Bioterrorism
Overview
Bioterrorism is the intentional use of micro-organisms to bring about ill effects or death to humans, livestock, or crops. The use of micro-organisms to cause disease is a growing concern for public health officials and agricultural bodies. The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and the subsequent bio-terrorist releases of anthrax have led to an increased awareness of workplaces as possible terrorist targets. Specific OSHA Safety and Health Topics Pages are available on Plague, Ricin, Smallpox, Tularemia and Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs).
Emergency Response
Provides references that detail the development of methods to determine exposure to biological agents; provide first response information; and link to federal, state, and local contact information in the event of an emergency.
Control
Provides references that provide ways to prepare for responding to a bioterrorist attack, including state and federal disease surveillance and epidemiology, stockpiling vaccine for emergency use, mass vaccination of first responders, and training for medical personnel.
Additional
Resources
Provides links and references to additional resources related to bioterrorism.