Biological and Toxin Weapons (BTW) are horrendous weapons whose damage can range from catastrophic pandemics to economic disasters. They are technologically easy and inexpensive. They can be, and have been, manufactured by individuals, groups, or nations. Until September 11, 2001, there had been no instance of mass destruction of civilian life. Historically, nature has been the source of widespread death, famine, and economic destruction. The question before us now is whether mankind will manipulate nature so as to cause such hardship purposefully. The purpose of this essay is to describe biological and toxin agents, the means of their weaponization, and who might undertake to make such weapons. Additionally, U.S. vulnerabilities to biological and toxin weapons attacks will be discussed, together with steps we might undertake to better manage the consequences of such an attack.

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