Overview Of Possible Chemical Agents That Could Be Used In An Attack And Their Effects:

Overview Of Possible Chemical Agents That Could Be Used In An Attack And Their Effects: Related Information:

Chemical weapons pose a major advantage and a major disadvantage to those that are using them. The advantage is that they are fairly easy to make. However, they can also be deadly even to the person making the weapon. The effect that these weapons can have can depend upon a number of factors such as wind direction, quantity, age and the method in which they are dispersed. One thing is for certain, however – these weapons certainly have the ability to kill, maim and injure in a very short amount of time.

There are a number of dangerous and deadly agents that can be used in the production of chemical weapons, a selection of which are listed below:

Arsenic:

Arsenic is a natural element which can be found in the earth’s crust. However, when this agent id released in to the environment it fuses with oxygen, chlorine and sulphur to form inorganic arsenic compounds. Breathing in these compounds can result in effects such as sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, blood vessel damage, hearth rhythm abnormalities, a decrease in white and red blood cells and skin abnormalities. However, ingesting large quantities of this compound can result in death.

Chlorine:

Chlorine can be used as a gas and the effects of the gas will depend largely upon a person’s proximity to the main contaminated areas. This agent has the ability to affect and destroy the respiratory system when breathed in large quantities and can result in chest pains, burning throat sensation and in some cases asphyxiation.

Cyanide:

Cyanide is another agent that can be used in gas form, and can have serious effects dependant upon exposure and quantity. Some of the effects can include lung problems, respiratory failure, heart problems and brain damage. Even small amount of this agent, either breathed in or absorbed through the skin, can cause a number of health problems.

Lewisite:

Lewisite is known as a blistering agent because of the blistering effect it can have on the body. This agent was designed for use as a chemical warfare agent in the early twentieth century. This agent contains arsenic and some of the effects are also similar. Other effects include blistering and lesions of the skin, blindness, lewisite shock, chronic respiratory problems and death.

Mustard Gas:

Mustard Gas is another blistering agent that was introduced originally as a chemical warfare agent. If released into the air it can affect people through ingestion, skin contact, breathing and eye contact. The effect would be dependant upon the quantity and the person’s proximity to the contaminate air. Effects include skin abnormalities and blistering, respiratory tract problems, abdominal pain and nausea, swelling and irritation of the eyes, and fever.

Strychnine:

Strychnine is an extremely powerful agent, and a small quantity can cause serious illness or death. This agent could be used in powder form to contaminate the air, and could cause widespread death and illness. Some of the effects include breathing difficulty, respiratory failure, brain death, muscle spasms, and psychological problems.

Sarin:

Sarin is a manmade warfare agent and is known as a nerve agent, which means that it is highly toxic and fast-acting. This agent comes in liquid form but can be evaporated and released into the air. Prolonged exposure will almost certainly result in death. Moderate or mild exposure can lead to symptoms such as paralysis, convulsions, blood pressure extremities, abdominal pains, vomiting, chest tightness and unconsciousness.

Phosgene:

Phosgene is a choking agent that was responsible for many deaths in the Second World War. If this gas is released in to the air, people are at risk of exposure through skin, breathing and eye contact, and the effects will depend upon the proximity of the person to the contaminated area. Effects can include chronic emphysema, chronic bronchitis, fluid on the lungs, breathing difficulty, heart failure, and skin lesions.