Biological Agents as Natural Hazards and Bioterrorism as a "New" Natural Disaster Threat (From Terrorism: Defensive Strategies for Individuals, Companies and Governments, P 73-80, 2001, Lawrence J. Hogan, ed., -- See NCJ-192066)

• NCJ Number: 192071
• Author(s): Eric K. Noji
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: Amlex, Inc.
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: This article was originally published in the Natural Hazards Observer, November 2000, 482 UCB, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO.

Annotation

This chapter discusses biological agents as a weapon and terrorist disaster threat.

Abstract

The pathogens involved in biological weapons are natural in the sense that they are risks that naturally occur in the environment. However, they are unnatural in the way in which they are inflicted upon society. The earliest reported use of biological weapons was in the 6th century B.C. In 1972 the United States and many other countries signed the Biological Weapons Convention, prohibiting the stockpiling of biological agents for offensive military purposes and forbidding research into offensive employment of biological agents. There is currently intense concern about the proliferation or enhancement of offensive programs in several countries due to possible hiring of expatriate Russian scientists as well as a number of other conditions, including neglected security systems and unpaid and unemployed technical personnel with access to and knowledge of weapons of mass destruction. In addition to biological agents as weapons of war, there is also increasing concern over the possibility of terrorist use of biological agents to threaten civilian populations. A disaster caused by the intentional release of biological weapons would be very different from other types of disasters. In a biological event it is unlikely that a single location or cluster of people will be identified for traditional first response. Large numbers of patients would need immediate and sustained medical care. Additionally, in their initial stages, many of the diseases delivered by biological weapons resemble common illnesses. Deliberate epidemics may continue to produce victims over a period of weeks or months, and additional attacks must be anticipated. The best public health measures to protect, respond to, and defend against the adverse health effects of biological terrorism or disasters due to deadly pathogens are the development, organization, and enhancement of life-saving public health tools. Planning and training involving all organizations involved in responding is essential.