Introduction
This essay critics the article on the issue of bioterrorism. It further gives the quality of the article in terms of the information it disperses to the readers. Finally, an opinion is recorded concerning the knowledge acquired.
Critique
Stefan Riedel highlights the risk of bioterrorism in the present age. The author affirms that these risks are real and central. She asserts that bio terrorism is not part of the scientific fiction; neither does it affect a section of the world population. This is through the questions she poses to readers. Riedel emphasizes that microorganisms continue to pose a threat to the lives of human beings. Bioterrorism is a biological attack that people pass to each other without their knowledge. However, most of these attacks affect large populations of people with a very short time. Agents of passage include the air, handshake, or even through mundane objects. These attacks have been with human beings since time immemorial. The risks involved are high as the spread can affect any part of the body. According to Riedel, victims have succumbed to the attacks minutes after before they can get any proper management. This poses the higher risk of the problem and thus calls for the early prevention and preparedness for defense.
From the article, I have come to understand the concerns on historical backgrounds, and the developments of the biological agents for better comprehension of the threats posed by microorganisms. Riedel (2004) notes the development in the biochemistry and biotechnology fields as huge breakthroughs in the production of tools against bioterrorism. According to the author, more research ought to be carried out in the fields of genetic engineering to overcome the dangerous possibility in bio terrorism (Riedel, 2004). I have understood the technological advancement and accessibility of the biological agents, which can be applied, in my profession to reduce the process of the production of the biological weapons. These elements have also increased the desire of the third world countries in this field. The author goes on to discuss the concepts of the biological warfare, its developments, utilization, and efforts to manage the increase of terrorism all through history.
This article provides a historical and background review but it fails to capture the preparedness of the public on the attack. The author also fails to realize that the present generation needs to be educated on the need to be careful and observant. In spite of the readiness of the health department to curb this problem, Riedel does not include first aid information that can benefit the public in case of such attacks and how to prevent further spread. From the research carried, the participants confirmed their fear on the bioterrorism attack. They also confirmed that they are more aware of the impact of the nuclear war but they are not sure of the impact of these attacks. This result emphasizes the need to sensitize the public on the issue of bioterrorism, risks involved and ways to prevent the spread in case of such attacks. The public needs to know the difference in terms of risks of nuclear threat and bioterrorism threats. This is because so many have confirmed their fears on nuclear attacks but do not realize that the materials for the nuclear weapons cannot be availed by terrorists. This is different in the case of bioterrorism as little can be done to prevent its breakout. However, much can be done to prevent further spread and serious effects to the public and development.
The author has based the study on the developed countries like America. He has however failed to capture the development stage the developing countries have reached to access these sophisticated weapons for curbing bioterrorism. This he fails to give in light of the historical background, which has noted that developing countries still lag behind in attaining these advanced technologies that is applied in the weapons.
Conclusion
This study analyzes the article on the biological warfare on bioterrorism. The author has given deep insights on the historical background, the developments of the bioterrorism weapons and the preparedness of the health department to rise to the occasion in times of emergencies. The author has however failed to give development levels of the upcoming countries in this fight. From the article, it is essential for the public to be sensitized on the issue of biological warfare and risks involved.
References
Riedel, S. (2004). Biological Warfare and Bioterrorism: A Historical review. Archive Coloradoan Review17 (4), 400-406. Web. 07 March 2015.