Terrorism: Background on Chemical, Biological, and Toxin Weapons and Options for Lessening Their Impact
Abstract
The catastrophic terrorist attack of September 11, 2001 and the subsequent anthrax mailings have sensitized the nation to acts of domestic terrorism. The confirmation of terrorist interest in weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and the vulnerability of the United States to such attack have highlighted the potential that these weapons may be used as weapons of terror. The framework of WMD includes chemical, biological, and toxin weapons. Chemical, biological, and toxin weapons can produce mass casualties if effectively disseminated, but have varying and different effects. Chemical weapons, predominantly man-made chemicals, require the largest amounts of material to be effective and cause their effects in minutes to hours. Biological weapons made of naturally occurring pathogens require the least material to be effective, but generally have an incubation period of several days before symptoms show themselves. Toxin weapons, chemical agents formed by biological processes, are intermediate between the two in both amount and timescale. Treatment protocols for chemical, biological, and toxin weapons vary on a per-agent basis, ranging from weapons with effective treatment and prophylaxis to weapons which have no known cure nor protection. Several initiatives are underway to reduce the potential value of chemical, biological, and toxin weapons. One approach has been through funding significant increases in the public health system's preparedness and response capacity. Additionally, facilities and researchers possessing "select agents" have been registered in a national database. Non-governmental agencies and professional societies have also been active in developing policies and options to lower the threat of terrorist attack. Potential options to further decrease the odds of chemical, biological, and toxin terrorism also are discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA481188
Entities
People
- Dana A. Shea
Organizations
- Library of Congress