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More Americans Fear Chemical, Biological Attack
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - More adults in the United States are worried about a chemical terrorist attack, according to a poll by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research for Trust for America's Health. 70 per cent of respondents are concerned about the release of dangerous chemicals into drinking water, up 18 points in a year.
In addition, 64 per cent of respondents are worried about a biological attack, such as the use of anthrax or small pox, up 14 points in a year.
In September and October 2001, letters containing anthrax bacteria were sent to the offices of five media organizations and two U.S. senators. Five people died and 17 more became ill. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) offered a $2.5 million U.S. reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators, but the case remains unsolved.
In 2004, the U.S. Congress passed the Project Bioshield Act. In July 2004, U.S. president George W. Bush signed the bill into law, saying, "(It) will help America purchase, develop and deploy cutting-edge defences against catastrophic attack."
Polling Data
Level of concern about a chemical or biological terrorist attack.
("Concerned" responses listed)
Jan. | Jan. | |
Chemical terrorism, like dangerous chemicals | 70% | 52% |
Biological terrorism, like anthrax or small pox | 64% | 50% |
Source: Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research / Trust for America's Health
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 856 registered American voters, conducted from Jan. 18 to Jan. 22, 2007. Margin of error is 3.4 per cent.