title: [New challenges in the biological weapons convention].
abstract: Microbes and their toxins are biological weapons that can cause disease in humans, animals or plants, and which can be used with hostile intent in warfare and terrorism. Biological agents can be used as weapons of mass destruction and therefore, immense human and social and major economical damage can be caused. Rapid development of life sciences and technologies during the recent decades has posed new challenges to the Biological Weapons Convention. The Convention states that the States Parties to the BWC strive to ensure that the Convention remains relevant and effective, despite changes in science, technology or politics.
authors.affiliation: Biologisten uhkien osaamiskeskus ja Terveyden ja hyvinvoinnin laitos.
authors.forename: Susanna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sissonen
authors.forename: Tiina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Raijas
authors.forename: Olli
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Haikala
authors.forename: Heikki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hietala
authors.forename: Markku
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Virri
authors.forename: Simo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nikkari
mesh_terms: D001694:Biological Warfare / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000639:trends*; D054045:Biological Warfare Agents; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D054044:Weapons of Mass Destruction
chemical_list: D054045:Biological Warfare Agents