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Warning: This is not an official civil defence guide. While educational, the following information should be read with neutrality and reflective
"The most destructive way, is creation" -Mr.Shady
Quick history[]
The use of biological warfare may date as back as 1346 CE Siege of Caffa by throwing plague-infected corpses with catapults, but was not as much as heightened as during The Great War. The 1925 Geneva Protocol, signed and ratified, by most countries in the world, alongside BWC 1972 accepted almost entirely globally, was made to put a stop on biological warfare. There were a good amount of times in history, such as Rhodesia using CB agents or the Soviet union creating biological weapons during the Cold War. The most notorious moment of history was Unit 731, researching and experimenting CB-warfare against their subjects and planned usage in war.
Types of Bio-agents[]
Bacteria[]
First of all is bacteria. Bacteria are single-celled organism, in who are resilient to their environment, and can survive and thrive accordingly. they are everywhere and even in your body. they are harmless for the most part and can only be dangerous when they mutate, when exposed to certain or enough elements from external sources such as radiation, chemicals or other biological matter. The human body is adaptable and will fight back bacteria, creating immune cells and antibodies from its immune system to fight off any bacteria that become too dangerous. You can protect yourself from avoidable infections by performing these steps everyday:
- "Always" wash your hands when you have touched dirty surfaces like grease, oils, liquids or any of your body parts including others and animals.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Shower a minimum of 2 times a week.
- Sneeze into your elbow or inside your shirt.
- Prepare meat and plants seperately with a clean workflow.
- Stay at home when you feel sick and call your GP (general practitioner)
Man-made bacteria agents that were used are: Anthrax, Brucella, Tularemia, etc.
Virus[]
Next, we have viruses. unlike the typical living bacteria, as mentioned above, they are only a replicator of what themselves are made out of and copy themselves by injecting onto other organism to continue existance. Life has many viruses that are important for evolution, others are destructive like Rabies from animals, Plant viruses that destroy crops or to an lesser extent Bacteriophages.
The same steps to protect yourself from viruses can be done with the following above mentioned against bacteria.
However this does vary from the usual bacterial infection. viruses have a smaller size. so far even the largest virus is smaller compared to the smallest bacteria ever found, and they are more tougher to cure as some can even stay after recovery. Antibiotics are worthless against viruses. antiviral drugs work by interfering the viral enzyme, yet, are not without side effects. T-lymphocytes are created in response by the immune system to find and kill cells infected with the virus.
Man-made Virus agents that were used are: Smallpox, Viral hemorrhagic fevers, etc.
Toxins[]
Toxins are naturally occuring poisons (in form of proteins) from animals and plants. these mainly appear as either self-defence or sedation to the prey. there are also man-made toxins, in which are called toxicants, that are modified in such a way to attack different kinds of organs.
Man-made toxicants that were used are: Botulinum, Ricin, etc.
Notes:
- Bacteria and Viruses cannot be distinguished easily, without proper tests and examination.
Misconception[]
At first thought, it may come up to you're mind, but know that a gasmask should not be the first and last option to you're line of defence. While gasmasks and respirators do provide protection from inhalation, they are not the ultimate protection.
Just like chemicals, they can be dispersed everywhere in quantity and are hidden to the human eye. they can survive without a host, for viruses hours to weeks and for bacterias up to possible decades.
Another misconception is how transmission is thought. from touching surfaces and hugging up to coughing and being ill on the bedroom. if the source of biological agents, that is, from where they come from and are found, cannot be contained, no amount of consideration towards others, can help for as long as it is not dealt against it first.
Understand that you are, or will rather not likely face biological warfare by another military (though the chances are never zero). It is more recommended to protect yourself accordingly to what you deal with in your everday life, such as sneezing, cleaning your bathroom or a dropped chicken egg on the kitchen counter.
Notes:
In the case of an actual biological war, it is recommended to get informed, stay at home and call official authorities during such times.
As biological warfare consists of man-made agents, the time and technology aswell as new synthetic agents throughout 100+ years, make it both easier and harder dealing against new oncoming threats.
Protection from Biological Agents[]
Biological PPE that you may use to protect yourself and others include:
- Surgical Mask, FFP2, N95
- Face Shield, Nitrile Gloves
- Shoe covers, Scrub caps, Disposable protective coat
A more sophisticated protection would be:
- PAPR (Powered air-purifying respirator)
- Protective suit
- Rubber gloves and boots
PPE explained[]
Personal Protective Equipment is part of an gear and equipment for protection working at or being in an area that that is in constant danger of injury and at worst, death. Usually in biological setting, it can be used to protect oneself from and for others, to reduce the probability of an infection.
Remember, PPE only works as a temporary shield. the real protection comes from actual exposure and time spent, in which must be minimized as much as possible.
Breakdown of various equipment[]
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