The Biological and Chemical Weapons Control Program and its Scientists Working Group work to prevent the development and use of biological and chemical weapons. The Program develops analyses, reports, recommendations and briefings on technical and policy issues for Congress, the public, and the international community.
NEW!
WMD Commission: U.S. commitment to cooperative international action key to reducing the biological weapons threat
The International Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission today released its landmark report “Weapons of Terror: Freeing the World of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Arms.” The report devotes significant attention to biological weapons threats. “The Commission stresses the central role that the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention plays within the larger array of national and international actions that are needed to deal with the biological weapons threat,” says Biological and Chemical Weapons Control Program Director Alan Pearson. “The Convention has been neglected by the United States for too long. With the upcoming Review Conference later this year, our country could take the lead in strengthening the Convention and fostering broad international cooperation on this matter. Our government should take full advantage of this opportunity.” A summary of the findings and recommendations with regards to biological weapons can be found by clicking on the above heading. The full report can be found here.
International Weapons Control Measures
A number of international treaties and associations help to enforce control and nonproliferation of biological and chemical weapons worldwide
Biodefense
Biodefense aims to improve our ability to withstand a biological weapons attack. It comprises a number of activities, including environmental detection of biological pathogens and toxins, research and development of drugs, vaccines, and therapies, strengthening of the public health infrastructure, and improvement of emergency response systems. Recent and dramatic increases in biodefense funding and activity has raised concerns about laboratory biosafety, biosecurity, research oversight, the extent of openness in publication and communication, BWC compliance, and the possible effects of biodefense activities on biological weapons proliferation.
Disabling Biochemical Weapons
Disabling biochemical weapons are advertised as a "non-lethal" alternative for purposes of incapacitation. However, with poorly understood effects, inconsistent use and research, and likely violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, disabling biochemical weapons remain controversial.