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  • Essay / The History of Using Botulinum Toxin as a Bioweapon

    Although we may think that botulinum toxin or “Botox” is only used for cosmetic modifications on our favorite actors or actresses, it s It is actually a biological substance used by scientists, doctors, and terrorists for a multitude of functions. In the following article, I will first explain what a biological substance and/or weapon is to better inform you about botulinum toxin. Later in my research, I will discuss its actual effects on the human body. After a careful explanation, I will then talk about the side effects associated with appropriate and inappropriate use. Finally, I will discuss the history of the use of botulinum toxin as a bioweapon by terrorists around the world and what our leaders in Congress plan to do to end efforts to weaponize botulinum toxin. Before we begin, what exactly is a biological substance? As defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary (Biological, 2014) Biological means relating to life and living things. Since the dawn of time, there have been biological substances. Think about the flu virus in the early 1900s: it killed thousands of people. The pathogens that make up this virus multiplied repeatedly until an uncontrollable epidemic broke out across the United States (Steinbruner, 1997). Many of us think that the influenza virus was an epidemic that would never happen again, but then other biological agents such as smallpox and the deadly anthrax virus appeared. We now understand that biological substances are the weapons of choice. Yes, we have nuclear and chemical weapons that threaten our society, but these weapons are not living. We need to pay more attention to certain toxins that Americans put into their bodies every day. So, what is botulinum toxin? Botulinu...... middle of paper ......is found with botulinum toxin?Works CitedArnon, SS (2001). Botulinum toxin as a biological weapon. Medical and Public Health Management, 1059-2081. Retrieved from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/botulism/botulismconsensus.pdfBiological. (2014). In Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved May 21, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hackerMarshall, T.C. (December 3, 2012). Obama warns Syria against using chemical and biological weapons. Retrieved from US Forces News Service: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=118698 Meyer, R. (2004). The psychological effects of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) on military and civilian personnel. United States Government. Nigam, A. and Nigam, P. (2010). Botulinum toxin. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 8-14. Steinbruner, J.D. (1997). Biological weapons: a scourge on every home. Foreign policy, 85-96.