Risk Assessment of Potential Bio-Terrorism Agents for Laboratory Workers

In the wake of recent national and global events, biological weapons have become an increasingly urgent issue. Preparedness and defense are now the topic of numerous conferences and funding opportunities. Due to this increasing activity researchers must now focus more intently on their own safety and security. Bio-safety measures are analyzed by means of risk assessments. In this paper we will explore qualitative risk assessments and the risks associated with six specific pathogens and toxins that are potential bio-terrorism agents: Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, Francisella tularemia, Smallpox virus, and the two toxins, ricin and botulinum.