Characteristics & Effects of Chemical Agents

By WO2 AD RALPH

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 physiological effects. Excluded are riot control agents, herbicides, smoke and flame. From this definition chemical agents can be divided into three categories according to their military use:

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 cause incapacitation, usually temporary. (Physical incapacitating agents are usually identified by effect.

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.

Damaging Agents
Blister Agent: - Mustard Lewisite Mix (HL) Persistent agent which will hinder the use of ground, Smells of garlic

Incapacitating Agents
Quinuclidinyl Benzilate (BZ) Non persistent and is a mental incapacitant.

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.

Symptoms
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. Stoppage of breathing.

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 large quantities 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)

Choking Agents
They attack breathing passages and cause large quantities of fluid to seep into the lungs, which has a drowning 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 recurrence of the symptoms within 48 hours.

 May cause death but are designed to cause casualties. They produce a contact hazard and both a 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.

Blister Agents

Incapacitating Agents
Cause temporary disabling conditions which can be either physical or mental. These agents should not be confused with riot control agents ie CS gas. Routes of entry: Inhalation. Detection: Your mate acting strangely or if you are issued orders for a suicide mission. Symptoms: There are a wide variety of possible symptoms ranging from change of mood, difficulty in concentration or making decisions, sleepiness to lack of muscular co-ordination and progressive intoxication.