Why Should We Be Concerned About Biological Warfare?

Cutaneous Manifestations of Biological Warfare and Related Threat Agents

“…We must prepare for a new age of terrorism. 1,10,12 Civilian health care providers must know how to recognize a BW attack in the event of the use of BW agents on civilian populations. 1…”

Management issues surrounding the United Kingdom health services’ ability to deal effectively with major incidents involving bioterrorism

“…More worrying is the reality that small groups of renegades with modest finances and basic knowledge of biology and engineering can develop an effective biological capability. Indeed, instructions for making biological weapons are even available on the internet (Danzig & Berkowsky 1997). One of the major concerns for health planners is the fact that even the threat or rumour of a biological attack can cause mass panic amongst an urban civilian population.…”

“…It has been shown that the Government has regarded the threat from bioterrorism as low and as such has been slow to implement rigorous plans and training schedules. Back in 1997, Danzig and Berkowsky (1997) highlighted three principle reasons for the threat of bioterrorism being so low on Government agendas. These were that first, the concept of defence against biological terrorism was unfamiliar and difficult to address which resulted in a decision to ignore it, secondly, that because biological weapons had never been used they never would be, and finally, the believe that bioterrorism would probably come from a rogue state who would fear the consequences of a retaliatory nuclear strike and would therefore never risk it.…”

Chemical-Biological Terrorism and Its Impact on Children: A Subject Review

“…Biological weapons are referred to as a "poor man's nuclear bomb" because they are easy to manufacture, can be deployed without sophisticated delivery systems, and have the ability to kill or injure hundreds of thousands of people. 4,19 Simple devices such as crop dusting airplanes or small perfume atomizers are effective delivery systems for biological agents. 2,4 In contrast to chemical, conventional, and nuclear weapons that generate immediate effects, biological agents are generally associated with a delay in the onset of illness (hours to days).…”

“…3 Despite international accords such as the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention of 1972, designed to prevent further prolifera-tion of biological weapons, these and other compounds continue to be developed as weapons of mass destruction. 4,5 In response, federal legislation has been created to reduce the possibility of weapons use on civilians. 6 There has also been a widespread effort by military, government, and public health officials to initiate appropriate management protocols for mass casualty incidents.…”