Under 18 USC 229, what type of weapons are considered chemical weapons?

The designation of chemical weapons under 18 USC 229 encompasses any toxic substances. This definition is broad and includes various harmful chemicals that can cause death, injury, or incapacitation through their toxic properties. The law is designed to address the use of harmful substances in warfare and terrorism, emphasizing the danger of any toxic materials that can be intentionally deployed to inflict harm on people or the environment.

In contrast to the correct choice, biological agents are distinct from chemical substances, as they typically involve living organisms or their toxins rather than purely chemical compounds. Explosive devices fall under a different category of weaponry, focusing more on physical destruction rather than chemical effects. Traditional firearms are also not classified as chemical weapons, since they operate through mechanical means rather than the release of toxic substances. Thus, the law recognizes the serious threat posed by any toxic substances, making this the clear and correct answer.