What does BW mean in CHEMISTRY

Biological weapons are any microorganism or toxin that can cause illness, disability or death to humans, animals or plants. This includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions and toxins such as ricin and botulinum toxin. These agents can be used to control populations and cause disruption in societies by targeting food production, water supplies and other resources.

BW can be used directly on a target population through airborne dispersal from sprayers or bombs. They can also be used indirectly by contaminating food sources or water supplies. BW were formerly banned under an international treaty but some states still possess them clandestinely and their use is increasing in conflicts around the world.

The risk posed by BW is that they can spread quickly among target populations due to their infectious nature and can cause significant long-term effects on human health due to mutations that occur over time in exposed individuals. Additionally, they are difficult to detect since symptoms may take days or weeks before becoming apparent which means it is hard to trace back their origin quickly enough to prevent further spread of disease.

In 2019 there was a confirmed outbreak of anthrax linked to a suspected biological attack in Russia which resulted in at least 20 ill individuals seeking treatment for anthrax exposure. In 2018 there were allegations of a chemical attack in Syria using nerve agents like sarin gas which could have been linked with the use of biological weapons as well due to evidence found at the scene suggesting so.

For more information on biological weapons you can visit relevant government websites such as www.cdc.gov/bioterrorism or other online sources such as armscontrol.org/factsheets/bwbackground which provide up-to-date information regarding this topic. For additional information you may consider consulting relevant experts in the field or attending special events related to biosecurity issues hosted in your area.