Abstract
Chemistry, microbiology and genetic engineering have opened new doorways for the human race to propel itself to a better future. However, there is a darker side to Bioengineering. One element of this is the manufacture and proliferation of biological and chemical weapons. It is clearly in the interest of humankind to prevent the future use of such weapons of mass destruction. Though many agents have been proposed as potential biological and chemical weapons, the feasibility of these weapons is a matter of conjecture. The unpredictable and indiscriminate devastation caused by natural epidemics and hazardous chemicals during wartime without medical treatment should warn humans of the dangers of employing them as weapons. This study argues rapid detection techniques may dissuade future use. Many agents are far less toxic to treatment. A quick response time to most attacks will decrease the chances of serious health issues. The agent will be less effective and discourage the attacker from using the weapon. Fortunately, the Chemical and Biological Weapons Convention (CWCIBWC) allows defensive work in the area of biological and chemical weapons. Consequently, the review will discuss history, delivery/dispersal systems and specific agents of the warfare. The study presents current developments in biosensors for toxic materials of defense interest. It concludes with future directions for biosensor development.
Highlights
The Soviets are believed to have stockpiled two hundred seventy thousand to three hundred sixty History: Biological and chemical warfare has been thousand tons of chemical agents[7]
Common Agents: "The one that scares me to death, perhaps even more so than tactical nuclear weapons and the one we have the least capability against is biological weapons"[25]
The U.S military has developed a field apparatus that can test an air sample for the presence of specific biological agents[17], called a Biological Integrated Detection System (BIDS)[54], it can confirm the presence of a handful of microorganisms, including anthrax and plague bacteria
Summary
The Soviets are believed to have stockpiled two hundred seventy thousand to three hundred sixty History: Biological and chemical warfare has been thousand tons of chemical agents[7]. The United States stockpiled approximately thirty-six thousand tons of chemical warfare agents before production stopped in 1969[5]. These agents include phosgene gas, hydrogen cyanide, mustard gas and nerve gas[6]. It is a blistering agent that damages any surface it contacts, including the skin, eyes and lungs It usually causes death by respiratory failure[17]. Delivery[34]: A chemical attack involves dispersing agents into the air This can be done in various ways, such as firing artillery shells that burst in midair, or Fig. 2: Land Mine[34, 35] (Mitretek). Factors that increase the danger of ground contamination are[35]:
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