What danger do modern weapons pose to humans? Weapons of mass destruction are a threat to the entire planet. Nuclear weapons: damaging factors and protection against them

The twentieth century was not only an era of rapid technological growth and the greatest scientific discoveries, it also “gave” humanity completely new threats, some of which may well put an end to the history of our civilization. The most real of them, of course, is weapons mass destruction, which is quite capable of sending our species into oblivion after dinosaurs or mammoths.

Weapons of mass destruction (WMD) is a definition that combines several different types of weapons, each of which can lead to mass death of people. Moreover, in this case, the term “mass” is interpreted very broadly: from several thousand to many millions of deaths. Currently, only nuclear, chemical and biological weapons are classified as WMD. However, science does not stand still: scientists different countries the world is constantly developing new weapons of mass destruction, which in their deadly qualities may well surpass the existing ones.

The first large-scale use of weapons of mass destruction occurred during the First World War - on April 22, 1915, the Germans carried out the famous chlorine attack near Ypres. The “abilities” of the new weapon impressed the military so much that in just a few months the conflict turned into a real chemical war. The Russian army also used OV.

The benefit performance of another type of weapon of mass destruction - the nuclear bomb - turned out to be much louder. In August 1945, the Americans dropped similar munitions on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As a result of these attacks, about 200 thousand people died... This event was included in all historical books, dictionaries and encyclopedias.

The third type of WMD, biological weapons, fortunately, has never been used on a large scale during military operations, although there have been attempts to use them on a limited basis.

The improvement of weapons of mass destruction continues today. New types of combat gases and pathogens are being developed, and more powerful and efficient means of delivering nuclear weapons are being created. It is possible that in the near future new types of weapons of mass destruction will emerge, the basis of which will be based on other physical principles. In parallel with the work on the development of weapons of mass destruction, various states are conducting serious research, the purpose of which is protection against weapons of mass destruction - new vaccines are synthesized, more effective personal protective equipment (PPE), etc. are being adopted.

What are weapons of mass destruction?

The current classification of weapons of mass destruction is quite simple; WMD is divided into three types:

• nuclear (thermonuclear);
• chemical;
• biological.

In turn, nuclear weapons (NF) are divided into:

• Nuclear explosive devices that use exclusively fission energy from plutonium or uranium nuclei.
• Thermonuclear explosive devices, in which the main part of the energy arises as a result of nuclear fusion reactions.

Currently, the overwhelming majority of existing nuclear weapons charges operate on the basis of fusion reactions, that is, they belong to thermonuclear weapons. It is also customary to divide nuclear weapons according to their power, from ultra-small (up to 1 Kt) to ultra-large (over 1 Mt). Separate mention should be made of nuclear weapons, in which one of the damaging factors significantly prevails over the others. For example, a cobalt bomb provides the maximum possible contamination of the area, and the main damaging factor of a neutron bomb is penetrating radiation.

The classification of chemical weapons is based on the physiological effects they have on the human body. This is the most important characteristic of weapons of mass destruction of this type. Taking this into account, combat gases are:

• Nerve action (sarin, soman, tabun and V-gases);
• Blistering action (mustard gas, lewisite);
• Generally toxic (cyanchloride, hydrocyanic acid);
• Asphyxiating effect (phosgene);
• Psychochemical action;
• Irritant (chloropicrin, adamsin).

Depending on the degree of impact of weapons of mass destruction, toxic substances are divided into lethal and those that temporarily incapacitate a person. Although, this division is somewhat arbitrary. There are also classifications of chemical agents based on their persistence and speed of impact on humans.

Biological or bacteriological weapons of mass destruction are classified according to the types of pathogenic organisms, as well as methods of their use.

Nuclear weapons and their main damaging factors

Most powerful look WMD, without a doubt, is a nuclear weapon. Almost immediately after its appearance, it turned into the most important strategic factor, which it remains to this day. The power of nuclear weapons is capable of demolishing huge cities and killing millions of people in a matter of seconds, and the radiation generated during the explosion can contaminate vast territories for many years. Currently, only a few states in the world have this weapon of mass destruction in their arsenals; the United States and Russia have the largest number of nuclear warheads.

The following are the main damaging factors of nuclear weapons:

• light radiation;
• shock wave;
• penetrating radiation;
• electromagnetic pulse;
• long-term contamination of the area with radiation.

Of all the energy nuclear explosion 50% is spent on the shock wave, 35% goes on light radiation, 10% on radioactive contamination and 5% on penetrating radiation. This must be taken into account when creating shelters from the effects of this type of weapons of mass destruction.

The shock wave is the main damaging factor of nuclear weapons. It is a front of extremely compressed air, which spreads in all directions from the epicenter of the explosion at supersonic speed.

Light radiation is a stream of energy that instantly spreads after an explosion, but acts rather briefly. Radiation burns or ignites all flammable materials, causes burns, and affects the visual organs of people and animals. The intensity of light radiation decreases with distance from the epicenter of the explosion. You should also know that any opaque materials that provide a shadow are an obstacle to this damage factor.

Penetrating radiation is a stream of hard radiation, mainly consisting of neutrons and gamma rays. Its impact is also short-lived - 10-15 seconds after the explosion. However, this time may be enough to lose health and “catch” radiation sickness. Steel and concrete shield penetrating radiation well; earth and wood do this somewhat worse.

Another serious threat from nuclear weapons of mass destruction is radioactive contamination of the area. It occurs due to the products of the nuclear reaction, as well as the impact of the explosion on objects and materials that were at the epicenter. At the moment of a nuclear explosion, a cloud saturated with radioactive elements usually forms, which can be carried tens of kilometers by the wind. This damage factor poses the greatest danger in the first hours and days after the use of nuclear weapons, then it decreases somewhat.

Another damaging factor of nuclear weapons is the powerful electromagnetic pulse that occurs at the moment of the explosion. It disables radio-electronic equipment and disrupts the operation of communications.

Methods of protection against nuclear weapons

Is protection against weapons of mass destruction (WMD) of this type possible? You should understand that if you find yourself close to the epicenter of a powerful nuclear explosion, then no protection or shelter will save you. If the distance is significant, then using various ways protection, you will have the opportunity not only to stay alive, but also to significantly reduce the harmful effects of damaging factors on your body.

Back in Soviet times, a high-power thermonuclear strike (from 2 to 10 megatons) in the center of Moscow was simulated. At the epicenter of the explosion, a fiery sphere with a diameter of 1.5-2 km will appear, which will cover the area of ​​​​the Boulevard Ring - the Kremlin - Polyanka. Everything that is there will instantly turn into plasma. Light and thermal radiation will incinerate all organic matter at a distance of 3-4 km from the epicenter; within the radius of the Garden Ring, the temperature will rise to tens of thousands of degrees and almost everything will burn there, from asphalt to brick and concrete walls. Within a radius of 25 km, all flammable materials and structures aimed at explosion will flare up, a large-scale and massive fire will engulf the entire city right up to the Moscow Ring Road. The shock wave will turn the entire center within the radius of the Garden Ring into a leveled landscape, strewn with crushed burning debris. Then all ground structures will be destroyed, and the reverse shock wave caused by the burnout of oxygen at the epicenter will lead to the so-called firestorm effect. Within the Moscow Ring Road, the city will be a leveled surface covered with burning coals and a sintered glassy mass. Neither bomb shelters, nor the metro, nor other underground communications will help Muscovites - all of this will inevitably be filled up... Large-scale fires will continue for at least several days, preventing the start of rescue work. The creators of this model came to the conclusion that it is advisable to save someone at a distance of at least 5-10 km from the Moscow Ring Road.

If the distance from the epicenter of the explosion is still large, then you can save your life by taking refuge in a shelter. Usually this is an underground room, which protects mainly from penetrating radiation and radioactive fallout. In addition, individual protection against weapons of mass destruction of this type is also used, as a rule, these are gas masks and special suits. They are effective against radioactive dust and fallout.

Chemical weapons and their main features

Developments in the field of poisonous gases began actively in the last third of the 19th century. Even before the large-scale use of this weapon of mass destruction began, it was prohibited by international conventions as inhumane and inhumane. However, this did not stop anyone at all. As mentioned above, combat gases were first used during the First World War, and very soon all parties to the conflict began to use these weapons.

After the end of WWI, work on chemical weapons continued, and at the same time, protection against weapons of mass destruction of this type was improved. Fortunately for humanity, combat gases were never used on a large scale again. During the Great Patriotic War The Nazis used chemical agents to kill defenseless concentration camp prisoners.

Currently the most deadly look chemical weapons are nerve gases that were first synthesized in Germany in the mid-30s. Why Hitler did not use this chemical agent against his opponents still remains a mystery.

It should be understood that modern types of these weapons of mass destruction of toxic substances are much more terrible than their counterparts a century ago. Nerve gases can affect the human body not only through the respiratory system, but also simply by getting on the skin. Moreover, the toxicity of these substances is simply monstrous.

If you open a vial of soman nerve gas for just a few seconds and hold your breath, you will still die. You will be killed by chemical vapors that enter the body through the skin.

It should be noted that soman was synthesized back in the 40s of the last century. Since then, chemists have been able to create more deadly gases. Immediately after the war, specialists from private Western companies discovered VX gases, which today are considered one of the most toxic substances on the planet. They are several hundred times more toxic than phosgene.

Currently, there are several types of delivery of chemical weapons to the point of their use. Most often, toxic substances are loaded into ammunition: artillery shells, rockets or aerial bombs. It is also possible to spray agent from special aviation containers.

Protection against chemical weapons of mass destruction

Since the first use of chemical weapons, work has been ongoing on ways to protect against them. And it must be said that significant results have been achieved in this area. The most well-known and widespread method of protection against hazardous agents is the use of gas masks. The first examples of such devices appeared in the 19th century; they were used in hazardous industries and when extinguishing fires. However, gas masks became truly widespread during the First World War. Through numerous trials and errors, the optimal design of this protective device was developed, which has not fundamentally changed to this day. Currently, there are dozens of models of gas masks designed for military personnel, civilians, children, etc.

With the advent of toxic substances that can penetrate the human body through the skin, various protective suits began to be used in addition to the gas mask.

To the complex protective equipment also includes a variety of systems for determining chemical agents in the environment, as well as antidotes that are introduced into the body of victims of a chemical attack. Moreover, these protective elements are no less important than the reliability of the gas mask - many of the modern gases are practically colorless and odorless, so without special devices It is very difficult to detect mortal danger. Antidotes are no less important: if you administer an antidote at the first signs of poisoning, then a person’s life can be saved.

In general, we can say that in our time chemical weapons are gradually losing their relevance. And there are several reasons for this:

• Indiscriminateness. Chemical weapons are very unpredictable and their use is extremely difficult to control. This process is strongly influenced by meteorological factors: wind direction and speed, temperature, humidity, and precipitation. When using chemical weapons, you cannot be sure that civilians will not be harmed - the gas does not “get personal” and kills everyone. Recent Syrian events are clear proof of this;
• Low efficiency. Generals have been preparing for chemical warfare for more than half a century, so the army is protected from toxic substances quite reliably. Each serviceman has a chemical protection kit, and military equipment is equipped with filter and ventilation units. Any armed force includes troops chemical protection. So you can’t really gas the military. What IWs are really ideal for is the genocide of civilians, but such actions in the modern world usually have very serious consequences for their organizers;
• Problems with production and storage. Explosions at conventional ammunition depots are a serious technological disaster, fraught with numerous casualties and great destruction. It’s scary to even imagine what will happen if shells filled, for example, with sarin start to explode. Storing chemical weapons is very expensive, and the same can be said about their production.

However, unfortunately, it is still too early to write off chemical weapons as a museum. Developments in this area are being carried out by many third world countries that cannot afford nuclear weapons. An even greater danger is the possibility of chemical agents falling into the hands of terrorists. It is quite simple to manufacture this type of WMD in our age of the Internet, but the consequences of a terrorist attack using it in a peaceful city can be terrible.

Biological weapons and features of their use

Biological weapons use the pathogenic properties of pathogens various diseases for mass destruction of enemy manpower, its population, agricultural plants and animals. Since ancient times, humanity has suffered from various epidemics, and the military has long dreamed of using diseases as weapons. However, this was only possible in the last century.

This type of weapons of mass destruction consists of the pathogenic organisms themselves and their means of delivery, which can be shells, missiles, bombs, mines, and aircraft containers. The spread of pathogens can be carried out using infected rodents or insects. Pathogens used include plague, cholera, Ebola, anthrax, typhoid, influenza, malaria, and smallpox.

About possible uses biological weapons was conceived by the British during World War II, during the same period the Japanese used it in Mongolia and China. There is unconfirmed information about the use of biological weapons by the Americans in the Korean War. In the Soviet Union, anthrax leaked from a secret laboratory in 1979, killing more than 60 people.

Means of protection against biological weapons of mass destruction can be divided into several groups. First of all, these are, of course, the same gas masks and protective suits - that is, personal protective equipment. Vaccination of the population is also very important. A set of sanitary, hygienic and anti-epidemic measures are being carried out at the source of infection, including quarantine, sanitization and disinfection.

The main disadvantage of biological weapons is their indiscriminate nature. Moreover, in this it is significantly superior to chemical ones. You can organize an epidemic behind enemy lines, but how can you then control it? And in the modern globalized world, the likelihood that in a matter of days the causative agent of plague or anthrax will end up on your own territory is very high. Moreover, biological weapons will primarily strike civilians; the armed forces are quite reliably protected from them.

Viruses and pathogenic bacteria can become the most dangerous weapons in the hands of terrorists. The Americans believed that several hundred kilograms of anthrax spores sprayed in a large city could cause the death of hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of citizens within 24 hours.

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Weapons of mass destruction (WMD)

Types of weapons capable of causing mass casualties and destruction, including irreversible changes environment. The main distinctive features of weapons of mass destruction are: multifactorial destructive action; the presence of long-term damaging factors and their spread beyond the target; long-term psychotraumatic effect in people; severe genetic and environmental consequences; the complexity of protecting troops, the population, critical facilities and eliminating the consequences of its use. WMD include nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. The development of science and technology can contribute to the emergence of new types of weapons that are not inferior in their effectiveness and even superior to those already in use. known species WMD (see Weapons based on new physical principles).

Nuclear weapon(Nuclear Weapons), is in service with many armies and navies of the world, almost all branches of the Armed Forces and branches of the military. The main means of defeating it is nuclear weapons. Except various types nuclear weapons ammunition includes means of their delivery to the target (see Carriers of nuclear weapons), as well as means combat control and provision. Strategic nuclear weapons can have high-power nuclear weapons - up to several Mt (100 kt = 1 Mt) in TNT equivalent and reach any point Globe. It is capable of destroying administrative centers, industrial and military facilities in a short time, causing mass disasters - fires, floods and radioactive pollution of the environment, and destroying a significant number of troops and the population. The main means of delivering strategic nuclear weapons are strategic bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles. Non-strategic nuclear weapons have nuclear warheads with a yield ranging from several units to several hundred kilotons and are designed to destroy various targets at operational-tactical depth. This type of nuclear weapons includes ground-based missile systems medium range, aircraft missiles air-to-ground class, aircraft bombs, anti-ship and anti-submarine missile systems, mines and torpedoes with nuclear charges, atomic artillery, etc.

The main damaging factors of nuclear weapons (see Damaging effects of a nuclear explosion) include shock wave, light radiation, penetrating radiation, radioactive contamination (contamination) and electromagnetic pulse. The damaging factors of nuclear weapons depend on the power and type of nuclear charge, on the type of nuclear explosion (ground, underground, airborne, high-altitude, surface, underwater). The simultaneous action of damaging factors of nuclear weapons leads to combined damage to people, equipment and structures. Injuries and contusions from a shock wave can be combined with burns from light radiation and radiation sickness from penetrating radiation and radioactive contamination (contamination). Equipment and structures are damaged by a shock wave with simultaneous fire from light radiation, and radio-electronic equipment is exposed to electromagnetic pulses and ionizing radiation. In populated areas, industrial centers, environmental objects natural environment(forests, mountains, etc.) explosions of nuclear weapons (ammunition) lead to massive fires, rubble, flooding and other emergency phenomena, which, along with radioactive contamination (contamination), will become insurmountable obstacles in eliminating the consequences of the enemy’s use of weapons of mass destruction.

Chemical weapons (CW), is based on the action of toxic chemical agents (TCW) - toxic substances (CA), toxins and phytotoxicants. CW includes single-use chemical ammunition (artillery shells, aerial bombs, checkers, etc.) or chemical military equipment reusable (pouring and spraying aircraft instruments, thermomechanical and mechanical generators). In international law, chemical weapons include: toxic chemicals and chemical reagents involved in any stage of the production of these weapons; ammunition and devices designed to kill with toxic chemicals; any equipment specifically designed for the use of chemical munitions and other similar devices.

Chemical weapons based on chemical agents and toxins are intended for mass destruction of manpower, hampering the activities of troops, disorganizing the command and control system, disabling rear and transport facilities, and those based on phytotoxicants are intended for the destruction of agriculture. crops in order to deprive the food supply, poison water, air, etc. Aviation, missiles, artillery, engineering, chemical and other troops are used as means of delivering chemical weapons to destruction targets.

The combat properties and specific features of chemical weapons include: the high toxicity of BTXV, which allows in small doses to cause severe and lethal doses defeat of people; the biochemical mechanism of the damaging effect of BTXV on living organisms and the high moral and psychological effect of exposure on people; the ability of chemical agents and toxins to penetrate open engineering, industrial structures and facilities, residential buildings and affect people in them; the difficulty of timely detecting the fact of chemical weapons use and establishing the type of chemical agents or toxins used; duration of action due to the ability of BTXV to maintain damaging properties over time.

The listed properties and features of chemical weapons, the large scale and severe consequences of its use cause significant difficulties in protecting troops and the population, require a set of organizational and technical protective measures, as well as the use of a variety of means of detection, warning, direct individual and collective protection, elimination of the consequences of infection, and also carrying out preventive and therapeutic measures (see Elimination of the consequences of the enemy’s use of weapons of mass destruction).

Biological weapons (BW), is based on the action of biological (bacterial) (BS). Disease-causing (pathogenic) microorganisms (viruses, rickettsia, bacteria, fungi, etc.) specially selected for combat use and highly toxic products of their vital activity (toxins) that can cause mass diseases in humans and animals (typhus, cholera, smallpox, plague, glanders, etc.), as well as plants (grain rust, rice blast, potato late blight, etc.).

BO includes ammunition filled with BS (missile warheads, cassettes and containers, pouring and spraying devices, aerial bombs, cannon and rocket artillery shells, etc.) and ammunition carriers (delivery vehicles) (missiles of various ranges, strategic, tactical and transport aviation, remotely piloted and autonomously controlled unmanned aerial vehicles, radio- and remote-controlled balloons, submarines and surface ships, artillery pieces, etc.).

The use of BW can lead to the spread of infectious diseases to a large number of people and cause epidemics. There are various ways of mass destruction of people by BS: contamination of the ground layer of air with aerosol particles; dispersion of artificially infected BS blood-sucking insects that carry infectious diseases in the target area; contamination of air, water and food, etc. The aerosol method of using BS is considered the main one, because allows you to suddenly and covertly infect large areas of air, terrain and people on it, equipment, vehicles, buildings and other objects. At the same time, people not only openly located in the area, but also those inside objects and engineering structures are exposed to infection. With this method, it is possible to contaminate the air with a combination of different types of BS, which makes it difficult to carry out their indication, protective and treatment-and-prophylactic measures. The transfer of biological formulations into an aerosol can be carried out in two main ways: due to the energy of the explosion of ammunition and using spraying devices.

The effectiveness of BO is determined by its following properties: the high lethality of BS; the ability of a number of contagious BS to create large outbreaks of epidemics; the presence of an incubation (hidden) period of action; complexity of indication; strong psychological effect and a number of other properties. The effectiveness of BO also depends on: the degree of protection of troops and the population, the availability and timely use of individual and collective protective equipment, as well as preventive and therapeutic drugs; meteorological, climatic and topographic conditions (wind speed and direction, degree of atmospheric stability, solar radiation, precipitation and air humidity, the nature of the terrain, etc.), time of year and day, etc.

Advances in biology and related sciences (biochemistry, genetics and genetic engineering, microbiology and experimental aerobiology) can lead to the development of new pathogens or an increase in the effectiveness of known BS. Therefore, the problem of the development and use of biological weapons for sabotage and terrorist purposes is particularly dangerous, when the objects of its use can be places of large crowds of people, protective structures, water sources, water supply networks, food warehouses and shops, enterprises Catering etc.

The possibility of using biological weapons requires the development of effective measures for the antibiological protection of the population and territories, as well as the elimination of the consequences of the action of biological weapons (see Elimination of the consequences of the enemy’s use of weapons of mass destruction).

The use of any type of weapons of mass destruction can lead to unpredictable results for all of humanity. Therefore, a number of states, political parties, public organizations and movements launched a struggle to ban the production, distribution and use of weapons of mass destruction. In this regard, a number of international treaties, conventions and agreements. The main ones are: “Nuclear Test Ban Treaty 1963”, “Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons 1968”, “Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and Their Destruction 1972”, “Convention on prohibition of the development, production, accumulation and use of chemical weapons and their destruction 1997”, etc.

In the Russian Federation there are special troops, designed to perform specific tasks of radiation, chemical and biological protection, liquidation of the consequences of the use of weapons of mass destruction - Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops, Civil Defense Troops. The Strategic Missile Forces have a special Service for Radiation Chemical and Biological Protection of the Missile Forces strategic purpose and radiation, chemical and biological protection units of the Strategic Missile Forces.

Despite the reduction in the risk of large-scale war or conflict between states, weapons of mass destruction continue to remain one of the most dangerous weapons of war. The ever-increasing threat of its use by extremist and terrorist organizations forces us to continue to pay attention to the issues of protection from damaging factors. In generally accepted terminology, weapons of mass destruction are divided into three main types: nuclear, chemical, biological (bacteriological).

Nuclear weapon

It is the main variety and, within a short period of time, can destroy the economic and industrial potential of any state, cause huge losses in human and biological resources, infect vast territories and make them uninhabitable. As weapons of mass destruction, nuclear and thermonuclear charges have, in principle, a colossal energy release that occurs when the ammunition is detonated. Their power

expressed in TNT equivalent, and measured in kilo- and megatons. Factors resulting from the detonation of a nuclear charge in terms of their damaging abilities are the following: light radiation, shock wave, penetrating radiation, radioactive contamination, electromagnetic pulse. Thermonuclear (neutron) ammunition affects biological objects (people, animals), striking them mainly with penetrating radiation, which has a more powerful radiation flux. The protective properties of environmental materials contribute to reducing the consequences of the use of nuclear weapons. A specially equipped shelter allows complete protection from all damaging factors. Exposure to ionizing radiation poses a huge danger to life and health, which, like penetrating radiation, leads to radiation sickness.

Chemical weapon

The combat capabilities of chemical weapons are based on the toxic capabilities of the combinations created and existing elements. Its varieties differ in their nerve-paralytic, blister, suffocating, generally toxic, irritant and psychochemical effects. Unlike nuclear weapons, chemical weapons of mass destruction have the ability to incapacitate only manpower without causing damage to infrastructure. The main signs of its use include rapidly dissipating smoke appearing in places where ammunition explodes, streaks of air masses of altered consistency that settle on the ground behind a passing aircraft (helicopter), and the appearance of oily stains on vegetation, ground, and buildings. At the same time, people feel irritation of the respiratory organs, vision, and changes in physiological state.

Biological weapons

This weapon of mass destruction allows, through the use of microorganisms that have pathogenic properties, to infect people, farm animals and plants. Its capabilities cause epidemic diseases of a health-hazardous nature, affecting for a long time, in some cases having a latent (incubation) period. Timely detection of emerging microbes and toxins is very difficult; they easily penetrate unsealed shelters, infecting the people in them. The main signs of use are large fragments and fragments of ammunition (missiles, shells, containers), drops of unknown liquids and powdery substances on the ground, significant accumulations of small insects in the place where the ammunition (container) fell, the suddenness and massiveness of diseases of people and animals that are not typical for this terrain.

Bottom line

Modern weapons of mass destruction have a much wider range of capabilities, including allowing selective destruction of the required targets and objects. But it is hidden in the laboratories and arsenals of the armies of states. The threat from terrorists and extremists comes from means created clandestinely, as well as the possibility of threats to life and health as a result of disasters and man-made accidents.

Topic: “Weapons of mass destruction”

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Introduction

1. Nuclear weapons

1.1 Characteristics of nuclear weapons. Types of explosions

1.2 Damaging factors

a) Shock wave

b) Light healing

c) Penetrating radiation

d) Radioactive contamination

d) Electromagnetic pulse

1.3 Features of the damaging effect neutron ammunition

1.4 Hearth nuclear destruction

1.5 Zones of radioactive contamination in the wake of a nuclear explosion

2. Chemical weapons

2.1 Characteristics of chemical agents, means of combating and protecting against them

a) nerve agents

b) vesicant agent

c) Asphyxiating agent

d) Generally toxic agent

e) Agents of psychochemical action

2.2 Binary chemical munitions

2.3 Site of chemical damage

3. Bacteriological (biological) weapons

3.1 Characteristics of bacterial agents

3.2 Site of bacteriological damage

3.3 Observation and quarantine

4. Modern types of weapons of mass destruction

5. Literature

Introduction

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) - these are nuclear, chemical, biological and other types of it. When defining WMD, one should proceed from the interpretation of this concept formulated by the UN in 1948.

These weapons “shall be defined to include weapons operating by atomic explosion, weapons operating by radioactive materials, lethal chemical and biological weapons, and any weapons developed in the future having characteristics comparable in destructive effect to atomic and other weapons mentioned above.” weapons" (Resolution and decisions of the UN General Assembly adopted at the XXII session, New York, 1968. P. 47). Chemical weapons as a means of warfare have been illegal since 1925 (Protocol on the Prohibition of the Use of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or Other Similar Gases and Bacteriological Agents in War, June 17, 1925).

In 1993, the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and Their Destruction was signed. In accordance with the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) Weapons, Toxins and Their Destruction of April 10, 1972, bacteriological (biological) weapons cannot be used, developed, produced, stockpiled, or transferred, and stocks are subject to destruction or switching to peaceful purposes only.

Nuclear weapon

Characteristics of nuclear weapons. Types of explosions.

Nuclear weapon - This is one of the main types of weapons of mass destruction. It is capable of incapacitating a large number of people in a short time and destroying buildings and structures over large areas. The massive use of nuclear weapons is fraught with catastrophic consequences for all humanity, which is why they are being banned.

The destructive effect of nuclear weapons is based on the energy released during explosive nuclear reactions. The power of a nuclear weapon explosion is usually expressed in TNT equivalent, that is, the amount of conventional explosive(TNT), the explosion of which releases the same amount of energy as it is released during the explosion of a given nuclear weapon. TNT equivalent is measured in tons (kilotons, megatons).

The means of delivering nuclear weapons to targets are missiles (the main means of delivering nuclear strikes), aviation and artillery. In addition, nuclear land mines can be used.

Nuclear explosions are carried out in the air at various heights, near the surface of the earth (water) and underground (water). In accordance with this, they are usually divided into high-altitude, air, ground (surface) and underground (underwater). The point at which the explosion occurred is called the center, and its projection onto the surface of the earth (water) is called the epicenter of the nuclear explosion.

Damaging factors of a nuclear explosion.

The damaging factors of a nuclear explosion are shock wave, light radiation, penetrating radiation, radioactive contamination and electromagnetic pulse.

Shock wave.

The main damaging factor of a nuclear explosion, since most of the destruction and damage to structures, buildings, as well as injuries to people are usually caused by its impact. It is an area of ​​sharp compression of the medium, spreading in all directions from the explosion site at supersonic speed. The front boundary of air compression is called shock wave front .

The damaging effect of a shock wave is characterized by the magnitude of excess pressure. Overpressure is the difference between the maximum pressure in the shock wave front and the normal atmospheric pressure in front of it. It is measured in newtons per square meter(N/m 2). This unit of pressure is called the pascal (Pa). 1 N/m 2 = 1 Pa (1 kPa "0.01 kgf/cm 2).

With excess pressure of 20-40 kPa, unprotected people can suffer minor injuries (minor bruises and contusions). Exposure to a shock wave with an excess pressure of 40-60 kPa leads to moderate damage: loss of consciousness, damage to the hearing organs, severe dislocations of the limbs, bleeding from the nose and ears. Severe injuries occur when excess pressure exceeds 60 kPa and are characterized by severe contusions of the entire body, limb fractures and damage internal organs. Extremely severe injuries, often fatal, are observed at excess pressure above 100 kPa.

The speed of movement and the distance over which the shock wave propagates depend on the power of the nuclear explosion; As the distance from the explosion increases, the speed quickly decreases. Thus, when an ammunition with a power of 20 kt explodes, the shock wave travels 1 km in 2 s, 2 km in 5 s, 3 km in 8 s. During this time, a person after an outbreak can take cover and avoid defeat.

Light radiation.

It is a stream of radiant energy that includes visible ultraviolet and infrared rays. Its source is a luminous area formed by hot explosion products and hot air. Light radiation spreads almost instantly and lasts, depending on the power of the nuclear explosion, up to 20 s. However, its strength is such that, despite its short duration, it can cause burns to the skin (skin), damage (permanent or temporary) to people’s organs of vision and fire of flammable materials and objects.

Light radiation does not penetrate through opaque materials, so any barrier that can create a shadow protects against the direct action of light radiation and prevents burns. Light radiation is significantly weakened in dusty (smoky) air, fog, rain, and snowfall.

Penetrating radiation.

This is a stream of gamma rays and neutrons. It lasts 10-15 s. Passing through living tissue, gamma radiation and neutrons ionize the molecules that make up the cells. Under the influence of ionization, biological processes occur in the body, leading to disruption vital functions individual organs and the development of radiation sickness. As a result of the passage of radiation through environmental materials, their intensity decreases. The attenuating effect is usually characterized by a layer of half attenuation, i.e. such a thickness of material, passing through which the radiation intensity is halved. For example, steel with a thickness of 2.8 cm, concrete - 10 cm, soil - 14 cm, wood - 30 cm, attenuates the intensity of gamma rays by half.

Open and especially closed cracks reduce the impact of penetrating radiation, and shelters and anti-radiation shelters almost completely protect against it.

Radioactive contamination.

Its main sources are fission products of a nuclear charge and radioactive isotopes formed as a result of the influence of neutrons on the materials from which nuclear weapons are made, and on some elements that make up the soil in the area of ​​the explosion.

In a ground-based nuclear explosion, the glowing area touches the ground. Masses of evaporating soil are drawn inside it and rise upward. As they cool, vapors of soil fission products condense on solid particles. A radioactive cloud is formed. It rises to a height of many kilometers, and then moves with the wind at a speed of 25-100 km/h. Radioactive particles falling from the cloud to the ground form a zone of radioactive contamination (trace), the length of which can reach several hundred kilometers.

Radioactive substances pose the greatest danger in the first hours after deposition, since their activity is highest during this period.

Electromagnetic pulse.

This is a short-term electromagnetic field that occurs during the explosion of a nuclear weapon as a result of the interaction of gamma rays and neutrons emitted by a nuclear explosion with atoms of the environment. The consequence of its impact is burnout or breakdowns individual elements radioelectronic and electrical equipment.

People can only be harmed if they come into contact with long wire lines at the time of the explosion.

The most reliable means of protection against all damaging factors of a nuclear explosion are protective structures. In the field you should take cover behind strong local items, reverse slopes of heights, in folds of the terrain.

When operating in contaminated zones, to protect the respiratory organs, eyes and open areas of the body from radioactive substances, respiratory protective equipment (gas masks, respirators, anti-dust fabric masks and cotton-gauze bandages), as well as skin protection products, are used.

Features of the damaging effect of neutron ammunition.

Neutron munitions are a type of nuclear munition. They are based on thermonuclear charges, which use nuclear fission and fusion reactions. The explosion of such ammunition has a damaging effect primarily on people due to the powerful flow of penetrating radiation, a significant part (up to 40%) of which is so-called fast neutrons.

When a neutron munition explodes, the area affected by penetrating radiation exceeds the area affected by the shock wave by several times. In this zone, equipment and structures can remain unharmed, but people receive fatal injuries.

To protect against neutron munitions, the same means and methods are used as for protection against conventional nuclear munitions. In addition, when constructing shelters and shelters, it is recommended to compact and moisten the soil laid above them, increase the thickness of the ceilings, and provide additional protection for entrances and exits.

The protective properties of equipment are increased by the use of combined protection consisting of hydrogen-containing substances (for example, polyethylene) and high-density materials (lead).

The source of nuclear damage.

The source of nuclear destruction is the territory directly exposed to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion. It is characterized by massive destruction of buildings and structures, rubble, accidents in utility networks, fires, radioactive contamination and significant losses among the population.

The more powerful the nuclear explosion, the larger the source size. The nature of the destruction in the outbreak also depends on the strength of the structures of buildings and structures, their number of storeys and building density.

The outer boundary of the source of nuclear damage is taken to be a conventional line on the ground drawn at such a distance from the epicenter (center) of the explosion where the excess pressure of the shock wave is equal to 10 kPa.

The source of nuclear damage is conventionally divided into zones - areas with approximately the same nature of destruction.

Zone of complete destruction– an area exposed to a shock wave with excess pressure (at the outer boundary) of more than 50 kPa.

All buildings and structures in the zone, as well as anti-radiation shelters and part of the shelters, are completely destroyed, continuous rubble is formed, and the utility and energy network is damaged.

Zone of severe destruction– with excess pressure in the shock wave front from 50 to 30 kPa. In this zone, ground buildings and structures are severely damaged, local rubble is formed, and continuous and massive fires will occur. Most shelters will remain intact; some shelters will have their entrances and exits blocked. People in them can be injured only due to a violation of the sealing, flooding or gas contamination of the premises.

Medium Damage Zone– with excess pressure in the shock wave front from 30 to 20 kPa. In it, buildings and structures will suffer moderate damage. Shelters and basement-type shelters will remain. Light radiation will cause continuous fires.

Zone of weak destruction – from excess pressure in the shock wave front from 20 to 10 kPa. Buildings will suffer minor damage. Individual fires will arise from light radiation.

Zones of radioactive contamination on the trail of a nuclear explosion cloud.

A radioactive contamination zone is an area that has been contaminated by radioactive substances as a result of their fallout after ground (underground) and low air nuclear explosions.

Harmful effects ionizing radiation is estimated by the received dose radiation(radiation dose) D, i.e., the energy of these rays absorbed per unit volume of the irradiated medium. This energy is measured by existing dosimetric instruments in roentgens (R).

X-ray is the amount of gamma radiation that creates 2.08 x 10 9 ions in 1 cm 2 of dry air (at a temperature of 0 ° C and a pressure of 760 mm Hg).

To assess the intensity of ionizing radiation emitted by radioactive substances in a contaminated area, the concept of “ionizing radiation dose rate” (radiation level) was introduced. It is measured in roentgens per hour (R/h); small dose rates are measured in milliroentgens per hour (mR/h).

The radiation dose rate is gradually reduced. Thus, the radiation dose rate measured 1 hour after a ground-based nuclear explosion will decrease by half after 2 hours, four times after 3 hours, ten times after 7 hours, and a hundred times after 49.

It should be noted that in the event of an accident at a nuclear power plant with the release of fragments nuclear fuel(radionuclides), the area can be contaminated for from several months to several years.

The degree of radioactive contamination and the size of the contaminated area (radioactive trace) during a nuclear explosion depend on the power and type of explosion, meteorological conditions, as well as the nature of the terrain and soil.

The dimensions of the radioactive trace are conventionally divided into zones (Fig. 1).

Extremely dangerous contamination zone. At the outer boundary of the zone, the radiation dose from the moment radioactive substances fall out of the cloud onto the terrain until their complete disintegration is equal to 4000 R (in the middle of the zone - 10,000 R), the radiation dose rate 1 hour after the explosion is 800 R/h.

Dangerous contamination zone. At the outer boundary of the radiation zone – 1200 R, radiation dose rate after 1 hour – 240 R/h.

Area of ​​heavy infection. At the outer boundary of the radiation zone – 400 R, radiation dose rate after 1 hour – 80 R/h.

Moderate infection zone. At the outer boundary of the radiation zone - 40 R, radiation dose rate after 1 hour - 8 R/h.

As a result of exposure to ionizing radiation, as well as exposure to penetrating radiation, people develop radiation sickness. A dose of 150-250 R causes radiation sickness of the first degree, a dose of 250-400 R causes radiation sickness of the second degree, a dose of 400-700 R causes radiation sickness of the third degree, a dose over 700 R causes radiation sickness of the fourth degree.

A single dose of irradiation up to 50 R over four days, as well as multiple irradiation up to 100 R over 10-30 days, does not cause external signs disease and is considered safe.

Direction of the wind

Extremely infested zone Hazardous infestation zone Severe infestation zone Moderate infestation zone

dangerous infection

Rice. 1. Formation of a radioactive trace from a ground-based nuclear explosion

Chemical weapon

Chemical weapon – it is a weapon of mass destruction, the action of which is based on the toxic properties of certain chemicals. This includes chemical warfare agents and means of their use.

Characteristics of toxic substances, means and methods of protection against them.

Toxic substances(CA) are chemical compounds that, when used, are capable of infecting people and animals over large areas, penetrating various structures, and contaminating terrain and water bodies. They are used to equip missiles, aircraft bombs, artillery shells and mines, chemical landmines, as well as airborne discharge devices (VAP).

Based on their effect on the human body, agents are divided into nerve agents, vesicants, asphyxiants, poisonous irritants and psychotropic agents.

Nerve agents.

VX (Vi-X), sarin, affects the nervous system when affecting the body through the respiratory system, when penetrating in a vaporous and droplet-liquid state through the skin, as well as when entering gastrointestinal tract along with food and water. Their durability lasts for more than a day in the summer, and several weeks and even months in the winter. These agents are the most dangerous. A very small amount of them is enough to infect a person.

Signs of damage are: salivation, constriction of the pupils (miosis), difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, paralysis.

A gas mask and protective clothing are used as personal protective equipment. To provide first aid to the affected person, a gas mask is put on him and the antidote is injected into him using a syringe tube or by taking a tablet. If nerve agents come into contact with skin or clothing, the affected areas are treated with liquid from an individual anti-chemical package (IPP).

Agent of vesicant action.

Mustard gas- have a multilateral effect. In a droplet-liquid and vapor state, they affect the skin and eyes, when inhaling vapors - the respiratory tract and lungs, when ingested with food and water - the digestive organs. A characteristic feature of mustard gas is the presence of a period of latent action (the lesion is not detected immediately, but after some time - 2 hours or more). Signs of damage are redness of the skin, the formation of small blisters, which then merge into large ones and burst after two to three days, turning into difficult-to-heal ulcers. With any local damage, agents cause general poisoning of the body, which manifests itself in increased temperature and malaise.

When using blister agents, it is necessary to wear a gas mask and protective clothing. If drops of chemical agents come into contact with skin or clothing, the affected areas are immediately treated with liquid from the PPI.

Agent with asphyxiating effect.

Phosgene- affects the body through the respiratory system. Signs of damage are sweetish, bad taste in the mouth, cough, dizziness, general weakness. These phenomena disappear after leaving the source of infection, and the victim feels normal within 4-6 hours, unaware of the damage he has received. During this period (latent action) pulmonary edema develops. Then breathing may sharply worsen, a cough with copious sputum, headache, fever, shortness of breath, and palpitations may appear.

In case of defeat, a gas mask is put on the victim, they are taken out of the contaminated area, they are covered warmly and they are provided with peace.

Under no circumstances should you perform artificial respiration on the victim!

Generally toxic agent.

Hydrocyanic acid and cyanogen chloride- they affect only when inhaling air contaminated with their vapors (they do not act through the skin). Signs of damage include a metallic taste in the mouth, throat irritation, dizziness, weakness, nausea, severe convulsions, and paralysis. To protect against these chemical agents, it is enough to use a gas mask.

To help the victim, you need to crush the ampoule with the antidote and insert it under the gas mask helmet. In severe cases, the victim is given artificial respiration, warmed up and sent to a medical center.

Irritant agent.

C.S. (C.S.), adamsite, etc. cause acute burning and pain in the mouth, throat and eyes, severe lacrimation, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

OM of psychochemical action.

BZ (B-Z) specifically act on the central nervous system and cause mental (hallucinations, fear, depression) or physical (blindness, deafness) disorders.

If you are affected by an irritant or psychochemical agent, it is necessary to treat the infected areas of the body with soapy water, and shake out the uniform and clean it with a brush. Victims should be removed from the contaminated area and provided with medical care.

Binary chemical munitions.

Unlike other ammunition, they are equipped with two non-toxic or low-toxic components (CA), which during the flight of the ammunition to the target are mixed and enter into a chemical reaction with each other to form highly toxic agents, for example VX or sarin.

Site of chemical damage.

The territory within which mass casualties of people and farm animals occurred as a result of exposure to chemical weapons is called the focus of the lesion. Its dimensions depend on the scale and method of application of the agent, the type of agent, meteorological conditions, terrain and other factors.

Particularly dangerous are persistent nerve agent agents, the vapors of which travel in the wind over a fairly large distance (15-25 km or more).

The duration of the damaging effect of the agent is shorter, the shorter stronger wind and rising air currents. In forests, parks, ravines, and on narrow streets, pollutants persist longer than in open areas.

The area directly exposed to chemical weapons and the area over which a cloud of contaminated air has spread in damaging concentrations is called zone chemical contamination. There are primary and secondary zones of infection.

The primary zone of contamination is formed as a result of exposure to a primary cloud of contaminated air, the source of which is vapors and aerosols of chemical agents that appeared directly from the explosion of chemical munitions. The secondary contamination zone is formed as a result of the influence of a cloud, which is formed during the evaporation of droplets of chemical agents that settle after the explosion of chemical munitions.

Bacteriological weapons

Bacteriological weapons is a means of mass destruction of people, farm animals and plants. Its action is based on the use of pathogenic properties of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, rickettsia, fungi, as well as toxins produced by some bacteria). Bacteriological weapons include formulations of pathogenic organisms and means of delivering them to the target (missiles, aerial bombs and containers, aerosol sprays, artillery shells, etc.).

Bacteriological weapons are capable of causing mass diseases in humans and animals over vast areas; they have a damaging effect over a long period of time and have a long latent (incubation) period of action.

Microbes and toxins are difficult to detect in the external environment; they can penetrate with the air into unsealed shelters and rooms and infect people and animals in them.

Signs of the use of bacteriological weapons are:

1) deaf, unusual conventional ammunition the sound of shells and bombs exploding;

2) the presence of large fragments and individual parts of ammunition in places of explosions;

3) the appearance of drops of liquid or powdery substances on the ground;

4) unusual accumulation of insects and mites in areas where ammunition ruptures and containers fall;

5) mass diseases of people and animals.

The use of bacterial agents can be determined using laboratory tests.

Characteristics of bacterial agents, methods of protection against them.

Causative agents of various infectious diseases can be used as bacterial agents: plague, anthrax, brucellosis, glanders, tularemia, cholera, yellow and other types of fever, spring-summer encephalitis, typhus and typhoid fever, influenza, malaria, dysentery, smallpox and others. In addition, botulinum toxin can be used, which causes severe poisoning of the human body.

To infect animals, along with the pathogens of anthrax and glanders, it is possible to use viruses of foot-and-mouth disease, cattle and bird plague, swine cholera, etc.; for the destruction of agricultural plants - pathogens of cereal rust, late blight, potatoes and some other diseases.

Infection of people and animals occurs as a result of inhalation of contaminated air, contact with microbes and toxins on the mucous membrane and damaged skin, consumption of contaminated food and water, bites of infected insects and ticks, contact with a contaminated object, injury from fragments of ammunition filled with bacterial agents, and also as a result of direct communication with sick people (animals). A number of diseases are quickly transmitted from sick people to healthy people and cause epidemics (plague, cholera, typhoid, influenza, etc.).

The main means of protecting the population from bacteriological weapons include: serum vaccine preparations, antibiotics, sulfonamide and other medicinal substances used for special and emergency prevention of infectious diseases, personal and collective protective equipment, chemical substances used for neutralization.

If signs of the use of bacteriological weapons are detected, immediately put on gas masks (respirators, masks), as well as skin protection and report bacteriological contamination.

The source of bacteriological infection.

The source of bacteriological damage is considered settlements and objects National economy who have been directly exposed to bacterial agents that create a source of spread of infectious diseases. Its boundaries are determined on the basis of bacteriological reconnaissance data, laboratory studies of samples from environmental objects, as well as identification of patients and ways of spreading emerging infectious diseases. Armed guards are installed around the outbreak, entry and exit, as well as the removal of property are prohibited.

Observation and quarantine.

Observation – specially organized medical surveillance of the population in the focus of bacteriological damage, including a number of measures aimed at timely detection and isolation in order to prevent the spread of epidemic diseases. At the same time, with the help of antibiotics, emergency prevention of possible diseases is carried out, necessary vaccinations are given, and strict adherence to the rules of personal and public hygiene is monitored, especially in catering units and public areas. Food and water are used only after they have been reliably disinfected.

The observation period is determined by the duration of the maximum incubation period for a given disease and is calculated from the moment of isolation of the last patient and the end of disinfection in the affected area.

In the case of the use of pathogens of particularly dangerous infections - plague, cholera, smallpox - it is established quarantine .

Quarantine – This is a system of the most stringent isolation and restrictive measures carried out to prevent the spread of infectious diseases from the source of infection and to eliminate the source itself.

Modern types of weapons of mass destruction

The use of the latest scientific achievements makes it possible to create new and new generations of conventional weapons every year. Thus, new types of bombs make it possible to hit the enemy’s vital centers, his military and political leadership, even in bunkers at any depth. Offensive unmanned robotic aircraft are capable of independently, without operator intervention, solving combat missions within the framework of a single space navigation and information system for all types of armed forces. These devices are not limited in their maneuvers by the physiological capabilities of a human pilot, are less noticeable and cheaper to operate, so they will be superior to Russian fifth-generation manned aircraft. Miniature "insect" robots can be sent to enemy command posts in order to intercept information flows, create electronic interference and targeted sabotage. Electronic pulses can be used to disable equipment over a long distance. electronic systems control aircraft and any objects.

New types of weapons of mass destruction

A total war means that all modern scientific achievements will be used as weapons, including secret ones that leave no traces. Types of weapons are being created that can disable the electronics, communications and power systems of entire countries. In particular, giant high-frequency HAARP antenna-emitters have been created in Alaska, Norway and Greenland, capable of not only hitting the electronics of aircraft, missiles and spaceships at a distance of hundreds of kilometers, but also influence the planet’s magnetic field and ionosphere, disrupting radio communications, changing weather conditions on the scale of entire continents, causing droughts, floods, and possibly earthquakes.

The possibility of a wave influence on the psyche of the population of vast spaces cannot be ruled out. The destructive potential of this secret weapon have not yet been fully studied and may turn out to be even more terrible: for example, by artificially creating holes in the protective electromagnetic layer of the earth, all living things over vast territories will be subjected to deadly radiation from space.

Ethnic weapons . It is based on identifying the “genetic profile” of a certain people and selectively affects them - and only them! “A secret report from the US Department of Defense claimed that genetically modified microorganisms could be used to create a new generation of weapons of mass destruction.

In general, after deciphering the human genome and an increasing number of animal genomes, genetic engineering in the United States began to create living beings of artificial genetic construction; these organisms will "specialize to perform specific tasks." What monsters and for

One can only guess what tasks can be designed by “genomic sorcerers”, but with a higher probability, first of all, the military.

Coups d'etat, sabotage, terrorist attacks, provocations And. They were carried out before, but secretly; now this can be done with impunity in front of the whole world, which does not express indignation at such activities.

Clash of Civilizations . In essence, this is an old technique of pitting opponents against each other so that they destroy each other. This is how the first two acts of the World War were arranged. This is how modern wars are organized and conducted (for example: between Iraq and Iran, between Israel and Palestine). Now, as planned opponents, it is planned to pit the Muslim world against the Orthodox (with the help of radical Islamists).

Economic means of war . In addition to the general selfish management of the world economic mechanism, they include customs restrictions, even economic blockades (as against Iraq and Serbia), industrial espionage, and currency transactions to undermine the currencies of unruly states. In addition, the economies of almost all countries are bound by a mutual guarantee with the world economy and are afraid of its collapse. Economic damage may also be main goal limited use of biological weapons in agriculture, like the “mad cow disease” epidemic (these were the main consequences for China from the SARS virus, which appeared in this most densely populated part of the planet, hardly spontaneously).

Drug trafficking . Already, the CIA and Mossad control most of the world's drug trade, which provides these intelligence agencies with illegal income to finance their operations (as shown by von Bülow). However, this is not done only for the sake of money. Drugs are also an important weapon for disintegrating the population of rival countries (primarily Russia and Europe), unnecessary countries and neutralizing unnecessary ones in the USA itself. social groups(primarily the black population), whom it is desirable to “put on the needle.” Therefore, billionaire Soros proposes to legalize drugs even in the United States: “America without drugs is simply impossible... I would create a tightly controlled distribution network through which I would make most drugs legally available...”. In Europe, Holland is leading this process. Attali also writes about this means of “consolation” for the outcasts in his book “On the threshold of a new millennium” (see below). The increased flow of drugs from Afghanistan after the overthrow of the Taliban there is primarily aimed at Russia.

Mass culture is essentially a spiritual type of drug. In the field of culture, despite its somewhat primitive nature, America enjoys an unparalleled attraction, especially among the youth of the whole world - all this provides the United States with political influence, similar to that of no other state in the world. Influence among immature youth - since they have the least resistance to the basic properties of this “culture”. They “gravitate more towards mass entertainment, in which themes of escape from social problems" Mass culture, of course, can also carry an ideological load, shaping the image of the enemy in its own population and glorifying the goals of the United States and its allies.

Cinema plays a special role in shaping attitudes Western population on history and politics, which is why it was previously actively used by the US government to advertise “good” American wars (just remember the exploits of “Rambo” in the years Cold War and the name of Reagan's space program "Star Wars" based on the film of the same name). It is not surprising that after September 11, the US administration invited the heads of leading Hollywood studios to a meeting and instructed them to create films in support of American efforts in the global “anti-terrorism war.”

Information (disinformation) weapons . Although we name it at the end of the list, it is the most important, necessary to justify the use of all the previous ones.

The first technique of the “secret of lawlessness” is precisely the secret – the concealment of one’s own existence: one cannot organize a defense against something that does not exist. Therefore, the information weapon of global influence has long been used to hide the true goals of its actions, including in specific politics.

Today, this weapon includes a wide range of means: signing fraudulent agreements, leaking necessary information, bluffing (Reagan's "Star Wars"), pushing agents of influence into leadership positions, throwing in compromising evidence against rivals, controlling the media, imposing false directions of scientific research and discrediting the right directions; formation of an educational system, scientific and cultural environment with the aim of changing ideological values.

Literature:

1. Kostrov A.M. Civil defense. M.: Education, 1991. – 64 p.: ill.

2. Nuclear weapons: damaging factors and protection against them.

3. Chemical weapons and their characteristics.

4. Specific features of bacteriological weapons.

1. General characteristics of weapons of mass destruction.

According to the scale and nature of the damaging effect modern weapons divided into conventional and weapons of mass destruction.

Weapons of mass destruction - weapons of great lethality, intended to cause mass casualties or destruction, have a large area of ​​effect.

Currently to weapons of mass lesions include:

nuclear

chemical

bacteriological (biological)

Weapons of mass destruction have a strong psycho-traumatic effect, demoralizing both troops and civilians.

The use of weapons of mass destruction has dangerous environmental consequences and can cause irreparable damage to the environment.

2. Nuclear weapons: damaging factors and protection against them.

Nuclear weapon– ammunition, the destructive effect of which is based on the use of intranuclear energy. Missiles, aircraft and other means are used to deliver these weapons to the target. Nuclear weapons are the most powerful means of mass destruction. The damaging effect of a nuclear explosion depends mainly on the power of the ammunition and type of explosion: ground, underground, underwater, surface, air, high-altitude.

TO damaging factors nuclear explosion include:

Shock wave (SW). Similar to the blast wave of a normal explosion, but more effective for a long time(about 15 sec.) and has disproportionately greater destructive power. In most cases it is main damaging factor. It can cause severe traumatic injuries to people and destroy buildings and structures at a considerable distance from the center of the explosion. It is also capable of causing damage in enclosed spaces, penetrating through cracks and openings.

The most reliable means protection are shelters.

Luminous radiation (LR) – luminous flux emanating from the region of the center of a nuclear explosion, heated to several thousand degrees, reminiscent of a red-hot fire ball. The brightness of light radiation in the first seconds is several times greater than the brightness of the Sun. Duration of action – up to 20 seconds. With direct exposure it causes burns to the retina of the eyes and exposed parts of the body. Secondary burns from the flames of burning buildings, objects, and vegetation are possible.

Protection Any opaque barrier that can provide shade can serve: a wall, a building, a tarpaulin, trees. Light radiation is significantly weakened in dusty, smoky air, fog, rain, and snowfall.

Penetrating radiation (PR) – a stream of gamma rays and neutrons released during a chain reaction at the moment of a nuclear explosion and

15-20 sec. after him. Action extends over distance

up to 1.5 km. Neutrons and gamma rays have very high

penetrating ability. As a result of exposure to humans

may develop acute radiation sickness (OLB).

Protection are various materials that block gamma

radiation and neutron flux – metals, concrete, brick, soil

(protective structures). To increase the body's resistance

preventive measures are intended for radiation exposure

anti-radiation drugs - “radioprotectors”.

Radioactive contamination of the area (REM) – occurs as a result of the fallout of radioactive substances from the cloud of a nuclear explosion. The damaging effect lasts for a long time - weeks, months. It is due to: external influence gamma radiation, contact exposure to beta particles upon contact with the skin, mucous membranes or inside the body. Possible damage to people: acute or chronic radiation sickness, radiation damage to the skin (“burns”). When radioactive substances are inhaled, radiation damage to the lungs occurs; when swallowed - along with irradiation of the gastrointestinal tract, they are absorbed with accumulation (“incorporation”) in various organs and tissues.

Methods of protection: restriction of stay in open areas,

d additional sealing of premises; use of organs' PPE

breathing and skin when leaving premises; removal of radioactive

dust from the surface of the body and clothing (“decontamination”.

Electromagnetic pulse– powerful electric and

electromagnetic field that occurs at the moment of explosion (less than 1 second).

It does not have a pronounced damaging effect on people.

Disables communications, digital and electronic equipment.