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The hidden truth about biological weapons: How are these pathogens changing the rules of war?
Biological weapons, or biological pathogens, refer to pathogens used as weapons, including live bacteria, viruses and toxins. These pathogens not only have the potential to cause multiple negative impacts on human health, but can also spread on a large scale with relatively low cost and resources. Therefore, pathogens that are widespread in nature have become potential dangers in military and terrorist activities.
The use of biological weapons has a long history dating back to the 20th century, starting with the siege of Kaffa in 1346, and continuing through today's biological weapons-related issues, reflecting international concern about this threat.
According to data, more than 1,200 different biological agents have been described and studied. Some of these biological agents are highly endemic, reproduce rapidly, and require relatively few resources, making them potentially dangerous in a variety of occupational settings. For example, both anthrax and botulinum toxin have been militarized and used as weapons in past wars.
Biological weapons laws and international treaties
The Biological Weapons Convention signed in 1972 prohibits the development, use and storage of biological weapons. According to reports, as of March 2021, 183 countries have become members of the Convention. While this convention nominally bans an entire class of mass-destructive weapons, its effectiveness is limited primarily by the lack of formal monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance by states.
Many countries made reservations about the applicability of the Geneva Protocol when signing it, causing the treaty to actually become a "no first use" agreement.
Biological weapons can be divided into "Category A", "Category B" and "Category C" based on their potential public health hazards. According to the classification of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Class A biological agents are considered to pose the greatest threat to the United States due to their high pathogenicity and transmission efficiency.
Classification of biological agents
According to U.S. laws and regulations, biological agents can be divided into "lethal agents" and "incompetent agents." For example, Bacillus anthracis and Yersinia pestis are both considered lethal agents, whereas Brucella and Salmonella are incapacitating agents. The properties of these agents make them potential weapons in war and terrorist operations.
These biological agents are commonly found in the natural environment, including water, soil, plants, and animals. This also makes their potential spread more diverse.
In modern times, the development trend of biological weapons has also highlighted the application of genetic modification technology, which makes some diseases that could have been treated more lethal or impossible to prevent. This poses new challenges to international security, and relevant monitoring and prevention measures continue to need to be updated with technological advancements.
The role of the simulator
Simulators are an important tool for studying the effectiveness of biological weapons dispersal. These non-pathogenic substances mimic the physical or biological properties of biological agents to aid in studying the efficacy of their dispersal techniques. Simulators, typically between 1 and 5 microns in size, can enter enclosed buildings and penetrate deeply into human or animal lungs, which can still pose a health risk even if they are not pathogenic in the environment.
Biological weapons in culture
In popular culture, biological weapons often appear in movies and books, which often feature their devastating effects and explore the ethical, legal, and social issues related to biological weapons. With the advancement of science and technology, such themes are emerging one after another, allowing readers and viewers to think deeply about possible biological weapons in the future.
In future wars, how will we view the threat of biological weapons and respond to them to protect human safety and health?
