Chemical and biological warfare. Should defenses be researched and deployed?

Abstract

The threat of chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction has intensified because of improved delivery systems and advances in chemistry, genetics, and other sciences. Possible US responses to this threat include deterrence, defenses, and/or disarmament, including a reaffirmation of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention of 1972, which is now in jeopardy. This article discusses the history of chemical and biological warfare, existing and potential weapons, the proliferation of weapons and delivery systems, ways to prevent the use of these weapons, and ways to protect populations from their effects.

KIE: Improved delivery systems and scientific advances have intensified the threat of mass destruction from biological and chemical weapons, and there is considerable 20th century precedent for their use. Orient, a physician, discusses the history of biological and chemical warfare, the nature of existing and potential weapons and delivery systems, arguments concerning deterrence, defense, and disarmament as means of preventing biological and chemical warfare, and ways to protect civilian and military populations against the effects of these weapons.