September 24, 2001: Nuclear, Biological, & Chemical Warfare - Craig O. Thompson
Sep 24, 2001
2h 46m
0:00 / 0:00
Art Bell welcomes terrorism and NBC warfare expert Craig O. Thompson to examine the real threat of biological and chemical attacks in the wake of September 11. With crop dusting planes grounded by the FAA after investigators discovered that hijacker Muhammad Atta had researched aerial spraying operations, Art presses Thompson to explain exactly what a terrorist with a crop duster could accomplish over a major American city.
Thompson explains that as little as 100 grams of properly dispersed anthrax could kill hundreds of thousands of people, that the agent is colorless and odorless, and that victims would not show symptoms for one to five days. He describes how most doctors would initially misdiagnose exposure as the flu, sending patients home to die. A retired crop duster pilot calls in to warn that thousands of unmarked dirt strips across rural America make an FAA grounding order virtually unenforceable and that agricultural aircraft fly too low to appear on radar.
The discussion turns to America's lack of preparedness, including insufficient vaccine stockpiles, the failure of mock disaster exercises like Operation Top Off, and the absence of biological detection equipment in most cities. Thompson argues the nation should triple its defense budget for domestic preparedness and urges listeners to assemble disaster supply kits for their families.
Thompson explains that as little as 100 grams of properly dispersed anthrax could kill hundreds of thousands of people, that the agent is colorless and odorless, and that victims would not show symptoms for one to five days. He describes how most doctors would initially misdiagnose exposure as the flu, sending patients home to die. A retired crop duster pilot calls in to warn that thousands of unmarked dirt strips across rural America make an FAA grounding order virtually unenforceable and that agricultural aircraft fly too low to appear on radar.
The discussion turns to America's lack of preparedness, including insufficient vaccine stockpiles, the failure of mock disaster exercises like Operation Top Off, and the absence of biological detection equipment in most cities. Thompson argues the nation should triple its defense budget for domestic preparedness and urges listeners to assemble disaster supply kits for their families.
Key Moments
Art frames the post-9/11 NBC question: Art asks what would really happen if a light aircraft were used in a chemical or biological attack.
Delayed symptoms mimic the flu: Thompson describes delayed illness signs and warns that doctors might initially send exposed patients home as flu cases.
First responders need protection: Thompson stresses preparation for police, nurses, doctors, firemen, and anyone first on the scene.
Mock disasters expose failures: Thompson says every mock disaster exercise in this area had revealed serious deficiencies.
Labs, communication, and isolation fall short: Thompson lists inadequate lab facilities, poor federal communication, and insufficient isolation resources as systemic weaknesses.