Chemical warfare (
CW) involves using the
toxic properties of
chemical substances as
weapons. This type of warfare is distinct from
nuclear warfare and
biological warfare, which together make up NBC, the military acronym for nuclear, biological, and chemical (warfare or weapons), all of which are considered "
weapons of mass destruction" (WMDs). None of these fall under the term
conventional weapons which are primarily effective due to their destructive potential. With proper protective equipment, training, and decontamination measures, the primary effects of chemical weapons can be overcome. Many nations possess vast
stockpiles of weaponized agents in preparation for wartime use. The threat and the perceived threat have become strategic tools in planning both measures and counter-measures.