Biological and Chemical Terrorism

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. The Growing Threat of Biological Weapons. 3. Framing The Threat and Setting The Agenda of Public Perception and Policy. 4. Biological and Chemical Terrorism: Strategic Plan for Preparedness and Response. 5. Nuclear Biological and Chemical Terrorism: An Awareness Primer and Preparedness Guide. 6. International Terrorism: Threat, Policy and Response. 7. CSIS CBRN Terrorism Task Force Report. 8. Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Weapons and Missiles: Status and Trends. 9. Biological and Chemical Terrorism: Recognition and Management. 10. Biological and Chemical Terrorism: Why Biological Weapons Present The Greatest Danger. 11. Terrorism: Background on Chemical, Biological and Toxin Weapons and Options. Bibliography. Index.

A bioterrorism attack is the deliberate release of viruses bacteria or other germs used to cause illness or death in people, animals, or plants. These agents are typically found in nature, but it is possible that they could be changed to increase their ability to cause make them resistant to current medicines, or to increase their ability to be spread into the environment. Biological agents can be spread through the air, through water or in food. Terrorists may use biological agents because they can be extremely difficult to detect and do not cause illness for several hours to several days. Some bioterrorism agents, like the smallpox virus, can be spread from person to person and some, like anthrax, cannot. (Jacket)