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Biological Threats
While some biological agents which could be used for terrorist activity occur naturally it is more likely that biological weapons will consist of agents which are man-made using genetic engineering technologies. Biological agents pose a significant threat because, as living organisms, once released they are unpredictable and uncontrollable. However the use of biological agents, which are more fragile and heavier than chemical agents, requires a more complex method of delivery. Biological agents are much more effective when dispersed into the air in an aerosol, powder or liquid form.
These agents are not designed for pinpoint delivery; on the contrary, their purpose is to inflict mass casualties compounded by the infected victims acting as potential carriers in some cases. They are also far less common than chemical agents and require a much greater degree of technical sophistication and resources to develop and deploy. Nevertheless, the results of a biological incident may not become apparent for several hours or days, often long after exposed victims have left the scene making control of the spread of contamination extremely difficult.
Biological agent summary
Biological agents are living organisms, and as such are sensitive to environmental pressures. The traditional means of delivery are by aerosol, large liquid drops, dry powders or insect infestation. Most of these methods are within the capability of even modestly industrialized nations or sophisticated and well-funded terrorist organizations.
Biological agents are categorized in the following manner:
- Bacteria are small, single-celled organisms that multiply by cell division and can cause disease in humans, animals or plants.
Examples: Anthrax, Cholera, Plague, Tularemia
- Viruses are organisms that require living human cells to replicate and are intimately dependent on the cells of the host they infect.
Example: Smallpox
- Rickettsia are smaller than bacteria and live inside individual host cells like viruses.
Example: Q Fever
- Toxins and Venoms are poisonous substances, usually in liquid form, produced by numerous organisms including bacteria, fungi, algae, plants and animals. Toxins and venoms are generally considered to be inorganic substances and are usually more toxic by weight than chemical agents.
Examples: Botulism, SEB
- Fungi are primitive plants that do not require light or oxygen to grow and draw nutrition from decaying vegetable matter. Most fungi form spores that live in the soil.
Biological agents are most effectively introduced to humans via inhalation into the respiratory tract but they can also be absorbed through the skin or ingested through contaminated food and beverages or water. In the event of a biological incident, human symptoms may take days to weeks to present. Typically there are no characteristic warning signatures because the live organisms are usually colorless and odorless. High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters provide the best available protection from airborne microbiological hazards.
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