What do historical statistics teach us about the accidental release of pandemic bioweapons?

Abstract

Globally, deadly pandemics caused by bioweapons have not been reported. However, accidental releases of viruses from high-level Biosafety labs have happened with some frequency. By extrapolating from historical data and known failures in past bioweapons programs, particularly the Soviet program, the rate of accidental release of bioweapons is estimated to be much higher than expected. Rare diseases escaping from labs could end up infecting workers and spreading into the outside community. The risks of accidental release might outweigh the benefits of developing bioweapons programs and are more likely than intentional use. – AI-generated abstract.