This second edition like the first analyses the public health aspects of the possible hostile use of biological or chemical agents. It describes how biological and chemical agents may endanger public health; provides the standard principles of risk analyses that Member States may undertake to prepare for the deliberate release of biological or chemical agents; and presents national and international laws including their potential role in mobilizing international assistance and available sources of such assistance. Seven technical annexes cover chemical agents toxins biological agents principles of protection precautions against the sabotage of drinking-water food and other products information resources and the affiliation of WHO Member States to the international treaties on biological and chemical weapons.