NCJ Number
190396
Date Published
January 1997
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This report discusses the reality of chemical and biological terrorism, specifically its implications for aviation, the lethality of chemical and biological warfare agents, the production of agents, the motivation of terrorists, vulnerability/preparedness of such an attack, and the response to prepare for a possible chemical or biological attack.
Abstract
The sarin attack on the Tokyo subways illustrated the vulnerability of a modern city and its infrastructure, and highlighted the importance of preventing these attacks and deploying the means of responding to them if prevention fails. This attack reinforced three points: (1) chemical and especially biological warfare agents are extremely deadly, and it does not take great sophistication to produce them or to crudely disseminate them; (2) there are at least some people or groups who would actually use these agents against civilians; and (3) although in today’s modern society it is extremely difficult to protect against such a threat, steps can and are being taken to mitigate the damage they might cause. The Federal Government is vigorously pursuing the development of equipment to detect and verify the presence of chemical or biological agents; to protect individuals from exposure; to decontaminate affected people, equipment, and locations; and to provide medical treatment for victims. The Government is also initiating a program to help train those who must respond to terrorist events, and it will lend its expertise and technical assistance to set up a response capability, exercise it, and deploy it. It is understood that it is impossible to eliminate the possibility of chemical or biological terrorist attacks, but these activities can make the Nation much better equipped to respond to one, should it occur.