Chemical Warfare: 101
Chemical warfare (CW) involves using the toxic properties of chemical substances as weapons. This type of warfare is distinct from nuclear warfare, biological warfare and radiological warfare, which together make up CBRN, the military acronym for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (warfare or weapons)
Types of CWA (Chemical Warfare Agents)
1. Nerve Agents
A class of organic chemicals that disrupt the mechanisms by which nerves transfer messages to organs.
Examples:
Sarin (GB), Soman (GD), Tabun (GA), VX, VR
Effects/Symptoms:
Miosis (pinpoint pupils), Blurred/dim vision, Headache, Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, Copious secretions/sweating, Muscle twitching/fasciculations, Dyspnea, Seizures, Loss of consciousness, Death. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, Copious secretions/sweating, Muscle twitching/fasciculations, Dyspnea, Seizures, Loss of consciousness, Death.
2. Asphyxiant/Blood Agents
A toxic chemical agent that affects the body by being absorbed into the blood. Blood agents are fast-acting, potentially lethal poisons that typically manifest at room temperature as volatile colorless gases with a faint odor.
Examples:
Cyanogen chloride, Hydrogen cyanide
Effects/Symptoms:
Possible cherry-red skin, Possible cyanosis, Confusion, Nausea, Patients may gasp for air, Seizures prior to death, Metabolic acidosis, Death
3. Vesicant/Blister Agents
A blister agent, or vesicant, is a chemical compound that causes severe skin, eye and mucosal pain and irritation. They are named for their ability to cause severe chemical burns, resulting in painful water blisters on the bodies of those affected.
Examples:
Sulfur Mustard Gas (HD, H), Nitrogen mustard (HN-1, HN-2, HN-3), Lewisite (L), Phosgene oxime (CX) gas.
Effects/Symptoms:
Severe skin, eye and mucosal pain and irritation, Skin erythema with large fluid blisters that heal slowly and may become infected, Tearing, conjunctivitis, corneal damage, Mild respiratory distress to marked airway damage.
4. Choking/Pulmonary Agents
A pulmonary agent, or choking agent, is a chemical weapon agent designed to impede a victim’s ability to breathe. They operate by causing a build-up of fluids in the lungs, which then leads to suffocation.
Examples:
Chlorine gas, Hydrogen chloride, Nitrogen oxides, Phosgene
Effects/Symptoms:
Airway irritation, Eye and skin irritation, Dyspnea, cough, Sore throat, Chest tightness, Wheezing, Bronchospasm, Death.
5. Lachrymatory Agent
Tear gas, also known as a lachrymator agent or lachrymator (from the Latin lacrima meaning “tear”), is a chemical weapon that stimulates the nerves of the lacrimal gland in the eye to produce tears. In addition, it can cause severe eye and respiratory pain, skin irritation, bleeding, and blindness.
Examples:
Tear gas (CS, CN) Pepper Spray(OC)
Effects/Symptoms:
Causes severe stinging of the eyes and temporary blindness, burning irritation of the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and throat, resulting in profuse coughing, nasal mucus discharge, disorientation, and difficulty breathing
Protection Against Chemical Warfare Agents
The first and most important line of defense against chemical agents is the individual protection provided by Gas masks and Protective clothing.
Filters for gas masks contain specially treated activated charcoal, to remove vapors, and paper membranes or other materials, to remove particles. Chemical protection suits are effect against hundreds of toxic liquids and vapors from sarin to chlorine gas. The barrier is usually made of Tyvek, heavy PVC. or of fabric containing activated charcoal or other adsorptive forms of carbon.
Decontamination
Gear must be removed within toxic-free shelters after following decontamination procedures at the shelter entrance.
A number of methods have been found useful in decontaminating areas and people covered with chemical agents, including spraying with super tropical bleach (chlorinated lime) or washing contaminated surfaces or garments with warm soapy water. The challenge is finding and using a decontamination solution that is strong enough to neutralize the chemical agent without damaging the equipment or harming the personnel.
Need Chemical Protective Gear…? Gas Masks, Filters, Protective Suits, Military Tear Gas…. Click the link below!
