Simulation Modeling of Anthrax Spore Dispersion in a Bioterrorism Incident |
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Authors: | Vladimir P. Reshetin James L. Regens |
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Affiliation: | Joint Institute for Power and Nuclear Research, nationa Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Sosny-Minsk, 220109, Belarus. |
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Abstract: | Recent events have increased awareness of the risk posed by terrorist attacks. Bacillus anthracis has resurfaced in the 21st century as a deadly agent of bioterrorism because of its potential for causing massive civilian casualties. This analysis presents the results of a computer simulation of the dispersion of anthrax spores in a typical 50-story, high-rise building after an intentional release during a bioterrorist incident. The model simulates aerosol dispersion in the case of intensive, small-scale convection, which equalizes the concentration of anthrax spores over the building volume. The model can be used to predict the time interval required for spore dispersion throughout a building after a terrorist attack in a high-rise building. The analysis reveals that an aerosol release of even a relatively small volume of anthrax spores during a terrorist incident has the potential to quickly distribute concentrations that are infectious throughout the building. |
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Keywords: | Anthrax bioterrorism computer simulation dispersion modeling |
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