Chemical and biological warfare. Should defenses be researched and deployed?
J. M. Orient
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson.
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.
