Silent Death: Biological and Chemical Terrorism

Children's Literature

The threat of terrorist attack against citizens of many nations has become a grim, modern-day reality. Members of militant organizations who are bent on revenge, influence or retribution may, at this very moment, be working on plans to use aggressive tactics against opponents. One of the most feared options that such terrorists may turn to is that of chemical or biological weapons. Such weapons of mass destruction could cause massive civilian or military casualties. Chemical and biological weapons have been used in the past in military campaigns, but the future may hold even more alarming potential. The development, use and possible danger of these weapons are the chief topics covered in this social science book. Unfortunately, while the topic is one of sinister importance, it is not well-handled in this particular text. The author does a good job of packing a great deal of information into her work. However, an excessive use of acronyms and technical language limits the approachability of the narrative. Additionally, the visual presentation of the chapter headings and pagination appears more like a sensational tabloid than a serious, current events text. Although there are numerous Internet information sites and resources included in this book, it is a flawed work written in a rather tedious style. 2001, Twenty-First Century Books, . Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck

School Library Journal

Gr 6-10-The threat of nuclear warfare has terrified humans for the past 50 years. Yet two other types of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), biological and chemical, have been in use much longer and are more easily produced. Gay discusses the agents, some of their effects, general means of production and dispersal, and some incidents of their uses in history. Much of the information comes directly from experts in the fields of terrorism and biological and chemical warfare. International agreements and treaties such as 1996's Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, 1997's Chemical Weapons Convention, and the 1975 Biological Weapons Convention give some hope for the restriction of official uses of these agents. However, the author makes it evident that terrorist groups and small nations are now more likely to create and actually use them than ever before. Although this information is alarming, the presentation is not alarmist; the measures that can be taken by even local law-enforcement groups to prevent and control biological- and chemical-agent attacks are somewhat reassuring. Silent Death also discusses the next possibly serious WMD, disruption and destruction of electronic communications. A generous list of reliable Web sites and a chart describing biological agents and toxins, their time of onset, effects, and treatments are appended. A list of more than 20 foreign terrorist organizations from the U.S. Department of State's Office of Counterterrorism, released in 1999, describes each group's structure, strengths, areas of operation, activities, and aid received.-Ann G. Brouse, Steele Memorial Library, Elmira, NY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.