Question 1.
1. Analyze the history of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), biological weapons, chemical weapons, and nuclear weapons and the future threat of WMD.
Weapons of mass destruction
These are weapons which include chemical, biological and radio active (nuclear) weapons, that have the capability to cause death and have extensive harm and destruction to the humans, their structures and the natural environment. The history of WMD would be better described if it is done by analyzing each type of weapons. There are three major categories of weapons of mass destruction these are:-
i. Biological weapons of mass destruction.
This are known as “germ” weapons ,they include the use of ; bacteria,…
The earliest record of this chemical weapons goes far back to 1000 BC, when the Chinese soldiers used arsenic smoke on its enemies.[4], also in the first and second world wars these weapons were used greatly e.g the Germans used mustard gases at a village in Langemark in 1915, the British and the French also used the weapons in their bomb shells, the war of 1980-1988 (Iran and Iraq) Iraq used nerve agents and mustard gases to kill their enemies [2]. In recent times in 1995 sarin was used in Tokyo attacks of sub way trains, in 2008 ricin was found in a motel room in Las Vegas.[4]. Due to the technological advancement in the chemical industry it has made it easier to access and get hold of these weapons, hence they pose a great threat to humanity now and in the future.
iii. Nuclear weapons of mass destruction.
This involves the use of radio active agents in explosive artillery or weapons such that once released the radio active agents have devastating effect on humans and the environment. The earliest most devastating use of this weapons was in Hiroshima Japan in August 6 1945 and Nagasaki in August 9 1945.[1]. This WMD is the most deadliest amongst the three categories since they have immediate effects and these effects last for a long time. The use of these weapons poses a…