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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DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Office
START advances science-based knowledge about the causes and consequences of terrorism, and the effectiveness and consequences of responses to terrorism.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen addresses DHS’ crucial missions and how DHS is implementing a policy of “relentless resilience” to confront worldwide threats.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen addresses DHS’ crucial missions and presents the President’s Fiscal Year 2019 Budget request for the Department.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen addresses DHS’ crucial missions and presents the President’s Fiscal Year 2019 Budget request for the Department.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) Director Jim McDonnell, Office of Health Affairs (OHA) Acting Assistant Secretary Dave Fluty, and Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) Acting Under Secretary Bill Bryan address DHS’ work to bolster efforts to counter the threat of terrorist actors using weapons of mass destruction against the Homeland.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acting Secretary Elaine Duke addresses the threats facing the Nation and what DHS is doing to confront them.
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).
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.
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.
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.