Biological and chemical weapons are among the top dangers we face and are some of the most dangerous weapons in the world. They are silent, deadly, and almost impossible to detect without high-tech equipment that, in most cases, is only available to government agencies.
Biochemical weapons are nothing new; in fact, the use of biochemical weapons dates back over one thousand years. One of the earliest recorded biochemical attacks occurred during the sixth century, when Assyrian forces poisoned enemy wells with ergot, a fungus that produces side effects similar to LSD.
Fast-forward to the twentieth century, where modern scientific methods and germ theory were used to develop and stockpile some of the most dangerous biological weapons the world has ever seen, and the race to see who could weaponize the most deadly germs and toxins was on.
These days, chemical weapons have become a huge concern because they can be quickly and easily made, even by those working in crude home laboratories. What was once a weapon that primarily concerned soldiers serving behind enemy lines has now become a very real threat that can affect anyone at any time.
As terrorist organizations throughout the world try to develop their own biochemical weapons, it’s only a matter of time before one of these groups attempts to use it on the public.
Preparing for a biochemical attack is going to be difficult. First, detecting biochemical agents with your five senses is almost impossible. Second, the equipment that can detect this type of threat is extremely expensive and is usually only available to law enforcement and government agencies.
While most detection equipment is probably out of your reach, there are some pieces of protective gear that you should think about keeping in your bug out bag:
Public transportation, sporting events, malls, and anywhere that large groups of people congregate are all on the top of the target list for terrorists seeking to use a biochemical weapon.
The people who use this type of weaponry are looking to inflict as much harm and gain as much media attention as they can. The only thing you can really do to stop the threat is to stay vigilant and watch out for anyone or anything that looks out of place.
In public places, if you notice a large number of people suddenly start to cough, gasp for air, rub their eyes, or become visibly sick, you need to act fast. Biochemical weapons are difficult to detect with your senses, but the side effects will quickly become apparent.
Survival is going to depend on what chemical or biological agent was used and how quickly you can react to the situation.
If you have been exposed to a biochemical weapon attack, you need to remove yourself from the situation and remove as much of the agent as possible.
If you can quickly determine where the weapon was deployed, immediately cover your face and head in the opposite direction, upwind from the fallout. If you can’t determine where the weapon was set off, walk diagonally with the wind, trying to get as far away from the initial fallout zone as possible.
Quickly find an area to shelter. Find anything you can to seal off doorways, windows, and vents to minimize the amount of exposure.
Clothing will likely be a major source of contamination. When taking off your shirt or coat, do not pull it over your head; instead rip, or cut the clothes off.
Washing your skin with soap and water will help eliminate a good portion of the chemical or biological agent. If your eyes are burning, rinse them out with pure water for ten to fifteen minutes.
Immediately bag and dispose of any clothing or items that were exposed to the chemical or biological agent.
Once authorities find out exactly what chemical or biological agent was used, they will likely give further instructions that will be vital to your survival.