Or if it explodes in the atmosphere, scattering chemical weapons (some of which will remain unburnt) throughout the atmosphere.
Excellent point, there are many things that could go wrong in the short time to low Earth orbit.
Not only that, it is incredibly expensive.
Is a space elevator a fantasy? Have people given up on it?
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/149049.The_Fountains_of_...
Or if it explodes in the atmosphere, scattering chemical weapons (some of which will remain unburnt) throughout the atmosphere.