Chemical and biological warfare: should defenses be researched and deployed?
Article Abstract:
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 is presented. The US stockpile of chemical warfare agents estimated at 36,000 tons before production ended in 1969, includes phosgene, hydrogen cyanide, and mustard gas. The Soviet stockpile is believed to be between 270,000 and 360,000 tons. Mutation makes biological weapons difficult to control and poses complex ecological problems. Both chemical and biological weapons can be as much a threat to the user as to the target. Delivery systems are also becoming more sophisticated. Treaties, deterrence and defense as methods of preventing the use of such weapons are discussed.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1989
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The use of chemical weapons; conducting an investigation using survey epidemiology
Article Abstract:
The use of chemical weapons in war violates the Geneva Protocol of 1925, but investigating alleged use of such weapons is difficult and a strict epidemiological approach has proved advisable. Two case studies in the use of this approach are presented. Testimony of those exposed is primary in such investigations and methods of inquiry must be designed so that consistency of responses can be used to establish validity of the testimony. Flaws in the methodology of the first investigation, conducted among the Hmong in Laos, and external difficulties affecting the outcome of the second investigation, conducted among the Kurds in Iraq, are detailed. Problems include leading questions, lack of time to conduct a proper survey, government opposition and the need for timely investigation.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1989
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Tear gas - harassing agent or toxic chemical weapon?
Article Abstract:
Proponents of the use of tear gas for crowd control or the subduing of barricaded criminals maintain that its noxious effects are brief and have no long-term consequences if used correctly. Recent incidents of tear gas use have shown that exposure is hard to control and that the weapon is often used incorrectly. Cases of both traumatic and toxic injury have been documented. There is evidence that the most widely used form of tear gas can cause chromosomal abnormalities. Research into the full risks of tear gas exposure and continued debate on whether use of tear gas can be condoned are greatly needed.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1989
User Contributions:
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