DHS First Responder Vaccine Initiative Pilot Program
Annual report to Congress of DHS First Responder Vaccine Initiative (FRVI) Pilot Program
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Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD)
DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Office
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Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD)
The DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD) works to prevent attacks against the United States using a weapon of mass destruction (WMD).
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Technical Capability Standards for Radiological Detection
The following publications establish technical capability standards for radiological and nuclear detection goals unique to the U.S. Government. The materials augment the national consensus standards established by American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and international consensus standards developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
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S&T START Fact Sheet
START advances science-based knowledge about the causes and consequences of terrorism, and the effectiveness and consequences of responses to terrorism.
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S&T National Consortium for START Fact Sheet
START advances science-based knowledge about the causes and consequences of terrorism, and the effectiveness and consequences of responses to terrorism.
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Radiological Attack Fact Sheet
A radiological attack is the spreading of radioactive material with the intent to do harm. Radioactive materials are used every day in laboratories, medical centers, food irradiation plants, and for industrial uses. If stolen or otherwise acquired, many of these materials could be used in a "radiological dispersal device" (RDD).
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Nuclear Attack Fact Sheet
Unlike a "dirty bomb" which disperses radioactive material using conventional explosives, a nuclear attack is the use of a device that produces a nuclear explosion. A nuclear explosion is caused by an uncontrolled chain reaction that splits atomic nuclei (fission) to produce an intense wave of heat, light, air pressure, and radiation, followed by the production and release of radioactive particles. For ground blasts, these radioactive particles are drawn up into a "mushroom cloud" with dust and debris, producing fallout that can expose people at great distances to radiation.
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IED Attack Fact Sheet
An improvised explosive device (IED) attack is the use of a "homemade" bomb and/or destructive device to destroy, incapacitate, harass, or distract. IEDs are used by criminals, vandals, terrorists, suicide bombers, and insurgents. Because they are improvised, IEDs can come in many forms, ranging from a small pipe bomb to a sophisticated device capable of causing massive damage and loss of life. IEDs can be carried or delivered in a vehicle; carried, placed, or thrown by a person; delivered in a package; or concealed on the roadside. The term IED came into common usage during the Iraq War that began in 2003.
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Biological Attack Fact Sheet
A biological attack is the intentional release of a pathogen (disease causing agent) or biotoxin (poisonous substance produced by a living organism) against humans, plants, or animals. An attack against people could be used to cause illness, death, fear, societal disruption, and economic damage. An attack on agricultural plants and animals would primarily cause economic damage, loss of confidence in the food supply, and possible loss of life.
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Chemical Attack Fact Sheet
A chemical attack is the spreading of toxic chemicals with the intent to do harm. A wide variety of chemicals could be made, stolen, or otherwise acquired for use in an attack. Industrial chemical plants or the vehicles used to transport chemicals could also be sabotaged.