Can I protect myself against chemical and biological attack

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Harrisonn, along with many people, is obviously concerned about the possibility of biological and chemical attack in the wake of the terrorist atrocities in America.

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The Government has stated that there is no evidence that UK is under threat from such an attack and people should not panic. Here, The Answerbank investigates how this form of modern warfare works.

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Q.� How do chemical and biological weapons differ

A.� Chemical weapons tend to be gaseous and affect people's ability to breathe or see or burn the skin.

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The World Health Organisation, WHO, lists 23 known chemical weapons. Perhaps the most notorious use of a chemical weapon in recent times was that inflicted by the Aum Shinrikyo sect in Japan in 1995. Sarin, a nerve gas, was released into the Tokyo subway, killing 12 people and sending thousands to hospital.

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In comparison, biological weapons, of which WHO lists 44, are potentially fatal diseases such as anthrax, smallpox and plague. Biological weapons can be viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa.

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Both are outlawed by the 1925 Geneva Convention.

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Q.� Which would be worse

A.� Neither would be very pleasant. However while a chemical attack could produce horrific immediate results, the effects would not last very long. Governments are more concerned about biological attacks which could have delayed and widespread fatal consequences. A simulated smallpox attack on the US killed 80m people within a year.

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Q.� How easy is it to make chemical and biological weapons

A.� Some chemical weapons are relatively easy to construct, however developing, storing and administering most chemical and biological weapons requires very sophisticated equipment and skilled scientists.

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It isn't the kind of thing anyone could do on any kind of scale without being detected.

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Q.� Can I protect myself against chemical weapons

A.� Body suits and respiratory gear do exist, but it's not the kind of thing you'll find in the shops.

Gas masks, which have been selling like hotcakes, are unlikely to be able to offer protection against modern chemical weapons.

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Q.� Can I protect myself against a biological attack

A.� A good public health system, like the one we have in the UK, is the best protection against biological attack. The infectious or chemical agent would come to the attention of health workers first and they know what to do.

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Do you want to know how a weapon works Click here

by Lisa Cardy