Hazard Recognition

Due to the potential exposure to deadly micro-organisms a bioterrorism incident poses a considerable health risk to those exposed and "first responders". These responders may include public health officials, law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and the military. There are an unlimited number of potential biological agents that could be used in bioterrorism attacks, although some are more deadly and likely to be used than others. Biological agents include bacterial agents, toxins, and viruses.

The following links provide information about recognizing bioterrorism hazards. For more information about specific agents, see OSHA's Anthrax, Botulism, Plague, Ricin, Smallpox, Tularemia, and Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) Safety and Health Topics Pages.

• Bioterrorism Diseases/Agents. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Public Health Image Library. Provides a listing of biological agents and diseases associated with bioterrorism, with links to related resources.
• Suspected Intentional Use of Biologic and Toxic Agents. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Field Epidemiology Manual, August 8, 2024. Provides guidance on investigating suspected intentional biological and toxic-agent incidents.
• Medical Management of Biological Casualties Handbook (Blue Book), Tenth Edition. U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), November 2025. Provides medical-management information concerning biological agents and casualties.
• Defense Against Toxin Weapons. U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, (Revised 1997). Discusses many biological toxins, including ricin, botulism, and others.
• "Symposium on Medical and Public Health Response to Bioterrorism." Emerging Infectious Diseases 5.4(August 1999). Contains articles on a wide range of issues related to bioterrorism.
  • Kortepeter, Mark G. and Gerald W. Parker. "Potential Biological Weapons Threats." Pages 523-527. Discusses various biological agents that may be used in bioterrorist attacks.
• Kozaryn, Linda B. "Knowledge Key to Combating Chemical, Biological Warfare." American Forces Information Service News Articles. Advises service members to be aware of and educate themselves about the growing chemical-biological threat.