Toxins are frequently as potent or more potent by inhalation than by any other route. Mucous membranes, including conjunctivae, are also vulnerable to many biological warfare agents. Other routes for delivery of biological agents are thought to be less important than inhalation, but are nonetheless potentially significant. Contamination of food and water supplies, either purposefully or incidentally after an aerosol biological warfare attack, represents a hazard for infection or intoxication by ingestion. Assurance that food and water supplies are free from contamination should be provided by appropriate preventive medicine authorities in the event of an attack.
Intact skin provides an excellent barrier for most biological agents.
T-2 mycotoxins would be an exception because of their dermal activity. However, mucous membranes and abraded, or otherwise damaged, integument can allow for passage of some bacteria and toxins, and should be protected in the event of an attack. The University of Iowa. All rights reserved.