Introduction biological warfare also known as germ warfare is the use of biological toxins or infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi with an intent to kill or incapacitate humans, animals or plants as an act of biological weapons which often termed. Bacteria cause diseases such as anthrax and botulism. Parties to that treaty that possess toxin weapons agree to destroy them. An attack on agricultural plants and animals would primarily cause economic damage, loss. As effective weapons, they would need to be widely spread by a spray or explosion indoors. The bipartisan congressional commission on the prevention of weapons of mass destruction proliferation and terrorism wmd commission determined in december 2008 that wmd terrorism is a continuing and serious threat. However, in as much as toxins are chemicals themselves and can have chemical weapons applications, they are automatically covered by the definitions listed above for chemical weapons. Common microbes used as biological weapons include. Terrorism and weapons of mass destruction religious cults will wield disproportionate power by using or even threatening to use nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons against our troops.
The use of biological weapons has occurred sporadically for centuries, culminating in sophisticated research and testing programs run by several countries. Here are a few examples of biological weapons that have been used throughout history. Biological weapon simple english wikipedia, the free. Unidi r resource s ideas for peace and security new types and systems of wmd. If you were to dump a load of manure or human waste into a towns well, that would be a simple form of biological warfare human and animal manure contain bacteria that are deadly in a variety of ways. The use of biological and chemical weapons is absolutely prohibited under international humanitarian law. Biological warfare bwalso known as germ warfareis the use of biological toxins or infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, insects, and fungi with the intent to kill or incapacitate humans, animals or plants as an act of war.
The 1993 chemical weapons convention and the 1972 biological and toxin weapons convention were negotiated with a limited number of traditional cbw agents in mind that were developed as part of state programmes, but today. The family fallout shelter mp15 pdf this is a digitized copy of the old 1959 civil defense book that showcases several fallout shelter types along with information on proper ventilation, supplies needed, and fallout wind patterns. The soviet biological weapons program is an immense work, and one whose very thoroughnesswhen conflicting narratives are available, both are offeredcan be exhausting. Microbial or other biological agents, or toxins whatever their origin or method of. A government body the war research service wrs was created to oversee these activities, and george w. Psychological implications of chemical and biological weapons long term social and psychological effects may be worse than acute ones t he ostensible purpose of chemical and biologi cal weapons is to endanger lives. Unlike a chemical or nuclear attack, a biological attack may go undetected for hours, days, or potentially weeks depending on the agent until people, animals, or plants show symptoms of disease. Biological weapons biological weapons are infectious agents such as bacteria or viruses used intentionally to inflict harm upon others. Biological incident annex to the response and recovery. Biological warfare an overview sciencedirect topics. Viruses are about 1,000 times smaller than bacteria and require a host to replicate. Finally, it establishes some broad characteristics that could identify the types of terrorist groups that might be more likely than others to use biological weapons.
It discusses the implications of recent trends in terrorism for the future use of biological agents and the reasons terrorists might be motivated to use them. The united states ratified the protocol in 1975 after president richard nixon renounced the use of biological weapons in 1969. Assault weapons identification guide as listed or described in penal code sections 12276, 12276. The cdc divides biological diseases and agents into categories according to their threat to national security. United states biological weapons program wikipedia. A biological attack is the intentional release of a pathogen disease causing agent or biotoxin poisonous substance produced by a living organism against humans, plants, or animals. In the case of biological terrorism, the target is the civilian population, and the aim is to disrupt the society by overwhelming its medical and social resources and undermining the confidence of the civilian population in. But others say chem ical weapons are unique, in that they target defenseless civilians.
Armytechnology lists the worlds most deadly bioweapons. The absence of verification measures enabled some signatory countries to develop clandestine biological weapons programs. It takes hours to days for symptoms of exposure to appear. He is the author of israel and the bomb new york columbia university. The united states biological weapons program began in 1943 and was discontinued in 1969 the program officially began in spring 1943 on orders from u. Emergency responders are taught how to recognize and mitigate attacks from such weapons. The most likely terrorist use of chemical or biological agents. Common biological and chemical weapons agents webmd. A biological weapon uses a bacteria or virus, or in some cases toxins that come directly from bacteria, to kill people.
Finally, it establishes some broad characteristics that could. Inhalation, digestion or skin contact with this bacterium has the potential to lead to infection in those exposed. Jul 08, 2015 a biological attack is the intentional release of a pathogen disease causing agent or biotoxin poisonous substance produced by a living organism against humans, plants, or animals. Bw biological weapon warfare btwc biological and toxin weapons convention cbm con. Biological warfare, bioterrorism, biodefence and the. Biological weapons often termed bio weapons, biological threat agents, or bioagents are living organisms or replicating entities viruses, which are. At the request of homeland security secretary janet napolitano, the aspen homeland security groups wmd working group awg has considered. Biological and chemical warfare share several common features. Biological weapon, any of a number of diseaseproducing agentssuch as bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, fungi, toxins, or other biological agentsthat may be utilized as weapons against humans, animals, or plants. Other types of protective measures include administering antibiotics and vaccines. International law with potential application to nonlethal 37 weapons. Biological and chemical weapons are prohibited by the 1972 biological and toxin and weapons convention btwc and the 1993 chemical weapons convention cwc. The program officially began in spring 1943 on orders from u.
Biological threat the intentional use of biological threat agents as weapons designed to kill or injure humans. The worlds most dangerous bioweapons army technology. Consideration by the cd may 2011 the cd discussion series between december 2010 and july 2011, the unidir project the conference on. It was the first multilateral disarmament treaty banning an entire category of weapons of mass destruction wmd.
A ll states parties to the chemical weapons convention cwc commit to a world free of chemical weapons. Anthrax is estimated to have a mortality rate of 95% although during the septemberoctober 2001 anthrax attacks the mortality rate was 50%. The us congress office of technology assessment has recorded israel as a country generally reported as having undeclared chemical warfare capabilities, and an offensive biological warfare program. Biological weapon biological weapon biological weapons in history. Biological weapons, federation of american scientists, updated october 19, 1998, accessed november 12, 2008.
Biological agents, however, are particularly ineffective as military weapons, while chemical weapons have only limited uses. History, deterrence, and arms control avner cohen1 dr. But for those seeking to understand the soviet unions complicated relationship with biological weapons, perhaps with an eye toward discerning the russian federations. Terrorists and the potential use of biological weapons.
In 1942, president roosevelt signed into action the first biological warfare program. Biological weapons, bioterrorism, and vaccines history of. The relative ease with which pathogenic microorganisms, as possible ingredients for biological weapons, can be obtained, and the intent of nonstate actors to use biological weapons based on. The act of bioterrorism can range from a simple hoax to the actual use of these biological weapons, also referred to as agents. The demise of the biological weapons capability of the united states in 1969 and the advent of the biological and toxin weapons convention in 1972 caused governments in the west to go to sleep to the possibility of biological weapons development throughout the rest of the world, as technically knowledgeable workers were transferred and retired, intelligence desks were closed down. Protective clothing, such as masks and gloves, can provide protection against airborne particles.
One of the first recorded uses of biological warfare occurred in 47, when mongol forces are reported to have catapulted plagueinfested bodies over the walls into the black sea port of caffa now feodosiya, ukraine, at that time a genoese trade centre in the crimean peninsula. Biological weapons bws deliver toxins and microorganisms, such as viruses and bacteria, so as to deliberately inflict disease among people, animals, and agriculture. Biological incident annex to the response and recovery federal interagency operational plans finaljanuary 2017 ii handling instructions information contained in this draft annex is subject to the restrictions outlined in the response and recovery federal interagency operational plans. In 1975, the biological and toxin weapons convention btwc came into force.
Israel is widely believed to possess weapons of mass destruction, and to be one of four nucleararmed countries not recognized as a nuclear weapons state by the nonproliferation treaty npt. Nuclear weapons are dangerous vestiges of an outmoded way of thinking, one in which the object and guarantor of security is the nation state. Organisation for the prohibition of chemical weapons fact sheet working together for a world free of chemical weapons 4 what is a chemical weapon. Note that not all weapons make use of a locked breech design. Respiratory anthrax is contracted by breathing in bacterial spores, as would be the case when b. The direct use of infectious agents and poisons against enemy personnel is an ancient practice in warfare. Anthrax is a type of bacteria called bacillus anthracis. Highlights biological weapons are unique because they are made up of pathogenic organisms that can reproduce and cause infection and death in a large number of hosts. Avner cohen is senior fellow at the center for international and security studies at maryland, as well as the program on security and disarmament, at the university of maryland. Biological threat agents living organisms or the materials derived from them that cause deterioration of material. Conclusions and recommendations 33 maintaining the effectiveness of international prohibitions against chemical 33 and biological weapons policy recommendations 34 concluding remarks 36 appendix a.
Biological weapon biological weapons in history britannica. These weapons consist of pathogenic microbes, toxins, and bioregulator compounds. A biological agent by itself is not enough to make a biological weapon. As effective weapons, they would need to be widely spread by a. Biological weapons include any microorganism such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi or toxin poisonous compounds produced by microorganisms found in nature that can be used to kill or injure people. Bioweapons such as anthrax, botulism and variola have been studied as weapons, engineered and in some cases even deployed to devastating affect. The direct use of infectious agents and poisons against enemy personnel is an ancient. More than 100 nations, including the united states, have ratified this international treaty, which aims to end the development and production of bioweapons. The development of accurate threat assessments and effective national policies requires understanding the technologies of the various types of weapons, the history of their spread, and. Most chemical warfare agents are liquids that evaporate into vapors at varying rates.
In spite of the agreement, bioweapon threats from fringe groups, terrorists, and nations not committed to or. Science and technology and their impacts on the btwc. An attack against people could be used to cause illness, death, fear, societal disruption, and economic damage. Browse this alphabetical list of the most commonly known biological and chemical agents.
The commission further concluded that it is more likely that terrorists would obtain and use a biological rather than a nuclear weapon. Formulae and recipes for experimenting and fabricating both types of weapons. Biological weapon definition of biological weapon by. The highly unpredictable nature of any event involving biological warfare agents has given rise to the need for developing rapid and accurate detection systems. An attack on agricultural plants and animals would primarily cause economic damage, loss of. Biological threat agents may be used as liquid droplets, slurry, aerosols, or dry powders. The development of accurate threat assessments and effective national policies requires understanding the technologies of the various types of weapons, the history of their spread, and the successes and failures of nonproliferation efforts. The 1972 biological and toxin weapons convention restricts countries from developing, producing, stockpiling, or acquiring biological agents, weapons, and equipment outside of peaceful purposes. Biological weapons a biological weapon uses a bacteria or virus, or in some cases toxins that come directly from bacteria, to kill people.
It was the first multilateral disarmament treaty banning an. An attack against people could be used to cause illness, death, fear. Indeed, in many conflicts, diseases have been responsible for more deaths than all the employed combat arms combined, even when they have not. Indeed, in many conflicts, diseases have been responsible. Cbrne is an acronym for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high yield explosives. The hanta virus from bunyaviridae family of viruses has a mortality rate of up to 50%. Accord abbreviation year technical description geneva protocol 1925 prohibits the use of chemical and biological weapons in war. Cqr chemical and biological weapons sage companion. The international community banned the use of chemical and biological weapons after world war i and reinforced the ban in 1972 and 1993 by prohibiting the development, production, stockpiling and transfer of these weapons. Biological weapon, also called germ weapon, any of a number of diseaseproducing agentssuch as bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, fungi, toxins, or other biological agentsthat may be utilized as weapons against humans, animals, or plants. Chemical and biological weapons international committee. The basics of chemical and biological weapons howstuffworks. Over the course of its 27year history, the program weaponized and stockpiled the following.
For example, the soviet union expanded its biological weapons program shortly after ratifying the btwc, and for two decades maintained numerous covert facilities despite being party to the treaty. The btwc member states must not develop, produce, stockpile or otherwise acquire or retain. The united states biological weapons program began in 1943 and was discontinued in 1969. Research continued following world war ii as the u. It then identifies several constraints that inhibit terrorists from venturing into this new type of conflict and the factors that could break down these constraints. This report considers the potential for terrorists to use biological weapons. Radiological weapons often referred to as dirty bombs are not weapons of mass destruction, but due to their psychological impact, they are often equated with these. Possession and programs past and present, james martin center for nonproliferation studies, middlebury college, april 9, 2002, accessed november 12, 2008. Biological weapon definition of biological weapon by the. Bioterrorism poses an enormous threat and is difficult to prevent. However, some signatory countries may be continuing weapons development, as the former soviet union did before its massive program was discontinued in. If there are no immediate signs of the attack as with. Todays advances in life sciences and biotechnology, as well as changes in the security environment, have increased concern that longstanding restraints on the use of. Cbrne chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and.
Biological weapon definition is a harmful biological agent such as a pathogenic microorganism or a neurotoxin used as a weapon to cause death or disease usually on a large scale. These types of weapons have the ability to create both mass casualties as well as mass disruption of society. Nuclear nonproliferation treaty npt 1970 to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to further disarmament. It defined chemicalwarfare agents as including all substances employed for their toxic effects on man, animals and plants, and biological. Biological weapons dont typically adhere to clothing or skin, but can be dangerous should they enter cuts or lesions on the skin. The threat of use of biological warfare agents in a terrorismrelated issue or in a warfare situation is real and looming before us.
In past used to refer primarily to nuclear weapons atomic weapons are not banned by treaty because they are targetable, and lead states possess them. This is a very old classic document that still holds some value today. Biological warfare is the intentional release of infective organisms or their toxic products for the purpose of killing or harming enemy military personnel or populations. Psychological implications of chemical and biological weapons. This is the type of infection expected with use of b. Human pathogens, biotoxins, and agricultural threats. Biological weapons proliferation is a serious problem that is increasing the probability of a serious bioterrorism incident. While there is no specific reference to nuclear weapons in humanitarian law, there are general rules which govern the use of all weapons. Bacteria these prokaryotic organisms are capable of infecting cells and causing disease.
Biological and chemical agents careful advance planning is essential if a member state or other. Both types of weapons kill people, some observers say, so making a distinction is meaningless. A rather comprehensive study of the characteristics of chemical and biological weapons, the types of agents, their acquisition and delivery has been made purver, 1995. The commission further concluded that it is more likely that terrorists would obtain and use a biological rather.
588 1242 598 659 1585 338 176 226 1343 1162 307 1532 185 360 608 76 1181 76 1206 479 535 1221 237 456 539 1503 732 1409 1475 511 585 51 50 755 1213 992 428 450 978