Chemical and Biological Weaponry
Introduction: A Modern Day Trojan Horse
Although the envelope resembled a letter from a fourth grade student, the contents addressed to Senator Tom Daschle were life threatening. Laced within the envelope was a form of the bacteria known as Bacillus Anthracis, bacteria more commonly known as anthrax. When exposed to humans, an anthrax infection leads to the release of toxins, which if not properly treated are fatal (cnn.com). Around the same time of Senator Daschle’s threat, other cases of anthrax exposure were publicized. Just like that, chemical and biological weaponry worry the minds of the public. Some call such weapons “the poor man’s atomic bomb” – its construction cheaper and effects potentially as far-reaching and devastating. The ability to manufacture chemical or biological threats is relatively much easier and its availability more widespread that nuclear weapons. Because of this, many believe any future terrorist attacks might be done with biological weapons similar to anthrax. Though seemingly a new threat, similar weaponry has been the subject of debate for decades. This paper discusses the subject of many of those debates, the ethical implications of its use and development.
To clarify, “biological warfare is the intentional use of disease-causing microorganisms or other entities that can replicate themselves (e.g., viruses, infectious nucleic acids and prions) against humans, animals or plants for hostile purposes” (Adam Rotfeld, SIPRI Fact Sheet, page 1). Furthermore, “it may also involve the use of toxins: poisonous substances produced by living organisms…plants…and animals. If they are utilized for warfare purpose, the synthetically manufactured counterparts of these toxins are biological weapons” (Rotfeld 1). Delivery of such substances can be as easy as sending it via mail, as in the anthrax example, or as sophisticated as mounting a chemical warhead onto a missile. Other possible means of delivery include introducing a substance to a water supply or through air dispersal in the form of gas. This paper will use the terms “biological weapons” and “chemical weapons” interchangeably.
A Brief History of Use
As far back as the 6th century BC, warring nations have been involved with the use of biological weaponry (Henry Hardy, Biological Weapons FAQ). Despite its long history, it is perhaps best to look at more recent events. With the better understanding of disease in the 20th century, various forms of chemical and biological weaponry emerged. During World War I, poisonous gases were used (Nicholas Fotion, Military Ethics, page 73) in addition to anthrax applications by German operatives (Rotfeld, 2).
I. Introduction: Technology in the light of military weaponry has been one of the growingly controversial issues that the world faces today. Among the top weapon types that have advanced greatly over the past recent years are nuclear, chemical and biological weaponry. Though the United States government and military has been enthusiastically involved in the evolution of these weapons, their enthusiasm dwindles when responsibility must be taken for the consequences that result. Consequences that
was a chemical and biological weapons attack, sending nerve gas and lethal pathogens throughout a city, wiping out its population, but leaving the city untouched. An eerie scenario such as this has potential to occur in the future unless all CBW (chemical and biological weapons) are eliminated. Because of the atrocities CBW’s caused by WWI, a document known as the Geneva Protocol was created to stop the use of CBW’s in war (Lee and Muhinda 1). While the protocol did state that CBW’s
third century A.D weapons that harness the power of chemical reactions have been used, intended for military use; however, in recent history terrorists have been able to acquire these gaseous weapons of mass destruction. After their release there is no possibility of containing chemical weapons as they are spread by the wind throughout a massive area. There are no moral implications for these weapons as they possess no positive use for society. Chemical weapons have plagued humanity since their creation
of this essay is to deal with the fact that chemical warfare should be brought back to modern warfare strategies. As Warren Rudman said, “And they will tell you unequivocally that if we have a chemical or biological attack or a nuclear attack anywhere in this country, they are unprepared to deal with it today, and that is of high urgency.” Rudman’s words are true in what they say and that we should do everything to counter-act his statement. Biological weapons are a key to outstanding success in
introduction to war itself. One major factor that sticks out about this war is the belief of chemical weaponry use against allied forces and how the Chemical Corp played a part in the defense of these believed horrendous attacks. Although this belief was not found to be true, elements from the 9th Chemical Detachment as well as personnel from the Army’s Technical Escort Unit and other various chemical units were on ground to ensure a quick response in case of any CBW attack. (BG Russ Zajtchuk
Depleted Uranium Ethics Of the Silver Bullet I. INTRODUCTION/ABSTRACT: “All the soldiers there were wearing NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical warfare) protective clothing. We said: ‘What’s going on here?’ And their answer was: ‘Didn’t you know? This ammunition is a bit dodgy.’” – Tim Pubrick, Gulf War veteran, British Royal Army tank commander.6 Depleted uranium (DU) ammunition is a very recent advancement in military weapons use. Due to its effectiveness against piercing armor, DU ammunition
the deliberate release of pathogens or toxins. Two international treaties outlawed biological weapons in 1925 and 1972. Unfortunately, these treaties have failed to stop countries from conducting offensive weapons research and large-scale production of biological weapons. As our knowledge increases on these disease-causing agents, so does our fear of future threats of biological warfare (Frischknecht, 2003). Biological warfare can be defined as “living organisms or infected material derived from them
WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION 2 When someone says weapons of mass destruction, what comes to your mind? Whether it's nuclear bombs, biological weapons, or dangerous chemicals, they can be inimical and formidable to many people all across the world. The thought of what to do if an attack of this nature were to occur can be horrifying. Learning more about these weapons can help to dispel any angst that you have about your personal safety due to these accoutrements
system in 1995, by a cult, was the first time in recent history, that a domestic terrorism entity had been able to use a weapons of mass destruction (WMD) with any means of accuracy. It was also the first time a modern country had dealt chemical or biological weaponry since World War II (WWII). It is worth mentioning that cult followings were nothing new in the world. But in imperialistic Japan, ideology such as this, had never before been seen. However, the attack in Japan, by Aum Shinrikyo proved
it comes to South Africa, President P. W. Botha decided that to best protect the welfare of the citizens, a defensive measure must be established that was secure and efficient. The idea of such measures brought on an evolution of a secret chemical and biological weapons program which became known as Project Coast. The personnel that knew of its existence hid the program from the world and used various measures to ensure that this program remained their little secret. However, no secret lays dormant
the reader and her approach has resulted in a wider understanding of the simple fact that these are chemicals, poisons, we are using when spraying pesticides. More importantly, the population may understand the more careful approach and control in every step of the way these poisons must travel, from research to laboratory to government approval to being used in the field. The advancement in chemical technology with these improved pesticides has created improvements in the public health as well. From
Biological Weapons and Biological Warfare Thesis: Biological Warfare is morally and inhumanely wrong, It is the wrongful killing of men, women, and children. It should be stopped no matter what the circumstances are. I. Introduction into the bad effects of biological warfare through some examples. a. Example of single affect of biological warfare b. Example of a country using Biological Warfare II. Definition of Biological Warfare a. Biological Warfare Agents i. Micro-Organisms ii
gaseous state and the technologies needed to detect and respond with are very expensive. Each individual threat that comprises the term CBRNE is very different. Therefore, each threat requires a different type of detection equipment. A basic piece of chemical detection equipment needs to be able to detect nerve, blood, blister, lewisite, TICs, TIMS, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and Hydrogen Sulfide
Weapons Of Mass Destruction Weapons of mass destruction are the most powerful weapons ever created. Weapons of mass destruction are a chemical, biological or radioactive weapon capable of causing widespread annihilation. But according to United States law it also fits in many other weapons in to an extremely broad description of weapons. Nuclear weapons are a major crisis in today’s world as seen in the cold war can cause tensions to rise extremely fast and cause the brink of global warfare once
learn the dangers of weapons of mass destruction to decide which side to stand up for. Government and Military strength has always decided which countries are the best in the world. Now with drones, the development of lasers, and nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, every modern organization is a credible threat. Our way of life is balancing on a gymnast's beam. A big enough push could topple us over the edge. Nuclear power is a huge topic and definitely a two sided coin. On one side we have