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This page contains "capsules" of
information about weapons of mass destruction (WMD). They are meant
to be short and easy to commit to memory. The information is
available in open literature found on the Internet.
Chemical Agent
Any substance that is intended for use by
terrorists to kill, seriously injure, or incapacitate humans (or
animals) through its toxicological effects.
Chemical Agents - General
Characteristics
-
Are generally liquids when in open or
closed containers
-
Are normally disseminated as an aerosol or
a gas
-
Can have varying effects on the body
ranging from irritation, incapacitation to injury and death
-
Have onset times ranging from seconds to
minutes, to several hours or more
-
Are heavier than air except for hydrogen
cyanide (HCN)
Common Routes of
Absorption
-
Through lungs
-
Through eyes
-
Through skin
Mustard Agent (H)
(Chemical Category: Blister Agent)
Exposure to the Mustard agent (H) can cause
injury within minutes, even though signs and symptoms may be
delayed for hours. Exposure to other blister agents such as
Lewisite (L), Mustard/Lewisite mixture, and phosgene Oxime (CX)
result in almost immediate signs and symptoms.
G Agents
- Tabun (GA), Sarin (GB), Soman (GD) Cyclosarin (GF)
- Non-persistant
- Primary hazard: respiratory tract
- Onset of symptoms: very rapid
- Odor: none
- Liquid contact can be deadly
- Heavier than air
VX
- Deadliest of the nerve agents
- Primary hazard: skin absorption
- Onset time: very fast
- Very low volatility
- Nine times heavier air
Nerve Agents - Signs/Symptoms of
Exposure
- Constricted pupils (miosis)
- Runny nose (rhinorrea)
- Tightness in chest
- Coughing, jerking and twitching
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- Sudden loss of consciousness
- Convulsions and apnea
Volatility Comparison Between Water and
Chemical Agents
| Agent |
*Volatility
(mg/m3) |
| Hydrogen
cyanide |
1,000,000 |
| Water |
22,900 |
| Sarin (GB) |
22,000 |
| Soman (GD) |
3,900 |
| Mustard (H) |
900 |
| Tabun (GA) |
600 |
| VX |
10 |
| |
|
*
Approximate amount of
agent (mg) that 1 m3 of
air can hold at 25 oC |
Vapor Densities of
Nerve an Blister Agents (Compared to Air)
| GB |
4.8 |
| H |
5.5 |
| GA |
5.6 |
| GF |
6.2 |
| GD |
6.3 |
| L |
7.2 |
| VX |
9.2 |
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