biochemical warfare

biochemical warfare

What are they: used to cause mass panic, mass casualties, economic destruction, and summon us government responses.Although a nuclear attack is not likely because of the lack of technical expertise associated with acquiring these weapons, the intent of to obtain this material is a continuing concern.
Properties of Bioweapons:
They cause serious illness or death
They are highly contagious, so that one infected person can spread the disease to many others.
Because they would infect many people, they would strain hospital resources
Diseases, such as small pox and ebola cause terrible symptoms that are alarming to the public.
Cultures can be purchased or stolen and then manufactured on a large scale
The organism can be converted to a form that is readily dispersed in the air or in water and food supplies.
Highly resilient and long shelf life.
Short incubation period between infection and the onset of symptoms.
Resist medical treatment
The attacking force can be protected against the disease agent.
Chemical Weapons- Defined as “chemical substances” whether gaseous, liquid, or solid. Are not high-tech devices (although delivering systems may be). Usually do not kill millions swiftly, with one attack, while a nuclear bomb could kill 1 million people outright and many more millions by radiation poisoning over days, weeks, months, and even years after radiation exposure. Do not destroy infrastructure, although they might be too dangerous to use for a while, until they are decontaminated (could cost billions).
Types of chemical weapons: Mustard gas: A manufactured chemical containing sulfur mustard. A colorless and odorless liquid. Not a gas. When mixed with other chemicals it is brown and smells like garlic. Does not occur in nature and can enter the environment only through evaporation from the soil or water or through accidental release by people.
Vesicant: causes skin burns and blisters. Burning eyes, swelling eyelids, increased eye blinking,...

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