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Biological weapons leave the potential to make a level of destruction and loss of life far in more than nuclear, chemical or conventional weapons, relative to their mass and price of development and storage.

Why biological warfare is more dangerous?

There is a heightened threat of biological weapons being used for biological warfare or bioterrorism. Many of the microorganisms and toxins that may be used as such biological weapons can easily be acquired and mass produced. Dissemination of aerosols of these biological agents can produce mass casualties.

Why are biological weapons more dangerous than other weapons?

Yes, biological weapons are more dangerous than nuclear weapons because they can persist, propagate and spread through a population.

What is the problem with biological weapons?

Biological weapons have been used infrequently due to difficulty in obtaining and processing the pathogens, uncertainty that they will affect an intended target, and, in some cases, moral inhibitions.

What is the most dangerous biological weapon?

Anthrax. Anthrax is probably No. 1 on the list of most likely biological agents because it's naturally found in soil, is easily produced and lasts for a long, long time once disbursed. It's odorless, colorless and tasteless, meaning it's bad news as a sneaky weapon of mass destruction.

Who has been accused of using biological warfare?

During the Korean War, the Soviet Union, China, and North Korea accused the USA of using agents of biological warfare against North Korea (1, 18). In later years the USA admitted that it had the capability of producing such weapons, although it denied having used them.

What are the effects of biological warfare?

Bioweapons, Biodiversity, and Ecocide: Potential Effects of Biological Weapons on Biological Diversity: Bioweapon disease outbreaks could cause the extinction of endangered wildlife species, the erosion of genetic diversity in domesticated plants and animals, the destruction of traditional human livelihoods, and the …

Is biological warfare a war crime?

In particular, the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) bans the development, production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and use of biological weapons. Therefore, the use of biological agents in armed conflict is a war crime.

How is biological warfare prevented?

If provided before exposure, active immunization or prophylaxis with antibiotics may prevent illness. Effective vaccines and antitoxins exist for several of the agents most likely to be used in a biological weapons attack. Additional vaccines and new therapies are needed, and some are under development.

Has biological warfare been used?

Considerable research into BW was undertaken throughout the Cold War era by the US, UK and USSR, and probably other major nations as well, although it is generally believed that such weapons were never used.