Nanotechnology can potentially be misused to enhance the potency and delivery mechanisms of CBRN agents. For instance:
1. Chemical Agents: Nanomaterials can be engineered to act as catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions, making chemical agents more effective or harder to neutralize. 2. Biological Agents: Nanotechnology can be utilized to create more robust and persistent biological agents. Nanoparticles can be designed to protect pathogens from environmental factors, increasing their survivability and effectiveness. 3. Radiological Agents: Nanoengineering can enhance the dispersion and penetration of radiological materials, making decontamination efforts more challenging. 4. Nuclear Threats: Advanced nanomaterials might be used to improve the performance of nuclear materials, potentially making them more compact and easier to transport undetected.
