world, whether it be a developing nation, or a member of the G-8. As the standard of living increases all over the world, so do the technological abilities of individual countries. When one thinks about weapons of mass destruction, nuclear weapons are usually the first ones thought about. It is true that they deliver the most physical damage when compared to chemical and biological weapons, and they have received more public attention than other weapons of mass destruction. However, since of the three main types of weapons of mass destruction, a nuclear weapon is the most difficult to construct. The simplest weapon of mass destruction to create is a chemical weapon. These can easily be created in small batches for use by terrorist organizations, or other nations, as demonstrated by the Aum Shinri Kyo cult's use of sarin nerve gas on the Japanese subway system(Exploration). If a mere cult can create and effectively use chemical weapons, imagine what the possibilities are if more countries, or groups decide to follow this path. Biological weapons are also relativity easy to create. A very basic biological weapon would only need be comprised of any easily commutable virus or bacterium to be cultured and released upon the target population. This would however be a very crude weapon, and not very effective if used on a massive scale (for example, in an attack against a well developed country). Most advanced biological weapons are variants, or mutations of other diseases. For example, many biological weapons are based on anthrax. This is due to the diseases natural potency, and ease of transmission (it can either be absorbed through the skin, or inhaled). The ease at which biological weapons can be created can be illustrated by the fact that most modern well furnished hospitals are equipped with all the required elements; the technology to contain and culture the organism, and easy access to any organisms that the patients may have contracte...
