Table 4

Databases on Chemical and Biological Terrorism

1. Harvey McGeorge, 1994, chemical and biological, 201 to 244 instances:

Also includes: *only threatened use

*actions against CB-related facilities

*actions limited to theft, purchase or fabrication of

an agent, dissemination device, or related material

Results demonstrate a clear emphasis on low-tech, commonly available chemical, product-tampering, and poisoning

2. Ron Purver, 1995, chemical and biological, 92 instances (30 B and 62 C) in five categories

*threatened

*attempted to acquire

*acquired

*attempted to use

*actually used

(1998 and 1999 studies below demonstrate that many reported “instances” are apocryphal.)

3. Bruce Hoffman, Rand/Aberdeen database, begins with 1968

As of 1998, 8,000 “terrorist events;” only around 50 “WMD,” including radiological

“

4. Seth Carus [NDU], August 1998, biological only, “Bioterrorism and Biocrimes”

Instances since 1900: used, acquired, attempted to acquire, considered acquisition, threatened to use.

45 “use,” but only 5 since 1960 (omits most hoaxes, but does include some). Great majority of use for individual murder.

5. Monterey Institute [Amy Sands], 1999

520 cases since 1900 “to acquire or use” C, B, R, and N (but includes all reported hoaxes, approximately 350 between 1997 and 1999.

* “terrorist” – 44 percent

* “criminals” – 56 percent (extortion, murder, other non-political)