Terrorism101 Home Page : Chemical & Biological Threats : Botulinum Toxin
Botulinum Toxin
Overview:
Botulism toxin is the most potent lethal substance known to man (lethal dose 1ng/kg). Botulism toxin is made by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
Botulinum toxin was developed as an aerosol weapon by several countries. No human data exist on the effects inhaling botulinum toxin, but it may resemble the foodborne syndrome.
If people have intentionally been exposed, in a bioterrorist attack, breathing in the toxin or ingesting the toxin via contaminated food or water are the most likely routes of exposure that might lead to a serious illness (foodborne botulism).
Spores of C. botulinum are found in soil worldwide. Terrorists with the technical capacity to grow cultures of the bacterium, and harvest and purify the toxin could therefore use it as a bioterrorism agent. Contaminating food with botulism toxin could cause a devastating event.
What is it?
Bacterium that develops only in the absence of oxygen.
How it works:
By inhalation. Botulinum neurotoxins generally kill by the relatively slow onset (hours to days) of respiratory failure. The individual may not show signs of disease for 24-72 hours. The toxin blocks biochemical action in the nerves that activate the muscles necessary for respiration, causing suffocation.
Lethal amount:
One billionth of a gram.
How long can it survive?
Relatively short life after it's released.
Symptoms:
Dizziness, dry throat, blurred vision.
Treatment:
Anti-toxins can be injected soon after exposure to a lethal dose of toxin.
Prevention:
Gas mask, protective clothing.
Source: CDC & CNN [ http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/1998/iraq/9802/weapons.effects/ ]
Terrorism101 Home Page : Chemical & Biological Threats : Botulinum Toxin
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