It’s not unusual to hear a certain country/region threatening to use a weapon of mass destruction if such and such happens or doesn’t. There is no shortage of references to the times the world has sunk into full-fledge war, where these armaments caused mass catastrophic destruction.
Today, from history, most people can only whisper about their use and effects. This article takes you through some mind-blowing weapons of mass destruction facts.
1. Weapons Of Mass Destruction Were Used As Early as 1585
Records show that weapons of mass destruction have been used from as early as 1585. The Fall of Antwerp is a perfect reference.
2. Canada Doesn’t Possess Any Weapon of Mass Destruction
The Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) (1970) seeks to promote nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. The nation of Canada signed it and remains committed to fulfilling its duties.
3. Russia’s Weapons Of Massive Destruction Are Not “Blessed”
The Russian Orthodox Church usually “blesses” the country’s military hardware. However, the believers refuse to pray for what they consider weapons of mass destruction. These include nuclear artillery, war tanks, and everything in between. The church only blesses weapons deemed necessary for personal protection.
4. Different Types of Weapons of Mass Destruction Are Available
Over time, enemies have threatened/used different types of weapons of mass destruction. Common types include biological (for example, the anthrax released by Aum Shinrikyo in Tokyo), chemical, nuclear, and explosives.
5. The Bombing of Tokyo Is One Of The Deadliest Air Raids
At the height of World War 2, Tokyo suffered what is considered the deadliest use of a weapon of mass distraction to date. Air raids from the United States military on the 9-10th of March 1945 resulted in more than 100,000 civilians dying. More than a million others were rendered homeless, and properties worth billions were destroyed.
6. Weapons Of Mass Destruction Can’t Be Used in Space
Following the Outer Space Treaty signed on October 17, 1963, it is illegal to carry any potential weapon of mass destruction into outer space. This includes the moon and other celestial bodies. Military activities are also prohibited.
7. Nagasaki And Hiroshima Bombings Marked the End of World War 2
Following the Pearl Harbor attacks by the Japanese, the United States declared war on them. On August 6, 1945, the U.S. sent two atomic bombs aimed at Japan, hitting Hiroshima and Nagasaki cities. This resulted in uncountable deaths, with many others injured and their properties destroyed.
The impact of the atomic bombs highlighted how deadly the weapons of massive destruction are. On September 2, 1945, Japan surrendered. This contributed massively to the ending of the World War 2.
8. There Was A Third Weapon of Mass Destruction Intended for Japan
Famously known as the Demon Core, the United States had a third nuclear weapon intended for Japan during the Second World War. It was spherical and weighed about 6.2kg. However, Japan surrendered after the bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, so it wasn’t used. Instead, the Demon Core was reserved in the United States, killing 2 nuclear physicists.
9. Weapons of Mass Destruction Have Long-Lasting Effects
Apart from causing immediate loss of lives, weapons of mass destruction such as nuclear artilleries can affect several generations. A fireball of a nuclear explosion takes about 10 seconds to reach its full potential; its effects can last decades.
For instance, after the bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, survivors and their children still recorded spiking incidences of leukemia more than 6 years after the incident.
10. Chlamydia Is Considered a Weapon Of Mass Destruction
Chlamydia is a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) affecting men and women. Its symptoms include vaginal discharge, painful urination, testicular pain, and discharge from the penis. Interestingly, this condition is also considered a weapon of mass destruction.
11. Japan Doesn’t Have Public Bins Because of a Terrorist Attack That Happened in the 90s
On March 20, 1995, the citizens of Japan were surprised by news of a terrorist attack on a subway in Tokyo. The attackers deposited sarin gas, a possible weapon of mass destruction, in bins around the affected area, targeting travelers.
Sarin is colourless and does not emit any odor, making it very dangerous. Experts say that, in its purest form, it is about 26 times more deadly than cyanide.
Unfortunately, the terrorist attack led to the death of about 13 people. Additionally, More than 600 others sustained severe injuries. To date, Japan doesn’t have public trash cans, partly due to the trauma caused by the aftermath of that attack.
12. Bagpipes Were Once Considered Weapons of War
Up until 1996, bagpipes were considered weapons of war. People have died of exploding lungs from playing them, but how they were regarded as dangerous remains a misery.
