Introduction, Bioterrorism: prevention, preparation, or politics

Editorials / Commentaries

CJEM 1999;1(3):204

There is a growing awareness that many governments and dissident groups have access to biological weapons. In this issue, Grafstein and Innes¹ discuss the threat of biological terrorism. Obviously, it's conceivable that a biological "incident" might occur, but are biological agents a real threat to Canadians? As members of a "global village" we are at risk either as a primary target or an innocent bystander. There is also the risk that rare infectious diseases may be imported unwittingly, or that Canadians may be exposed to them through participation in peacekeeping missions, immigration and travel.

Perhaps emergency care providers should know how to recognize and manage biological exposures, and perhaps it's time to dig out our disaster plans and review the issues surrounding bioterrorism. Ultimately, though, we must ask how we can best serve our population - by launching political action or by preparing for the worst?

Emergency medicine has been proactive in the field of injury prevention. Our participation in the lobby for seatbelt, drunk driving, helmet, and gun legislation demonstrates this commitment. In his Commentary,² Schull challenges us to adopt similar political strategies to combat the use of bioterrorism. As new global health issues arise, we will have to debate and define our future roles and responsibilities.

References

1. Grafstein E, Innes G. Bioterrorism: an emerging threat. CJEM 1999;1(3):205-9.
2. Schull M. Bioterrorism: when politics make the best prevention [commentary]. CJEM 1999;1(3):210.