All WMDs Are Not Alike, but Most of Us Don't Know It

John Solomon, over at his citizen-centric blog on emergency preparedness, has posted on the proposition that the Obama administration should do a better job than previous administrations educating citizens about weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). John's specific point is that most of us don't know there is a difference, or don't know what is important about the difference, between nuclear and biological weapons, on the one hand, and chemical and radiological weapons, on the other. John writes:

In its report, the WMD Commission argues that the incoming Administration should make an effort to inform and engage the public on the subject of WMD’s. I agree. And, I suggest officials consider starting that process by defining (or redefining) what a WMD actually is. At present, it is most common to define a WMD for the public as a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (or “CBRN”) weapon.

The Commission report, however, focuses primarily on the dangers of biological and nuclear terrorism, both of which could be absolutely catastrophic. By contrast, a chemical or radiological (better known as a ‘dirty bomb’) weapon could be very serious but would likely not cause as much lasting damage. In fact, both a chemical and radiological attack would likely be a one-shot event seriously impacting those directly near the event, closer in result to a ‘traditional’ terrorist bombing. A nuclear bomb or biological incident, however, could have wide and long-lasting ‘mass destruction’ impact to humans, property and the society itself.

My two cents: simply focusing on information and preparedness, as opposed to the probability of attack, would be a service in the government's communications with its citizens. Statistical assessments of threat or risk are themselves generalizations that are not necessarily reliable and, in a sense, they don't matter either. Emergency preparedness skills, beginning with accurate knowledge, should help us live without fear, even in a dangerous world, and feel competent to take care of ourselves, our families and our communities when danger strikes.