional, and a Professional Environmental Auditor.