Chemical Agents and Their Effects

7/28/2019 Chemical Agents and Their Effects

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Characteristics & Effects ofChemical Agents

By WO2 AD RALPH


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Introduction A chemical agent is, by NATO definition, a

chemical substance which is intended for

military operations to kill, seriously injure or

incapacitate man through its physiologicaleffects. Excluded are riot control agents,

herbicides, smoke and flame. From this

definition chemical agents can be divided intothree categories according to their military use:


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Categories

Lethal. Designed to kill, but non-lethal

doses may incapacitate.

Damaging. Primarily designed to cause

casualties, either short or long term, but

may cause death.

Incapacitating. Primarily designed to causeincapacitation, usually temporary.

(Physical incapacitating agents are usually

identified by effect.


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Lethal Agents Nerve: - Sarin (GB) Non persistent, rapid action,

quick to disperse. - Soman (GD) Non persistent or persistent,

depending on its form and local conditions. Rapid

action.

Blood: - hydrogen Cyanide (AC) Truly Non

persistent, rapid effect, disperses quickly. Smells of

bitter almonds or peach kernels, like marzipan. 30%

of the population can not smell AC.

Choking Agents: - Phosgene (CG) Smells of new

mown grass.


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Damaging Agents

Blister Agent: - Mustard Lewisite Mix (HL)

Persistent agent which will hinder the use of

ground, Smells of garlic


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Incapacitating Agents

Quinuclidinyl Benzilate (BZ)Non

persistent and is a mental incapacitant.


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Characteristics of Nerve Agents Nerve agents will interfere with the nervous system

and disrupt such functions as breathing and

muscular co-ordination.

Routes of Entry: Three routes

By Breathing in (inhalation).

Through the eyes or skin (absorption).

Intake of food & water (ingestion).

Detection: Liquid agents react on Detector Paper(DP)1 colour, the presence of vapour can be

detected by a NAIAD, CAM or RVD. DP 3 colour

will indicate type of Nerve agent present.


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ymptoms Early Symptoms: Runny nose, increase in saliva

Tightness of chest, difficulty in breathing. Pinpointing of pupils, dimmed vision.

Later Symptoms: Headache.

Drooling at the mouth. Dizziness & general weakness,

Excessive sweating.

Final Symptoms:Nausea and vomiting.

Involuntary bodily functions.

Muscle twitching and jerking.

Sto a e of breathin .


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Blood Agents They prevent body tissues from using the oxygen in

the blood. Routes of Entry: Must be inhaled to be effective.

Speed in donning the SR10 is vital.

Detection: Blood agent will be delivered in largequantities in a short space of time using MRLS, this

is a good indication that you have been attacked

with a Blood agent. NAIAD will alarm in the

presence of attack concentrations.

Symptoms: Dizziness, rapid breathing, headache,

nausea. A desire to remove the SR10 must be

resisted. (NSS)


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Choking Agents

They attack breathing passages and cause large

quantities of fluid to seep into the lungs, which has adrowning effect.

Route of Entry: Must be inhaled to be effective.

Detection: The mark 1 nose.

Symptoms: Shortness of breath, choke, cough and

be unable to exert themselves. Casualties can often

recover from these effects only to have a recurrenceof the symptoms within 48 hours.


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Blister Agents May cause death but are designed to cause

casualties. They produce a contact hazard and botha local and downwind vapour hazard.

Routes of Entry: Inhalation through eyes or skin, or

ingested with food or drink. Detection: Liquid agents react to DP 1 & 3 colour;

the presence of vapour can be confirmed using the

RVD or CAM.

Symptoms: Eyes will redden, irritate and water.

Throat usually dry burning with coughing. Skin,

after a burning feeling they will redden and blisters

will form later, dont burst them.


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Incapacitating Agents

Cause temporary disabling conditions which can be

either physical or mental. These agents should notbe confused with riot control agents ie CS gas.

Routes of entry: Inhalation.

Detection: Your mate acting strangely or if you areissued orders for a suicide mission.

Symptoms: There are a wide variety of possible

symptoms ranging from change of mood, difficultyin concentration or making decisions, sleepiness to

lack of muscular co-ordination and progressive

intoxication.

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Chemical Agents and Their Effects