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Chemical
Agents -- Types of Chemical Agents
Nerve
Q:
What are nerve agents?
A:
Nerve agents are considered the most dangerous of the
chemical warfare agents. Nerve agents can cause loss of consciousness
and convulsions within seconds and death within minutes of exposure. The
most common nerve agents, Tabun, Sarin and Soman, were originally developed
as pesticides by Germany in the 1930s. Great Britain developed another
type of nerve agent, VX, in the 1950s.
Q:
Aren't nerve agents also known as nerve gases?
A:
Although many of the nerve agents are called gases,
they actually are oily liquids, which can be released as an aerosol spray
or mixed with other liquids.
Q:
How do nerve agents work?
A:
A nerve agent signals glands in your body to "turn
on." However, the glands no longer can turn themselves off. As a
result, the body produces copious secretions, runny nose, watery eyes,
excess saliva. The nerve impulses cause uncontrollable muscular movement
and in the final stages, seizures and convulsions.
Transmission
Q:
How do nerve agents get into the human
body?
A:
Exposure to nerve agents can occur via inhalation (breathing),
skin contact or ingestion (digestive tract). All nerve agents are readily
absorbed through the skin and eyes in liquid form. In vapor form, they
are readily absorbed into the respiratory tract and eyes. Ingestion is
rare, but deadly.
Q:
How long do nerve agents last in the
air?
A:
It varies according to the agent:
- Sarin
is generally non-persistent and evaporates at approximately the same
rate as water.
- Tabun
is persistent from one to six days depending on the temperature and
evaporates 20 times more slowly than water. It persists twice as long
in seawater.
- Soman
can last from one to two days under average weather conditions.
- VX is
very persistent, especially in cold weather, and can last for months.
Q:
Can nerve agents be mixed with water?
A:
Yes, they are clear, colorless and tasteless liquids
that mix in water. They are difficult to detect when mixed, as they are
almost odor free. In their pure form, Soman and Tabun have a slightly
fruity odor and Sarin and VX are odorless.
Symptoms
Q:
What are the symptoms of nerve agent
exposure?
A:
Nerve agents all produce similar symptoms. Depending
on the amount of exposure, nerve agents can cause: pinpoint pupils (miosis),
watery eyes, runny nose (rhinorrhea), difficulty in breathing, drooling,
excessive sweating, tightness in the chest, nausea, vomiting, loss of
consciousness, convulsions, seizures, twitching, jerking, staggering,
paralysis, headache, confusion, drowsiness, coma, and death.
Q:
How quickly do symptoms appear following
exposure?
A:
The inhalation of vapors causes respiratory tract effects
within seconds or minutes. Death can occur within minutes to hours from
respiratory failure.
Medical
response
Q:
Is there treatment for exposure to nerve
agents?
A:
There is some assistance for nerve agent victims that
trained emergency responders can provide, however:
- Do not
attempt to treat nerve agent victims yourself. You cannot treat victims
of chemical poisoning, unless you are trained in emergency medical response
and have the proper protective gear.
- If you
are in a safe area, remain where you are so that you do not become a
victim yourself. In order that you do not become a victim yourself,
you must not have any contact with vapor or liquid.
Trained
medical responders treat patients in the following ways:
- Medical
personnel can decontaminate the patient.
- Medical
personnel may administer antidotes (atropine, pralidoxime chloride and
diazepam.)
- Medical
personnel can also supply ventilation to support respiratory function.
Q:
Are there antidotes for nerve agents?
A:
Yes, atropine, pralidoxime chloride and diazepam are
antidotes. Only trained and properly protected medical personnel can administer
these antidotes.
Q:
Is there anything I can do to help a
nerve agent victim?
A:
Unless you are a trained emergency responder or medical
provider with proper protective gear, do not enter the area where victims
are.
- Do not
attempt to treat victims.
- Do not
touch the victims.
Rescuers
can become contaminated with nerve agents by direct contact with skin
or clothing or by off-gassing vapor, even after the vapor has dissipated
from the area. If you can see the victims, you are too close and will
need to be decontaminated. Seek nearby medical assistance and listen to
your local Emergency Alert System (EAS)
radio or television stations for information and instruction.
Decontamination
Q:
If nerve agents contaminate me, what
can I do to decontaminate myself following exposure?
A:
Procedures for decontamination are similar for various
nerve agents:
- Immediately
flush eyes with water for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Quickly
remove contaminated clothing and place in sealed bags if possible. Secondary
exposure can occur from contact with contaminated clothing and when
evaporation from contaminated clothing occurs.
- Wash
your skin with large amounts of soap and water.
- Seek
nearby medical assistance immediately.
Protective
actions
Q:
Would wearing a gas mask or protective
suit be of any use following an attack with nerve agents?
A:
Unless the mask or protective suit is specifically
designed for the particular agent used and custom-fitted to the wearer,
they will not provide protection. Also to be effective, you would have
to keep the mask with you at all times and be prepared to use it within
a moments notice.
Blister
Description
Q:
What are blister agents?
A:
Blister agents, also called vesicants, are chemical
agents that cause red skin (erythema), blisters, irritation, eye damage,
respiratory damage and gastrointestinal damage. Mustard is one of the
commonly used blister agents.
Q:
Have these agents been used in warfare?
A:
Blister agents, specifically mustard have been a military
threat since first introduced in World War I. Italy allegedly used mustard
in the 1930s against Abyssinia. Egypt used mustard in the 1960s against
Yemen. Iraq used mustard against Iran and against the Kurds.
Transmission
Q:
What does mustard look like?
A:
Mustard in its pure liquid form is colorless and odorless;
however, weapons grade material is yellow to dark brown or black. Mustard's
odor is described as similar to horseradish, onions or burning garlic.
Symptoms
Q:
How do blister agents affect an individual?
A:
The effect of blister agents is similar to that of
a corrosive chemical like lye or a strong
acid.
Q:
What are the specific effects of mustard
on a person?
A:
Sulfur mustards are extremely toxic if inhaled and
may damage the eyes, skin and respiratory tract and suppress the immune
system.
- The
most common injuries associated with blister agents are large skin blisters.
- The
primary effects of mustard occur in the eye, airways and skin, causing
burns, blisters and irritations.
- The
eyes are the organs most sensitive to a mustard vapor injury. Symptoms
of eye injury appear earlier than skin injury.
- Erythema
(reddening of the skin) is the first and earliest form of skin injury
appearing after exposure to mustard. The reddening resembles sunburn.
It is associated with itching or burning, stinging pain.
- When
inhaled, mustard causes coughing, bronchitis and long-term respiratory
problems. If the amount inhaled is large, mustard can cause respiratory
failure. This is the most common cause of death following exposure to
mustard.
- The
gastro-intestinal tract is also susceptible to damage from mustard,
from absorption or accidental ingestion.
- Mustard
has been linked to the development of lung cancer in survivors.
Q:
When do the effects of mustard show up?
A:
Although mustard causes cellular changes within minutes
of contact, the onset of pain and other symptoms is delayed. (If a mustard-Lewisite
mixture is used the onset of pain is more immediate.)
- Following
mustard exposure reddening of the skin appears within 2 to 24 hours.
- Eye
irritation appears 1 hour or more after exposure.
- Respiratory
reactions in the upper and lower airway develop several hours after
exposure, progressing over several days.
Medical
response
Q:
Is there an antidote for mustard?
A:
No, there is no antidote for mustard exposure.
Q:
Is there treatment for exposure to mustard?
A:
Yes, trained personnel in protective gear can provide
some treatment. Decontamination within minutes after exposure is the only
effective means of decreasing tissue damage. Medical responders may also
provide ventilation for respiratory distress.
Q:
Can I help mustard victims?
A:
Do not attempt to treat victims yourself. Call local
emergency responders for assistance. You cannot safely treat victims of
chemical poisoning, unless you are trained in emergency medical response
and have the proper protective gear.
- If you
are in a safe area, remain where you are so that you do not become a
victim yourself.
- If you
are not in a safe area, leave the area immediately. You must not have
any contact with vapor or liquid. Victims whose skin or clothing is
contaminated with liquid sulfur mustard can contaminate rescuers by
direct contact or through off-gassing vapors.
- Wait
for medical assistance to arrive, do not become a victim yourself.
- Listen
to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS)
radio or television station for information and instruction if you cannot
access emergency contact numbers.
Decontamination
Q:
If I'm contaminated, what can I do to
decontaminate myself following exposure?
A:
Procedures for decontamination are:
- Flush
the eyes immediately with water for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Quickly
remove contaminated clothing. Bag and seal any contaminated clothing
if possible.
- Wash
your skin with large amounts of soap and water.
- Do not
cover eyes with bandages. Dark eyeglasses can be used.
- Remember
secondary exposure can occur from contact with contaminated clothing.
It can also occur when evaporation from contaminated clothing occurs.
Protective
actions
Q:
Would wearing a gas mask or protective
suit be of any use following an attack with blister agents?
A:
Unless the mask or protective suit is specifically
designed for the particular agent used and custom-fitted to the wearer,
they will not provide protection. Since most attacks occur without warning
you would need to wear the proper equipment at all times for it to effectively
protect you.
Blood
Description
Q:
What are blood agents?
A:
Blood agents are toxic industrial chemicals such as
cyanide. Pure weaponized forms of these agents are gases, but many cyanide
compounds are found as solids, powders or in liquid form.
Q:
Have blood agents been used as weapons?
A:
Yes, the French used about 4,000 tons of cyanide in
World War I without significant success.
Q:
What is the availability of cyanide?
A:
The United States chemical industry manufactures over
300,000 tons of hydrogen cyanide annually. Cyanides are used in electroplating,
mineral extraction, dyeing, printing, photography and agriculture, and
in the manufacture of paper, textiles and plastics.
Transmission
Q:
How can I be exposed to blood agents?
A:
Exposure can occur by contact with either liquids or
vapors.
Q:
How can I tell if I've been exposed to
cyanide?
A:
Although it is a colorless gas or liquid, some victims
report an odor of bitter or burnt almond or peach kernels.
Symptoms
Q:
What damage can blood agents cause?
A:
These chemicals can cause rapid respiratory arrest
and death by blocking the absorption of oxygen to the cells and organs
through the bloodstream.
Q:
What are the symptoms of exposure to
blood agents?
A:
These agents irritate the eyes, the skin and the respiratory
tract. Inhalation of blood agents causes confusion, drowsiness and shortness
of breath. Symptoms of exposure may include increased heart rate, difficulty
breathing, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, convulsions, cardiac
arrest and death.
Medical
response
Q:
Is there any treatment for blood agents?
A:
Yes, there are some antidotes trained medical personnel
can use for blood agents. Also, moving the victim to fresh air, if possible,
can help minimize the impacts of cyanide exposure.
Q:
Is there anything I can do to help a
victim?
A:
No. There is nothing an untrained person without the
proper protective equipment can do to assist a victim of blood agents.
- Call
your local emergency numbers for assistance. Do not attempt to treat
victims.
- Do not
touch the victims. You can become contaminated by direct contact with
skin or clothing or by off-gassing vapor, even after the vapor has dissipated
from the area.
- Unless
you are a trained emergency responder or medical provider with proper
protective gear, leave the area where victims are as quickly as possible
and seek nearby medical assistance.
Decontamination
Q:
If I'm contaminated, what can I do to
decontaminate myself following blood agent exposure?
A:
Take the following steps:
- Flush
the eyes immediately with water for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Quickly
remove contaminated clothing. Bag and seal any contaminated clothing.
- Secondary
exposure can occur from contact with contaminated clothing. It can also
occur when evaporation from contaminated clothing occurs.
- Wash
your skin with large amounts of soap and water.
- Seek
nearby medical assistance immediately.
Protective
actions
Q:
Would wearing a gas mask or protective
suit be of any use following an attack with blood agents?
A:
Unless the mask or protective suit is specifically
designed for the particular agent used and custom-fitted to the wearer,
they will not provide protection. Since attacks usually occur without
warning, you would need to wear the mask and suit all the time for it
to be effective.
Choking
Description
Q:
What are choking agents?
A:
Choking (pulmonary) agents are toxic industrial chemicals
such as chlorine and phosgene.
Q:
When have these agents been used?
A:
Historically, both sides in World War I used chlorine
and phosgene. The U.S. military no longer stockpiles these agents.
Q:
How do choking agents work?
A:
Inhaled chlorine mixes with the moisture in the lungs
and turns to hydrochloric acid. The acid causes fluid build-up in the
lungs, which impedes oxygen transfer and causes the victim to drown. This
condition is often called "dry-land drowning."
Transmission
Q:
How can I be exposed to choking agents?
A:
Exposure to these agents is through inhalation (breathing)
of vapors or skin contact.
Q:
Are these agents visible when in use?
A:
In its pure form, chlorine is a greenish-yellow gas
with a pungent odor. Phosgene is a colorless gas with the odor of mowed
grass or hay.
Symptoms
Q:
What are the symptoms of choking agents?
A:
The primary effect of choking agents is pulmonary edema
– water in the lungs. Other symptoms may include eye and airway irritation,
shortness of breath and chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, choking, severe
coughing and dry-land drowning.
Q:
How quickly following exposure do symptoms
occur?
A:
Direct skin exposure to any form of phosgene causes
immediate pain. Immediate irritation also occurs to the upper respiratory
tract. Exposure to high concentrations of chlorine gas immediately leads
to respiratory distress.
Q:
In what other ways do these agents affect the body?
A:
In the following ways:
- Chlorine
and phosgene cause eye and airway irritation and damage.
- Phosgene,
when inhaled, causes severe breathing problems and fatal lung congestion,
and usually results in death. Inhaled chlorine causes labored breathing
and the buildup of fluid in the lungs. High exposure results in death.
- Chlorine
is corrosive to the skin, causing burns.
- Chlorine
can cause frostbitten skin and eyes.
Medical
response
Q:
Are there any antidotes for these agents?
A:
There is no known treatment for phosgene exposure.
Mortality is high; however, some exposed people have survived. There is
no antidote for chlorine. Treatment for poisoning by either chemical is
supportive.
Q:
How can I treat someone exposed to choking
agents?
A:
Do not attempt to treat victims yourself. Call your
local emergency responders for assistance. Only trained emergency medical
responders with the proper protective equipment can treat choking agent
victims.
- If you
are in a safe area, remain where you are so that you do not become another
victim of the terrorist attack.
- If you
are in an unsafe area, leave immediately and seek nearby medical assistance
– you will need to be decontaminated.
- To avoid
becoming a victim yourself, you must not have any contact with vapor
or liquid. Victims whose skin or clothing is contaminated with liquid
can contaminate rescuers by direct contact or through off-gassing vapors.
- Call
your local emergency numbers for assistance and listen to your local
Emergency Alert System (EAS)
radio or television station for information and instruction.
Decontamination
Q:
If choking agents contaminate me, what
can I do to decontaminate myself following exposure?
A:
There are some basic decontamination steps to take
if you have been exposed to choking agents and if you do not have chlorine
gas-induced frostbite. If you have frostbite from chlorine exposure do
not attempt decontamination. Do not rinse with water. Seek nearby medical
help or wait for help to arrive.
If you do
not have frostbite symptoms, you can:
- Flush
the eyes immediately with water for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Quickly
remove contaminated clothing and seal it in bags. Secondary exposure
can occur from contact with contaminated clothing. It can also occur
when evaporation from contaminated clothing occurs.
- Wash
your skin with large amounts of soap and water.
- Seek
immediate nearby medical assistance.
Protective
actions
Q:
Would wearing a gas mask or protective
suit be of any use following an attack with blood agents?
A:
Unless the mask or protective suit is specifically
designed for the particular agent used and custom-fitted to the wearer,
they will not provide protection. Terrorist attacks usually occur without
warning. For a mask or suit to be effective, you would need to wear them
at all times.
Irritants
Description
Q:
What are chemical irritant agents?
A:
Irritants are commonly used in riot control and for
personal protection. Some irritants are tear gas, Mace and pepper spray.
Symptoms
Q:
What can irritants do to me?
A:
Tear gas, Mace and pepper spray cause burning and pain
to exposed skin and mucous membranes. Exposure to irritants causes an
immediate burning of the eyes, coughing, involuntary eye closure, burning
in the nostrils, respiratory discomfort, and tingling of exposed skin.
Other symptoms will be tearing, coughing, choking, difficulty breathing,
nausea and vomiting. If pepper spray is used, there will be a characteristic
peppery odor in the area and on exposed clothing.
Q:
How quickly will I feel the effects of
irritants?
A:
The effects of irritants occur within seconds of exposure,
but seldom persist beyond a few minutes after the exposure has ended.
Victims with respiratory problems such as asthma, small children and the
elderly may experience symptoms for a longer period.
Medical
response
Q:
How do I help someone who has been exposed
to irritants?
A:
Call for medical assistance. You should not attempt
to treat victims of irritants if local authorities have not identified
the nature of the chemical attact. If you do not know from a reliable
source that irritants were used do not approach the scene. To avoid becoming
a victim yourself, you must not have any contact with vapor or liquid.
If local authorities have identified the chemical agent as an irritant
such as tear gas or pepper spray and it has dissipated from the area,
victims can be treated in the following ways:
- Seek
immediate medical aid for anyone experiencing severe allergic reactions.
- Move
victims to fresh air, rest in a half-upright position. Instruct them
not to rub their eyes.
- Decontamination
with cool water and soap will alleviate some of the burning on the skin
- A steady
stream of air, such as a fan will also help.
- Seek
additional medical care.
Q:
Would wearing a gas mask or protective
suit be of any use following an attack with blood agents?
A:
Unless the mask or protective suit is specifically
designed for the particular agent used and custom-fitted to the wearer,
they will not provide protection. Terrorist attacks usually occur without
warning. For a mask or suit to be effective, you would need to wear them
at all times.
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Explosives >>
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