TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2010//
TI  - Biological weapons
JO  - Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift
A1  - Kerwat, K.
A1  - Becker, Stefanie
A1  - Wulf, Herbert
A1  - Densow, D.
SP  - 1612
EP  - 1616
VL  - 135
IS  - 33
N2  - Biological weapons are weapons of mass destruction that use pathogens (bacteria, viruses) or the toxins produced by them to target living organisms or to contaminate non-living substances. In the past, biological warfare has been repeatedly used. Anthrax, plague and smallpox are regarded as the most dangerous biological weapons by various institutions. Nowadays it seems quite unlikely that biological warfare will be employed in any military campaigns. However, the possibility remains that biological weapons may be used in acts of bioterrorism. In addition all diseases caused by biological weapons may also occur naturally or as a result of a laboratory accident. Risk assessment with regard to biological danger often proves to be difficult. In this context, an early identification of a potentially dangerous situation through experts is essential to limit the degree of damage.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0012-0472
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1262454
ID  - ref1
ER  -