USING CHEMICALS IN TERRORIST ATTACKS AND ON THE BATTLE FIELD - Coursework Example

Chemicals in Terrorist Attacks and on the Battlefield s QUESTION With the continuous prevalence of terrorist attacks within and beyond the American borders, a point of reference being the Sarin Gas attacks in Tokyo, the US is far much prepared for terrorist attacks than it was a decade ago. This can be attributed to the fact that this country has been a victim of similar attacks; a good example being the controversial 911 September attack. Even though it may not be possible to predict where the terrorists would strike next, as they operate under utmost secrecy, the country is able to protect herself from severe attacks.

Since its inception in 2003 by the Congress, the Department of Homeland Security (in conjunction with The National Academies) has been instrumental in educating the masses and the media about various attacks associated with Bioterrorism. They have provided information concerning the characteristics, effects and dangers associated with Biochemical attacks. This information has gone through thorough evaluation process by experts at the National Academies to ensure that they are authentic. (Department of Homeland Security, 2003) Chemical attack fact sheet.

With such information at their disposal, the general public can act without panic until professional help is sought. The reason why the Sarin Gas attack was catastrophic was because of panic and general confusion among people and professionals, making it easier for the terrorists to strike again resulting in more havoc. Since it is the public which is always targeted by these extremist groups, then it would make sense to educate them on how to respond to such a situation.Furthermore, there have been tremendous developments in the health sector to ensure that American citizens are catered for.

There have been massive improvements in surveillance of diseases, storing of pharmaceuticals for emergencies and training of medical practitioners how to respond to such emergencies and how to identify the victims affected. (LM Davis, 2010) Are local health responders ready for biological and chemical terrorism?QUESTION TWODespite these weapons being extremely dangerous, USA and the former USSR were busy stockpiling chemical weapons. During the First World War, Russia was shocked to learn that the US had atomic bombs that were far much superior to their armory; this prompted them to carry out extensive research in chemical warfare.

As the tension between the two countries grew stronger, the US was forced to stockpile and manufacture as precautionary measure in case of an attack and also to outdo its opponent.The US and Russian governments have, in the past agreed to destroy all chemical arsenals that they secretly stored since the cold war era. Even though the weapons were to be destroyed by 2012, the process began at a very slow pace and therefore, the process may go up to 2023 for the chemicals to be completely neutralized.

Facilities used to neutralize these weapons have been set up in Kentucky and Colorado and testing of the equipment will be carried out soon.During the early 1990s, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) was set up to oversee the destruction of all chemical weapons. Russia, USA and other countries were supposed to have destroyed their weapons by 2007 but none was successful. (Paul Lewis, 2013) US struggles show hazards of chemical weapons destruction.References1. Davis L.M. (2010).

Are local health responders ready for biological and chemical terrorism? Retrieved from http://www.rand.org/pubs/issue_papers/IP221/index2.html#src=mobile2. Department of Homeland Security (2014). Chemical attack factsheet. Retrieved from http://www.dhs.gov/chemical-attack-fact-sheet3. Ronald W. D. (n.d.) Preparing Hospitals, Doctors and Nurses for a Terrorist Attacks Hudson Institute. Retrieved from http://www.hudson.org/files/publications/dworkin_white_paper.pdf4. Paul L. (Sept 11, 2013). US struggles show hazards of chemical weapons destruction.

Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/11/us-syria-chemical-weapons-destruction/