Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
N a t i o n a l C a pi t a l Re g i o n
Sc h o o l s D i v i s i o n O f f i c e o f La s Pi ñ a s C i t y
. NAME: ___________________________________________ Date: ______________________
GRADE & SECTION ____________________________ Teacher: ___________________
Las Piñas City National Science High School
MODULE IN BIOTECHNOLOGY, Grade 8
MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCY
Define bioterrorism and Identify the microorganisms that may be used as bioweapons.
OBJECTIVES:
• Define bioterrorism and biological weapons in the context of public health and security.
• Identify examples of biological agents that have been used or considered as bioweapons (in
a historical context).
• Explain the possible effects of bioterrorism on society, healthcare systems, and the
economy.
WHAT’S IN
Advances in biology and medicine have greatly improved human health, but biological knowledge
can also be misused. One serious misuse is bioterrorism, where biological agents are used to cause
harm, fear, or disruption. This module will help you understand what bioweapons and bioterrorism
are, their history, how they affect the body, and why ethics and preparedness are important.
Bioweapons
Bioweapons are biological agents such as viruses, bacteria, or toxins that are intentionally used to
cause disease or death in humans, animals, or plants.
Bioterrorism
Bioterrorism is the intentional release or use of bioweapons to spread fear, cause illness, or
disrupt society for political, ideological, or social purposes.
Brief History of Bioterrorism and Bioweapons
The use of disease as a weapon is not new and has appeared at different times in history:
• 1346 – During a war in Europe, infected bodies were reportedly used to spread disease
among enemies.
• 1984 – A group intentionally contaminated food in Oregon, USA, causing 751 people to
become sick.
• 2001 – Letters containing anthrax spores were mailed in the United States, leading to 5
deaths and 17 infections.
• 1972 – The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) was signed by many countries to ban
the development, production, and use of biological weapons.
These events show why international cooperation and laws are necessary to prevent the misuse of
biological science.
IV. Types of Bioweapons and Their Effects on the Body
Bioweapons can come in different forms depending on the biological agent used.
1. Bacteria
• Examples: Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax), Salmonella
• Effects on the body:
o Fever
o Infection of lungs, skin, or digestive system
o Severe illness or death if untreated
2. Viruses
• Example: Smallpox virus
• Effects on the body:
o High fever
o Rashes and skin lesions
o Can spread easily from person to person
3. Toxins
• Example: Ricin toxin
• Effects on the body:
o Organ failure
o Severe poisoning even in small amounts
Commonly Cited Pathogens in Bioterrorism (Statistics)
Studies of historical bioterrorism incidents and threats show that only a small number of
biological agents are commonly mentioned or misused. The chart above summarizes these
patterns:
Breakdown of Commonly Cited Agents
• Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) – 40%
Often cited because it can form spores and survive in the environment.
• 🍽 Food-borne bacteria (e.g., Salmonella) – 25%
Commonly involved in intentional food contamination incidents.
• Toxins (e.g., Ricin, Botulinum toxin) – 20%
Dangerous substances that can cause severe poisoning even in small amounts.
• Viruses (e.g., Smallpox) – 10%
Highly contagious but rarely used due to international bans and vaccination history.
• Other / Rare agents – 5%
Includes less common or experimental agents.
Important Note for Students:
These percentages are based on historical reports and threat analyses, not on frequency of real-
world attacks. Actual bioterrorism incidents are very rare.
Biotechnology 8 Prepared by: Ms. Jan Marie E. Daylo
Ways Bioweapons Can Spread
Biological agents may spread through different routes:
• Air – inhalation of spores or droplets
• Food and water – contamination of supplies
• Direct contact – touching infected people or surfaces
• Mail or objects – contaminated packages or items
Because many biological agents are invisible, early detection is difficult.
Ethical Concerns Related to Bioterrorism
Bioterrorism raises serious ethical issues:
• Misuse of scientific knowledge can harm innocent people
• Scientists have a responsibility to use biology for healing, not harm
• Intentional spread of disease violates human rights and dignity
• Ethical research guidelines help prevent dangerous misuse
Responsible science protects both present and future generations.
Preparedness and Public Health Response
Preparedness means being ready to respond to possible biological threats.
This includes:
• Disease monitoring and surveillance
• Emergency response plans
• Public awareness and education
• Cooperation between governments, hospitals, and scientists
Preparedness helps reduce panic, save lives, and protect communities.
Biotechnology 8 Prepared by: Ms. Jan Marie E. Daylo