[Billthedrill]

A bit of scare-mongering on the part of USAToday here - the key to botulinum toxin is that it is an enteric toxin, that is, you have to swallow it. Breathing it won't do you - that's why the U.S. stopped developing it as a biological agent. It's every bit as deadly as the article claims, but it is very difficult to distribute - putting it in the water supply, for example, is potentially deadly to anyone who drinks it immediately, but the toxin is a rather complex molecule that breaks down rapidly in sunlight or in the presence of chlorine.

This is also incorrect: Most people think of botulism as a scary byproduct of careless home and commercial canning, because the bacterium grows — and produces toxin — only in airless environments such as vacuum-packed jars and cans.

Not so - the organism (Clostridium botulinum) is anaerobic, that is, it reproduces in the total absence of oxygen. However, production of the toxin takes place in an environment where a tiny percentage of oxygen is present, a "microaerophilic" environment - a leaky can or jar, for example. That's why dented or swollen cans are a danger sign.

The toxin is probably most useful in a terrorist scare threat to a water supply, and then more so for the panic than actual mortality. On the battlefield it's virtually useless - it breaks down too rapidly to be an area denial weapon, and as mentioned above, doesn't have a handy vector to function as an antipersonnel weapon. As far as toxicity per volume it's the champ, but that's about it.

[antidisestablishment]

Thank you! Why all the scare mongering, lately? Chemical and biological weapons are generally not very effective--except in creating panic. Seems our press is a willing ally to our enemies.

[Lil'freeper]

Guess I should have read the whole thread instead of reading the article twice. Yours is the more useful information- thanks!

[kosta50]

Good reply. Botulin toxin is also readily destroyed by boiling canned foods.

Steve Sternberg could have researched it a bit better. Or maybe he just left out important details intentionally? This is an example of yellow journalism and cheap propaganda at its worst.

[thescourged1]

Exactly.

Otherwise, why would be be trying so hard to put together a nuclear weapon? Don't need a nuke, if bioweapons are viable alternatives. Much cheaper and easier to make too.

[Frohickey]

The toxin is probably most useful in a terrorist scare threat to a water supply, and then more so for the panic than actual mortality.

I think the Europeans have been attacked by this toxin. Only way to explain why they are averse to taking baths. ;)

[The Great Satan]

Thanks for posting. Good info.

[Hammerhead]

Damn Bill,

Go on with your bid-headed bio toxin knowing self!

(as I sit hear contemplating my navel.)