
Hazards, Terrorism, and Weapons of Mass Destruction ◾ 65
Table 2.24 Biological Threats Category A
Category A indicates high-priority agents, which include organisms that pose
a risk to national security
Biological Agent Characteristic, Hazard, and Reduction Approach
Anthrax (Bacillus
anthracis)
Humans can contract spores from inhalation of
aerosolized anthrax released during a biological
weapon attack. Conditions ideal for propagation
of anthrax include soil of pH > 6.0 rich in organic
matter. LD
50
for inhalational anthrax in humans
from weapon-grade anthrax is 2,500–55,000 spores.
Botulism (Clostridium
botulinum toxin)
Botulism is mainly a food-borne ...