NCJ Number
192083
Date Published
2002
Length
328 pages
Annotation
This book is a detailed survey of the key issues related to chemical and biological warfare.
Abstract
Although it is difficult not to focus on the myriad terrifying possibilities of chemical and biological warfare, this book suggests that current alarms may be exaggerated and stand in the way of a realistic assessment of the actual dangers. The book presents a comprehensive summary of key chemical and biological warfare (CBW) agents, with explanations of their chemical or biological characteristics and their effects on humans. It also contains an overview of what can be done to address threats of CBW attacks, including extensive discussions of how vaccines have been and should be used. It analyzes the changing tactics of terrorists, and the role CBW armaments may play in their plans. Finally, it includes an assessment of the current state of CBW proliferation--who has these weapons and who is likely to use them. The book claims its goal is to increase the understanding of an aspect of human behavior, or a force in human history, that seems capable of devising new tools of destruction that America may have to face at times and in places where they are least expected. Notes, figures, bibliography, index