Bioattack?

[an2001on]

Newspapers reported UNIDENTIFIED airplanes made several passes over the water reservoir that is the main source of drinking water in Boston. They are testing the water now and it SEEMS OK.
I am worried that local security in our country is always a step too late. No war on our territory for so many years... And the residents (legal or not) are enjoying so much freedom. As a result, it’s very hard to make sure nothing wrong happens. Also, what to focus on? Why don't they invite some advisors from the countries that had to deal with the terrorists every day (like Israel)? I'm sure they would help to identify the most vulnerable points. While the top military commanders make plans for the attacks on terrorists the homeland security seems to be far from adequate. One of the major tasks of the Government is to protect the citizens. Naturally, they need to eliminate the terrorist camps abroad but what about the millions who might be getting some deadly disease? Are they protected? What about the nuclear plants? Would doubt they can withstand the impact from an airplane.
What do you think?

We don't need Israel, our people are better and smarter. I'm hoping we cut ties with them as much as possible.

[Han Solo]

"We don't need Israel, our people are better and smarter. I'm hoping we cut ties with them as much as possible."

You're right anon, our airport security is just as good as Israel.... wait,..... it's not? Do'h!

[Actuary321]

An article in our local paper (SLC area) indicated that it would be nearly impossible to totally protect against a terrorist attack against our drinking water supply. Security preparations for the olympics have gotten a real boost from the 9/11 tragidy. They are going to be putting up more fences and adding security measures but they admit that it would provide little defense against a determined terrorist.

[Patience]

story doesn't make sense. Last week I heard that the feds were concerned about the Boston water supply and were cracking down.

I seriously doubt if the story of the plane is true

[an2001on]

Patience,
You can check it yourself if in doubt:
WSJ 9/24/01 pp.A1, A10 - on 9/13/01 UNIDENTIFIED speedboat entered the restricted area of San-Francisco Folsom Lake (source of water supply)
BostonMETRO 9/24/01 p.7 - on 9/22/01 two (!)UNIDENTIFIED planes around 12:30pm and LATER around 4:30pm made several passes about 100 feet over Quabbin Reservoir (major source of drinking water in Boston area).
If they were concerned about water supply in Boston and were cracking down, I am even more disappointed with them - they definitely need help!

anon,
Pride is good when mixed in healthy proportions with common sense and reality check. Aero-space, military, medical advances, technology - we have every reason to be proud. Security ... I seriously doubt. Imagine security staff who can't even IDENTIFY the planes clearly violating the rules, make SEVERAL passes only 100 feet over the "protected" reservoir, moreover, security erred TWICE (12:30 and 4:30). Do you think that this security personnel is very qualified and you can trust them with your life? Do you still feel that they don't need any help? If you don't like Israelis, maybe you can suggest somebody else with experience who can help us. The reason I thought of Israelis is obvious - they had to think it through many times and they paid with blood for their lessons. There's no reason to pay with our blood for the same lessons again. What do you think?

[OT]

My wife and I are currently looking into water filtration system(s) and even gas mask protection.

[an2001on]

I am wondering if boiling the water for several minutes would do the trick. What about bottled water? Also eating out becomes trickier. Plus, other people that you meet might get sick and spread the disease. However, if most of people are careful we might win.

I would live it up while you can. Do something wreckless.

[OT]

I am not an expert but just from reading a few web sites and books I gathered the following (to the best of my ability to recall):

Biological threats are germs (anthrax, small pox, ebola, etc.). The world is supposed to be entirely rid of small pox with the exception of only the US and Russia having them in labs in order to create vaccines. Hence I believe that the US stopped vaccinating everyone for small pox in 1970. Anthrax is particularly bad if inhaled and has a longer incubation time (2-6 weeks) and more sever illness when symptoms actually arise. Anthrax can also be caught through open skin (cuts, scrapes, etc.) but is not as sever as inhaling it.

Chemical threads are like mustard gas and various nerve and tear gasses. Many nerve gases can affect you just by touching your skin. Tear gases much come into contact with a mucus membrane somehow (swallow, smelled, eyes).

As far as breathing protection there are two basic types: gas masks and respirators. Respirators are basically just filters and range from the hospital masks that you see doctors wear to those masks you see painters wear. There are even respirators that cover the entire face (eyes in addition to nose and mouth).

Gas masks contain an absorbent and desiccant-like substance combined with charcoal. This provides much greater protection than a respirator. There is a filter canister attached to the gas mask that usually lasts for only several hours. Gas masks run about $20 and in excess of $300 or $400.

Small pox is highly contagious and you are contagious even prior to showing symptoms. Both Small pox and anthrax are largely passed via particulates (small particles) hence respirators protect against them to some degree.

I am not sure if boiling water fights against biological threats. You would think it would. You can also get some iodine or do a Clorox treatment which is usually described right on the label. I don’t think it would be as effective against a chemical threat.

Any additions or corrections are welcome.