Definitions of Terms - Canadian Bomb Data Centre

The following terms are used in the statistics reported on the criminal use of explosives in Canada.

• Accidental Explosions – Incidents attended by Explosives Disposal Units (EDUs) of explosions that were not intentional.
• Attempted Bombings – Incidents attended by Explosives Disposal Units (EDUs) involving the use of one or more improvised explosive devices that failed to function because of an unintentional defect in design or assembly.
• Bombing – Explosions of devices created for non-authorized or criminal use that occurred at incidents attended by Explosives Disposal Units (EDUs).
• Devices – The number of improvised explosive devices (bombs created for unauthorized use) found at incidents attended by Explosives Disposal Units (EDUs). A device could be either a complete bomb including a fuse, a timer and a quickly-flammable substance or a partial bomb that includes only some components. At any incident, one or more devices may be found.
• Explosion – A chemical reaction (burning) of a substance accompanied by the sudden liberation of enough energy to cause dynamic stress to the immediate surroundings.
• Explosives Disposal Units (EDU) – A police unit with expertise and credentials in responding to incidents involving actual or suspected explosives.
• Improvised Explosive Device (IED) – A bomb created for non-authorized use.
• Incidents – The number of times Explosives Disposal Units (EDUs) were called to scenes involving the possible use of explosives.
• Incidents of Hoax Devices – Incidents attended by Explosives Disposal Units (EDUs) where devices constructed from inert or non-explosive components were intended to resemble actual bombs.
• Incidents of Recoveries of IEDs – Number of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), that were recovered by Explosives Disposal Units (EDUs). At one incident, one or more IEDs can be recovered.
• Recoveries of Explosives – Incidents where Explosives Disposal Units (EDUs) recovered explosive materials that were armed, dumped, stolen or suspected to be connected with unlawful activities.
• Thefts of Explosives – Incidents attended by Explosives Disposal Units (EDUs) that involved reporting stolen explosives materials, the flammable component bombs.