Which is recognized as a biological agent?

Which is recognized as a biological agent?

• A. Anthrax
• B. Lewisite
• C. Phosgene
• D. V-agent

Answer: (A)

Biological agents are living organisms or their toxins that can cause disease in people, animals, or plants. Anthrax fits this category because it is caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that can form resilient spores and multiply, leading to infection. Its ability to reproduce and cause illness makes it a biological agent. The other items are chemical hazards. Lewisite is a blistering chemical agent, phosgene is a toxic choking gas, and the V-agent is a nerve agent. They cause harm through chemical mechanisms, not through living organisms, so they’re classified as chemical hazards rather than biological ones.

Biological agents are living organisms or their toxins that can cause disease in people, animals, or plants. Anthrax fits this category because it is caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that can form resilient spores and multiply, leading to infection. Its ability to reproduce and cause illness makes it a biological agent.

The other items are chemical hazards. Lewisite is a blistering chemical agent, phosgene is a toxic choking gas, and the V-agent is a nerve agent. They cause harm through chemical mechanisms, not through living organisms, so they’re classified as chemical hazards rather than biological ones.