Keeping the public informed during a terrorist attack is the goal of a series of scenario-based workshops called "News and Terrorism: Communicating in a Crisis." As part of that series, the National Academies has prepared, in cooperation with the Department, fact sheets on five types of terrorist attacks.
Fact sheets on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and IED attacks offer clear, objective information on these types of attacks and their impact and dangers.
A biological attack is the intentional release of a pathogen (diseasecausing agent) or biotoxin (poisonous substance produced by a living organism) against humans, plants, or animals.
A chemical attack is the spreading of toxic chemicals with the intent to do harm.
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.
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 radiological attack is the spreading of radioactive material with the intent to do harm.