V.

Biological Warfare and Terrorism

The botulinum toxin is relatively easy to produce in large quantities using Clostridium bacteria. It is also easy to transport. The extreme potency and deadliness of the toxin have made it a subject of biological warfare research. The Japanese carried out experiments on human prisoners in China during the 1930s to test the toxin. The former Soviet Union produced large stockpiles of the toxin during the Cold War. Following the Persian Gulf War of 1990 and 1991, inspectors found that Iraq under Saddam Hussein had stockpiles of botulinum toxin and a program to weaponize the toxin in bombs and warheads.

Potential terrorist attacks using the toxin are a major concern. Mass victims would need prolonged and intensive medical care. Deliberate contamination of the food supply is considered a greater risk than spreading the botulinum toxin through the air.