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Chemical & Biological Although chemical and biological weapons are different, they are often deployed in similar manners. Chemical weapons contain no living organisms and are usually deployed in the form of gas, dust or liquid. Most are considered "broad-band" -- meaning they kill every living thing, but can be tailored to kill just specific plants or animals. The toxins cannot reproduce themselves (as with biological weapons), so they can be stored like any chemical. It's often hard to tell the difference between a chemical or biological assault, but generally a toxin works in a much shorter time period than a biological weapon requiring an incubation period. Biological weapons consist of living organisms and tend to be more selective than chemical weapons. In other words, they're tailored to attack only humans, or plants, or animals. Biological weapons are more likely to be used by terrorists in a covert attack. Chemical weapons inflict quicker casualties, so are more likely to be used as part of a direct attack. Both chemical and biological weapons programs are part of the war chests of the major nations, as well as Arab nations already known to sponsor terrorist attacks. Never in the history of warfare has there been an effective weapon developed and not used -- sooner or later. I believe those of us living in major urban areas need to be concerned primarily with biological assults deployed by terrorists. The horror of anthrax and other known biological weapons is bad enough, but no one knows what has recently been created by germ-warfare scientists. Fourteen years ago, the Wall Street Journal reported that the USSR was working on splicing genes which secrete cobra snake venom into an influenza virus. In the early 1940s the British conducted anthrax tests on the Scottish island -- Gruinard. Today, over 50 years later, no one is allowed to land on the island because the anthrax spores if inhaled in the dust could induce the disease. They now believe that the island may be contaminated for hundreds of years. Current biological weapon experiments are said to include viruses that die after an "x" number of cell divisions. This would allow an enemy to kill off a population without having to wait too long to move in and take over the country. Pound for pound, biological weapons produce a death yield similar to nuclear weapons, but without destroying property. Comparing biological to chemical weapons, a few grams of anthrax spores would cause the same devastation as a ton of nerve gas. Our government cannot or will not vaccinate the population against this kind of attack. It's up to you and you alone to protect yourself and those important to you. Four Groups of Biological Organisms Viruses destroy by penetrating a living cell and replicating themselves. Some can alter the genetic structure of the host cell to suit the virus's reproductive purposes. Because viruses rapidly mutate, it is nearly impossible to develop vaccines. A mutated virus is a new disease. Antibiotics do not combat viruses. Because of their simple structure, viruses may be able to be synthesized or altered. Rickettsiae are parasitic microorganisms which attack both animals and humans. They are easily spread by vectors (insect carriers): fleas, ticks, mites and chiggers. The main rickettsial agents exploited for biological warfare: Q fever, typhus, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Bacteria are single-celled organisms, easily grown in a laboratory. Modified bacteria like E.Coli are especially dangerous. Bacteria spores can be stored for long periods of time and include Anthrax, Brucellosis, Cholera, Diptheria, Glanders, Paratyphoid fever, Black plague, Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Typhoid fever, and many more. Fungi are parasitic plants and are spread by spores. For many there is no medication. Coccidioidomycosis (San Joaquin or Valley Fever) is highly infectious. Histoplasmosis is another deadly fungal infection. Zoonoses are diseases that occur in animals but can be transmitted to humans: Anthrax, Glanders, Rinder-pest virus, Hog cholera virus or swine fever. Without immunity, humans will often die of these diseases even with medical treatment. Some vaccines are available for people who regularly come in contact with animals -- vets, farm workers, tanners, etc. Crop diseases can be easily spread by biological attack. Biological Dissemination Systems Biological aerosols are suspensions of fine powder or liquids--deployed by nozzles fitted on the wings of military aircraft or the body of a helicopter. Under average conditions, a particle (1 to 5 microns) falls at the rate of five feet an hour. Humidity and temperature are a factor. The sun's ultra violet light kills most bacteria in a few minutes, so attackers would disseminate germs at night. Vectors / insect carriers (released by terrorists or parachuted): Insects can be deliberately contaminated with a disease and then released. Factoring insect life spans, a disease can be circulated for several weeks as compared to a few hours with most aerosol dissemination. Mosquitoes live about eight weeks, and fleas up to seven months. Some insects can also pass diseases on to their offspring. There are over 80 viral diseases transmittable to man in this way. Terrorists can release disease into the water supply or simply toss spores from the rooftop of a high building. Bombs, missiles and shell aerosol are also valid delivery systems. See the Newsweek story on Anthrax, Botullnum toxin and VX. What Can You Do To Protect Yourself? A gas mask and protective suit will provide the best protection available until you can get out of the area. A gas mask and filter can be purchased for $8 to $20. Suits are also reasonable. If a chemical or biological agent has been released in your area, put on the suit and mask and get out of the area as quickly as possible. If you can't leave, seal your living quarters as best you can. Close all windows, and tape up all cracks and air inlets. Most of the agents are heavier than air, so moving to higher ground should improve your survival chances. Avoid low areas such as river beds, valleys and city streets flanked by high buildings. (Avoid high ground during a temperature inversion -- when the air suddenly warms up after a cool period.) The more remote you are, the less likely you will be targeted for a chemical or biological attack. In the case of war, survivors may not be able to survive the years following the attack unless they are self-sufficient in food, water, medical assistance and shelter. Weapons will be needed if for no other reason than protection from dangerous and possibly diseased packs of wild animals hunting for food. The biggest threat will probably come from marauding bands of men. Sources: Surviving Doomsday by Bruce Sibley (Shaw & Sons, Shaway House London SE26 5AE England) Surviving Major Chemical Accident & Chemical/Biological Warfare by Duncan Long (Loompanics Unlimite, Box 1197, Port Townsend, WA 98368) Preparing for Catastrophe by Bruce LaRue (Blue Forest Books, Box 177, Salida, CO 81201) The Sense of Survival by J. Allan South (Timpanogos Publishers, Box 776, Orem, UT 84057) Nuclear War Survival Skills by Cresson H. Kearny (Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine, Cave Junction, OR)
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