DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

enough to fight them. But, if a person’s immune system is weak (like inbabies or the elderly), it’s possible that person could become sick or die.What biological agents could be used in an attack?There are 3 basic groups of biological agents that could be weaponized andused in an attack (but realize there are some that occur naturally too):• Bacteria - tiny life forms that reproduce by simple divisionand are easy to grow -- diseases they spread are killedby strong or boosted immune system or antibiotics• Viruses - organisms that need living cells to reproduceand are dependent on the body they infect -- most diseasescaused by viruses don’t respond to antibiotics but sometimesantiviral drugs work (and a boosted immune systemmay fight invading organisms - depends on type of virus)• Toxins - poisonous substances found in and extractedfrom living plants, animals or microorganisms; sometoxins can be produced or altered -- some toxins can betreated with specific antitoxins and selected drugsRemember, biological weapons - or germ warfare - have been around forcenturies so it’s not anything new ... it’s unfortunate we have to discuss itat length, but try not to let this topic frighten you. Educate yourself aboutthe types and where to find more information so you are prepared to react.How could biological agents be used in an attack?As mentioned earlier, most biological agents break down when exposed tosunlight or other conditions, and they are very hard to grow and maintain.There are 3 ways biological agents could be spread:• Aerosols - dispersed or spread into air by a number ofmethods forming a fine mist that could drift for miles• Animals and insects - some diseases can be carried andspread by critters like birds, mice or rodents, mosquitoes,fleas, or livestock -- called bioterrorism or agroterrorism• Food and water contamination - most organisms andtoxins are killed or deactivated when we cook food andboil or treat water but some may continue livingSome biological agents could remain in the environment and causeproblems long after they are released. Again, keep in mind both the CDCand EPA work closely with the Departments of Defense and Energy andmany other agencies to monitor systems and security and develop plans.The same goes for Health Canada and many Canadian governmentagencies.www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-432599