Final answer:
Biological warfare refers to the intentional release of viruses, bacteria, or toxins to harm or kill people. It is a deliberate act often associated with terrorism and involves the use of biological agents like anthrax or smallpox as weapons.
Step-by-step explanation:
The intentional release of viruses, bacteria, or their toxins, with the purpose of harming or killing citizens, is known as biological warfare. This deliberate use of disease-causing biological agents, like anthrax or smallpox, constitutes a form of violence typically associated with national defense or terrorist attacks. It contrasts with accidents caused by pollution, environmental contamination, or naturally occurring disease spread .Biological warfare aims to inflict mass casualties and create fear and chaos among the affected population and can be dispersed through the air, water, or food, or by coming into direct contact with the skin. Notable instances of bioterrorism have included the spread of B. anthracis spores through the mail, which was a grave act of terrorism utilizing a biological weapon. It is critical to distinguish between biological warfare and other forms of hostile engagement or environmental issues. While chemical warfare involves the use of chemical substances, and environmental pollution generally results from industrial activities, biological warfare specifically employs living organisms or substances derived from them as weapons.