Toxins, that is, toxic substances produced by organisms, are also classified as biological weapons. Examples of toxins include botulinum toxin and ricin. Chemical and biological weapons can be used against human, livestock, or agricultural targets, and may be fatal or incapacitating. Radiological weapons are weapons that use radioactive materials without the nuclear chain reaction typical of a nuclear weapon. Explosives are used to spread highly radioactive material, such as the radioactive waste product cesium-137, in an effort to contaminate an area and cause injury.
Nuclear weapons release tremendous amounts of energy through a sustained nuclear chain reaction.
As neutrons break bonds in atoms inside fissile material such as plutonium or highly enriched uranium, energy is released exponentially, resulting in radiation, blast, and fire. Inc. All rights reserved.