Chemical Weapons Convention
modern arms control
The Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993 prohibits the production and stockpiling of chemical weapons. It entered into force in 1997.
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Location: Weapons ›› Chemical ›› Biological and Chemical Weapons Similarities
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Biological and Chemical Weapon Similarities

In addition to being grouped together as NBC's (nuclear, biological, chemical) under weapons of mass destruction, biological and chemical weapons have many similaries.

  • Both weapons can be manufactured relatively inexpensively compared to conventional arms
    • Both can be manufactures in the same production facilities used to produce legal commercial products
  • Both have the capability to injure and kill people, poison wildlife, pollute the water, and contaminate land
  • Both harm living organisms rather than cause physical destruction
  • Both produce effects over large areas
  • Both can be set off in the air and reach targets wherever the air circulates
  • Both can be delivered in a multitude of ways, including:
    • artillery
    • multiple rocket launchers
    • tacticle ballistic missiles
    • strategic ballistic missiles
    • cruise missiles
    • manned aircraft
    • unmanned flying vehicles
    • individuals carrying sprayers
    • simple container

Biological and Chemical Weapon Differences

Biological and chemicals have many differences by virtue of their different categorizations. The following is a summary of their differences:

  Biological Weapons Chemical Weapons
Cause of death or injury Disease Poisoning
Victims Some can spread beyond people who are initially affected. This outbreak of contagious disease is an epidemic. Only those who come into contact with them
Ease of Manufacturing Slightly more difficult because they involve sensitive living organisms Slightly less difficult
Cost Less expensive. A basic facility for biological weapons production can be constructed and operated for less than $10 million. A terrorist group with a competent team of graduate students could operate a small-scale program for a few hundred thousands dollars or less. More expensive
Facilities for Production and Storage Less space. A facility no larger than a few hundred square feet is required for a basic biological weapons program. Much bigger space
Speed of Effects Take time to develop Almost instantaneous
When spread properly under ideal conditions, number of people killed One biological weapon can kill 100 to 1000 times as many people compared to one chemical weapon of the same weight One chemical weapon can kill 100 to 1000 times less people compared to one biological weapon of the same weight

Sources:

  1. Levine, Herbert. Chemical & Biological Weapons in Our Times. USA: Franklin Watts, 2000.
Location: Weapons ›› Chemical ›› Biological and Chemical Weapons Similarities
This page is not included in the tour.