Can recently produced anthrax be distinguished from old anthrax?

self

[xzins]

1. This is a question for those who might know.

2. Saddam has yet to turn over the 1st liter of anthrax or chemical agent or other biologic agent.

3. Does old agent need to be replaced with new to remain "weapons grade" agent?

4. If age of sample can be determined, then turning over even one liter would verify that he has been/is currently producing these things.

5. Perhaps this has been answered before. If so, sorry. In any case, an answer would be appreciated.

[LurkedLongEnough]

Do you work for Hans Blix? ;-)

[xzins]

Do you have any idea if weapons grade anthrax has to be replaced so that it remains effective?

[xzins]

Yep...I'm head of the inspectors...responsible for training... :>) </sarcasm>

[Bluntpoint]

Newly produced anthrax can be found in an envelope addressed to Tom Daschle.

Older anthrax can be found in an envelope addressed to George Mitchell.

[riri]

What exactly can destroy anthrax? I have read it is very durable, but can sunlight destroy it?

hmmm...might I finally find a reason to be happy about being in Phoenix in July?

[Paleo Conservative]

Can you cite references for such precision in dating?

[Grut]

Yes. Newly produced anthrax will appear to the FBI to have been produced by Dr. Steven Hatfill; older anthrax will appear to have been produced by a much younger Steven Hatfill.

[Jersey Kid]

I seriously doubt that Carbon dating would distinguish between fresh and 3 year old antrax... It's not that accurate when we talk about such a short periods of time...

In my opinion it can be done much easily by by C13 NMR, same general technique as for determening for example, if caffeine came from coffee, tea or was synthesyzed in the lab...

[xzins]

:>)

[Jersey Kid]

As for ways to kill it, tons,
depending where you want to kill it...
Radiation (either Microwave, Gamma-Cobals 60 or E-beam), Plasma (either Hydrogen peroxide or paracetic acid),
Liquid chemicals wash (for example chlorox, formaldehyde,propylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide, acetone, toluene)
Gases of vapors (for example Ozone, Ethylene oxide gas, Hydrogen peroxide vapor).
Also UV from sun or from UV lamps

[Jersey Kid]

As far as I know, also, if stored at right conditions, it can stay effective for decades

[Paleo Conservative]

I seriously doubt that Carbon dating would distinguish between fresh and 3 year old antrax... It's not that accurate when we talk about such a short periods of time...

That's what I thought. From geolomorphology papers I read where carbon 14 dating was used, the labs results could date materials to a century or half century.

[Lael]

Yes. Newly produced anthrax will appear to the FBI to have been produced by Dr. Steven Hatfill; older anthrax will appear to have been produced by a much younger Steven Hatfill.

LOL!!!

[Kenny Bunk]

Stay tuned for some amazing developments in the Hatfill-McFederal Feud.

P.S. Hatfill may not be completely innocent. He has absolutely no alibi for the night of the Chicago Fire. Reliable government witnesses also place him in the Hindenberg's hangar. One bad dude, for sure, and they'll prove it if it takes every last cent in the government exchequer.