Biological Weapons: The 'Living' and Pervasive Weapons of Mass Destruction
The 'art' and methods of war have indeed gone a long way; from subsisting to crude metals and guns, human society has learned to manipulate Nature by using as one of its weapons of mass destruction organisms that create balance within the planet's ecosystem. Nuclear warheads, guns, and other artilleries and weaponry are no longer feasible arsenals of war, mainly because they are not energy- and economically-efficient, as biological weapons are. Biological weapons, is identified as a destructive medium which "consist of living, infectious microorganisms that are disseminated as aerosols through the atmosphere... are generally invisible, odorless, and tasteless" (Falkenrath, 1998). These characteristics of biological weapons make it a feasible medium for destruction, especially between warring nations/societies.
This paper traces the origins and history of biological weapons, especially in the United States. In knowing its history, this research also looks into the development of technology as one of the precursors that helped 'develop' and proliferate the creation of microorganisms that can destroy not only the human body, but the Earth's physical environment as well. Furthermore, the use of biological weapons as an alternative for weapons in the act of terrorism and as a means to destroy another nation or society is also studied and analyzed, thereby putting the production of biological weapons in its socio-political context. Classifications of biological weapons presently produced are also identified. Lastly, measures and policies formulated that aim to encourage and promote non-proliferation of biological weapons, a socio-political issue, is also tackled, providing tentative solutions to the increased use of biological weapons, thereby increasing the probability of its adverse effects to plague human society and the physical environment for years to come.
The origin and history of biological weapons can be traced as far back as the 14th century, where plague epidemics become biological weapons used by conquerors in order to easily overpower other nations/societies. In American history, biological weapons use is evident in the use of the smallpox disease as a way for the French and British forces to defeat the Native Americans, original inhabitants of the U.S. territory, in the 18th century (Lederberg, 1999:18-9). Biological weaponry has become...
Smaller particles follow the fluid streamlines and exit the sample." (NATIBO, 2001) The method of operation of a "bubbler or impinger" is through "drawing aerosols through a current inlet tube and jet. Usually the jet is submerged in the liquid contained in the sampler." (NATIBO, 2001) the aerosol particles become capture din the base of the jet by the surface of the liquid as the air moves through the liquid.
Having known the mounting dangers, many public health and bio-terrorism experts, members of Congress and some well-positioned Bush administration officials convey increasing discomfort about what they think are flaws in the country's bio-defenses. Over the earlier years, awareness steps have been made, mainly in the large cities. But most of necessary equipments are not available. The federal government's standard answer to the anthrax assaults of 2001 and the warning of
" Encyclopaedia Britannica. 2009. Encyclopaedia Britannica Online. 22 Apr. 2009 . Goldman, D. "The Generals and the Germs." Journal of Military History 73(2). Apr 2009: p. 531-569. Academic Search Complete. EBSCOHost. University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ. April 22, 2009 . Guillemin, J. "Germ Warfare Under the Microscope." Futurist 42(3) May/Jun 2008: p. 31. MasterFILE Premier. EBSCOHost. University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ. April 22, 2009 . Kelle, A. "Strengthening the Effectiveness of the BTW
Bioterrorism Biological weapons can significantly change the battlefield. Today's leaders must always be on the watch for new threats that can arise in newly designed ways. The enemy is always planning to expose weaknesses in the defense. Biological weaponry is such a technology that can bring devastating effects and exploit weaknesses both tactically and strategically. The purpose of this essay is to examine the appeal of biological weapons to terrorist organizations.
smallpox as a weapon against societies. The writer explores the viability of using smallpox as a weapon as well as some of the things societies have done to prepare for such a possibility. In addition the education of the American public for such an attack is discussed. There were seven sources used to complete this paper. Bioterrorism has been a concern of the United States for many years. During most
Bioterrorism Biological weapon can be defined as any kind of organism such as the bacteria, fungi or viruses, or any toxin (poisonous compounds that are produced by organisms) that can be used to kill the host or kill/injure human beings. There are varying acts of bioterrorism ranging from a hoax to actual use of these biological weapons or agents. Of late, a very significant number of countries are pursuing the ownership
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