Anthrax Spores: Extreme Resilience and Bioterrorism Risk

Anthrax spores are among the most durable biological structures known. Their outer spore coat (exosporium) shields the internal DNA from heat, radiation, chemicals, and microbes, allowing survival in soil, water, and extreme temperatures for years or decades.

Bioterrorism Concern

The CDC and WHO emphasize that this resilience makes anthrax a potent bioweapon: spores disperse easily and resist standard decontamination, complicating containment.

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CDC Anthrax page: cdc.gov/anthrax