THE University of Bradford has co-written a report raising concerns about the use of life-science research which could be used for the creation of incapacitating chemical agent (ICA) weapons.
The Bradford Non-Lethal Weapons Research Project, based at the University, teamed up with the Biochemical Security 2030 Project from the University of Bath to produce the report called Down the Slippery Slope.
The 90-page document, which took six months to compile, looks at a host of pharmaceutical chemicals which could be used in the study or development of ICA weapons, which are banned from use in armed conflict.
It also looks at the countries who possess ICA weapons, including the Chinese Peoples' Liberation Army, the Israeli security services and unconfirmed use in Syria.
Professor Malcolm Dando, report co-author and Professor of International Security at the University of Bradford, said: "The report is part of our ongoing work we are doing on chemical and biological weapons and what states call less lethal weapons and technologies."
Dr Michael Crowley, report co-author, added: "Because the possession and utilisation of ICA weapons currently appears to be restricted to a relatively small number of countries, there is still time for the international community to act."
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