NCJ Number
191334
Date Published
2001
Length
128 pages
Annotation
This book summarizes the threat, history, and control of chemical and biological weapons.
Abstract
Terrorist attacks with biological and chemical weapons have gained attention in the United States in recent years. Law enforcement experts believe conventional explosives are the most likely terrorist threat, but most Americans are more concerned about biological and chemical weapons. Organized groups, seeking revenge and power are reasons why people fear a major attack. Blistering, choking, blood, and nerve agents are examples of chemical agents. Biological toxins are some of the most poisonous agents known, and a small amount can cause widespread destruction. A biological attack can spread like an infectious disease and immobilize troops because of the illnesses it would create. Attacks could affect herds of domestic animals and cause food shortages. Iraq is one country that is a prime suspect of having stockpiles of biological weapons. China, Russia, North Korea, and Taiwan are suspected of continuing their biological weapons programs. Some experts believe it is a matter of time that nations use biological weapons against another, but others think the use will be rare because of the threat of retaliation. U.S. counterterrorism policy includes not making concessions to terrorists and bringing them to justice. Many countries are setting up safeguards against terrorism and are cooperating with each other to counter terrorist groups, which have an international network and have countries friendly to their causes. Because chemical and biological attacks may occur in areas other than battlefields, the military and emergency agencies have worked to protect nonmilitary populations. Emergency responders are being trained to deal with a biological and chemical attack. Steps have been taken to alert medical practitioners to the possibility that weapons would be deliberately released. Treaties, conventions, bans, and other agreements exist to limit and control chemical and biological weapons. Despite the agreements, the means of the weapons' delivery will probably spread to other nations intent on carrying out mass destruction. Weapons of the future could disrupt computer and communications systems. Hackers have broken into military research centers and gained access to power grids. Officials are worried about computer attacks on the banking system. Intelligence detecting actions in advance can be passed along to the military for the deployment of defensive measures. Notes, appendices, index.