What type of weapons pose a significant threat due to their potential for mass harm?

The classification of weapons as "weapons of mass destruction" (WMD) includes nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons capable of causing extensive harm to a large number of people and significant damage to infrastructure. These weapons are designed to inflict mass casualties and can have long-lasting effects on both the environment and human health. Their potential for mass harm distinguishes them from conventional weapons and other categories as they can affect vast areas, rendering them a critical concern in security and military strategy.

While conventional weapons, handheld firearms, and explosives can also pose serious threats, they typically operate on a more localized scale. Conventional weapons include standard arms and munitions used in warfare but do not have the same catastrophic potential as WMD. Handheld firearms are limited to individual or small-scale use, making their impact significantly less widespread. Explosives, while capable of causing substantial damage, are generally confined to specific targets and do not inherently possess the mass effect attributed to weapons of mass destruction. Therefore, WMDs stand out as a unique category that carries the most significant potential for mass harm.