Chemical and Biological Weaponry :: Biological Warfare Nuclear Weapons Ethics Essays

Chemical and Biological WeaponryIntroduction A red-brick Day Trojan HorseAlthough the envelope resembled a letter from a fourth grade student, the contents addressed to Senator Tom Daschle were life threatening. twist within the envelope was a form of the bacteria known as Bacillus Anthracis, bacteria to a greater extent commonly known as anthrax. When open to humans, an anthrax infection leads to the release of toxins, which if not properly treated argon fatal (cnn.com). Around the same time of Senator Daschles threat, other cases of anthrax exposure were publicized. Just like that, chemical and biologic weaponry stick the minds of the public. Some call such weapons the poor mans atomic bomb its construction cheaper and effects potentially as far-reaching and devastating. The ability to create chemical or biological threats is relatively much easier and its availability more widespread that nuclear weapons. Beca intention of this, many believe any future terrorist attacks cleverness be done with biological weapons similar to anthrax. Though seemingly a new threat, similar weaponry has been the repress of debate for decades. This paper discusses the subject of many of those debates, the ethical implications of its use and development.To clarify, biological warfare is the intentional use of disease-causing microorganisms or other entities that can replicate themselves (e.g., viruses, infectious nucleic acids and prions) against humans, animals or plants for hostile purposes (Adam Rotfeld, SIPRI Fact Sheet, pageboy 1). Furthermore, it may also involve the use of toxins foul substances produced by living organismsplantsand animals. If they are utilized for warfare purpose, the synthetically make counterparts of these toxins are biological weapons (Rotfeld 1). Delivery of such substances can be as easy as sending it via mail, as in the anthrax example, or as sophisticated as mounting a chemical consignment onto a missile. Other possible means of del ivery include introducing a substance to a water supply or through transport dispersal in the form of gas. This paper will use the price biological weapons and chemical weapons interchangeably.A Brief History of UseAs far back as the 6th century BC, warring nations befool been involved with the use of biological weaponry (Henry Hardy, Biological Weapons FAQ). Despite its desire history, it is perhaps best to look at more recent events. With the meliorate understanding of disease in the 20th century, various forms of chemical and biological weaponry emerged. During World War I, poisonous gases were used (Nicholas Fotion, Military Ethics, page 73) in addition to anthrax applications by German operatives (Rotfeld, 2).