Page 51 - MILITARY-STUDIES-2

Module - V
Biological Warfare
Warfare and
Its Types (d) Spray Tanks: Aircraft can carry spray tanks containing a large quantity of BW
agent and are capable of producing effective aerosol over extremely large areas.
The working of spray tanks is like generators to create the aerosol.

13.3.2 Routes of Entry

To cause disease, the BW agent has to penetrate into the human body. This can
Note
happen through the skin and eyes, by eating and drinking and/or by breathing.
(a) Skin: Penetration through the skin and mucous membranes may occur, particularly
if the surface is damaged. The NBC IPE (Individual Protective Equipment)
affords some amount of protection.

(b) Digestive Tract: The digestive tract provides a route of entry for contaminated
food and drink. This route has some limitations like the digestive process destroys
many BW agents, chlorination and water treatment destroys a majority of BW
agents, cooking at high temperature kills almost all microorganisms.
(c) Respiratory Route: The breathing or respiratory route is the most significant
and widely used. In this method, the infective dose required may be smaller and
the onset of symptoms more rapid than normal.

Intext Questions 13.3

1. Fill in the blanks.
(a) The use of animals or insects, known as ________ is used for the delivery
of micro-organisms.

(b) The ____________ route is the most significant and widely used for entry
of biological agents.
(c) Aircraft carry ______________ containing a large quantity of BW agent
and are capable of producing effective aerosol over extremely large areas.

2. Name the various routes of entry of BW agent into the human body.

What You Have Learnt

The lesson on Biological warfare has taught you the basic aspects of this type of
warfare. Some important highlights of the lesson are as follows:-

• The basic terms and definitions used in the study of biological warfare;
• Types, Essential Characteristics and Selection of BW Agents; The
microorganisms such as virus, rickettsia that are used as agents;
• Essential Characteristics of BW Agents and their selection for use in battle;

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MILITARY STUDIES