Chemical warfare agents and their damaging effects. Chemical warfare agents

RADIATION, CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PROTECTION

Subject. Combat properties and damaging factors of nuclear,

chemical, biological weapons, hazardous chemicals and weapons,

based on new physical principles.

Class. Purpose and combat properties of chemical weapons. Main types and classification of toxic substances. Means of using toxic substances. Basic properties of toxic substances, nature of contamination of objects, detection methods.

Signs of injury, self- and mutual assistance in case of injury by toxic substances. Emergency chemical hazardous substances (HAS) and other toxic substances, their effects on the human body, methods of detection and protection.

General information about toxic substances

Chemical weapons are chemical agents, munitions, and devices specifically designed to cause death or other harm through the toxic properties of agents released by such munitions or devices.

Toxic substances are toxic chemical compounds intended to inflict mass casualties on manpower during combat use. Toxic substances form the basis of chemical weapons and are in service with the armies of a number of states.

Based on the nature of their effect on the human body, agents are divided into nerve agents, vesicants, general poisonous agents, asphyxiating agents, psychochemical agents, and irritants.

Based on the nature of the tasks being solved when using agents, they are divided into lethal, temporarily incapacitating and short-term incapacitating. When used in combat, lethal chemical agents cause severe (fatal) injuries to manpower. This group includes agents of nerve paralytic, blister, general toxic and asphyxiating types, as well as toxins (botulinum toxin). Temporarily incapacitating agents (psychochemical action and staphylococcal toxin) deprive personnel of combat effectiveness for a period of several hours to several days. The damaging effect of short-term incapacitating agents (irritating effects) manifests itself during the time of contact with them and persists for several hours after leaving the contaminated atmosphere.

For combat use, chemical agents can be converted into vapor, aerosol and droplet-liquid states. Toxic substances used to infect the ground layer of air are converted into a vapor and fine aerosol state (smoke, fog). The cloud of vapor and aerosol formed during the use of chemical munitions is called the primary cloud of contaminated air. The vapor cloud formed due to the evaporation of OM from the soil surface is called secondary. Agents in the form of vapor and fine aerosol, carried by the wind, affect manpower not only in the area of ​​application, but also at a considerable distance, provided that the damaging concentrations are maintained. The depth of OM distribution in rough and wooded areas is 1.5-3 times less than in open areas. Forests and shrubs, as well as lowlands and basements can be places where organic matter stagnates.

To reduce the combat effectiveness of units and units, the area, weapons and military equipment, uniforms, equipment and the skin of people are contaminated with agents used in the form of coarse aerosols and droplets. Contaminated terrain, weapons and military equipment and other objects are a source of destruction for people. Under these conditions, personnel are forced to wear protective equipment for a long time, which significantly reduces the combat effectiveness of the troops.

The persistence of an agent on the ground is the time from its use until the moment when personnel can cross the contaminated area or be on it without protective equipment. Based on their durability, agents are divided into persistent and unstable.

Agents can enter the body in the following ways:

Through the respiratory system (inhalation);

Through wound surfaces (mixed);

Through mucous membranes and skin (skin-resorptive);

When contaminated food and water are consumed, the penetration of chemical agents occurs through the gastrointestinal tract (oral).

Most chemical agents are cumulative, i.e., have the ability to accumulate a toxic effect.

Nerve agents

When entering the body, nerve agents affect the nervous system. A characteristic feature of the initial stage of the lesion is constriction of the pupils of the eyes (miosis).

The main representatives of nerve agents are sarin (GB), soman (GD) and VX (VX).

Sarin (G.B.) - a colorless or yellowish, highly volatile liquid, odorless or with a faint fruity odor, does not freeze in winter. Miscible with water and organic solvents in any ratio, soluble in fats. It is resistant to water, which causes contamination of stagnant bodies of water for a long time - up to 2 months. When it comes into contact with human skin, uniforms, shoes and other porous materials, it is quickly absorbed into them.

Sarin is used to destroy manpower by contaminating the ground layer of air through short fire raids by artillery, missile strikes and tactical aircraft. The main combat state is steam. Under average meteorological conditions, sarin vapors can spread downwind up to 20 km from the place of application. Durability of sarin (in funnels): in summer - several hours, in winter - up to 2 days.

When units operate military equipment in an atmosphere contaminated with sarin, gas masks and a combined arms comprehensive protective kit are used for protection. When operating in contaminated areas on foot, additionally wear protective stockings. When staying for a long time in areas with high levels of sarin vapor, it is necessary to use a gas mask and a general protective kit in the form of overalls. Protection against sarin is also ensured by the use of sealed equipment and shelters equipped with filter-ventilation units. Sarin vapors can be absorbed by uniforms and, after leaving the contaminated atmosphere, evaporate, contaminating the air. Therefore, gas masks are removed only after special treatment of uniforms, equipment and control of air contamination.

V-Ex (VX) - a low-volatile, colorless liquid that is odorless and does not freeze in winter. It is moderately soluble in water (5%), well soluble in organic solvents and fats. Infects open water bodies for a very long period - up to 6 months. The main combat state is coarse aerosol. VX aerosols infect ground-level air and terrain, spread in the direction of the wind to a depth of 5 to 20 km, affect manpower through the respiratory system, exposed skin and ordinary army uniforms, and also infect terrain, weapons and military equipment and open water bodies. VX is used by artillery, aviation (cassettes and airborne devices), as well as with the help of chemical landmines. Weapons and military equipment contaminated with VX droplets pose a danger for 1-3 days in summer and 30-60 days in winter. Resistance of VX on terrain (skin-resorptive effect): in summer - from 7 to 15 days, in winter - for the entire period before the onset of heat. Protection against VX: gas mask, combined arms protective kit, sealed military equipment and shelters.

Toxic nerve agents also include soman (G.D.), which, in its physicochemical properties, occupies an intermediate position between sarin and VX. Soman is a colorless or slightly colored liquid with a camphor odor. Solubility in water is insignificant (1.5%), in organic solvents it is good.

Nerve agents can affect humans through any route of entry into the body. With mild inhalation damage, blurred vision, constriction of the pupils of the eyes (miosis), difficulty breathing, a feeling of heaviness in the chest (retrosternal effect), and increased secretion of saliva and mucus from the nose are observed. These phenomena are accompanied by severe headaches and can last from 2 to 3 days. When the body is exposed to lethal concentrations of chemical agents, severe miosis, suffocation, profuse salivation and sweating occur, a feeling of fear, vomiting and diarrhea, convulsions that can last several hours, and loss of consciousness appear. Death occurs from respiratory and cardiac paralysis.

When exposed through the skin, the pattern of damage is basically similar to that caused by inhalation. The only difference is that the symptoms appear after some time (from several minutes to several hours). In this case, muscle twitching appears at the site of contact with the agent, then convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.

First aid. The affected person must put on a gas mask (if an aerosol or droplet-liquid agent gets on the skin of the face, the gas mask is put on only after treating the face with liquid from the PPI). Administer an antidote and remove the affected person from the contaminated atmosphere. If the convulsions are not relieved within 10 minutes, re-administer the antidote. If breathing stops, perform artificial respiration. If the agent gets on the body, the infected areas should be immediately treated with a PPI. If the agent gets into the stomach, it is necessary to induce vomiting, if possible, rinse the stomach with a 1% solution of baking soda or clean water, and rinse the affected eyes with a 2% solution of baking soda or clean water. Affected personnel are transported to a medical station.

The presence of nerve agents in the air, on the ground, in weapons and military equipment is detected using chemical reconnaissance devices (an indicator tube with a red ring and a dot) and gas detectors. An indicator film is used to detect VX aerosols.

Poisonous substances with blister action

The main agent for blister action is mustard gas. The US Army uses technical (H) and distilled (purified) mustard gas (HD).

Mustard gas is a slightly yellowish (distilled) or dark brown liquid with the odor of garlic or mustard, highly soluble in organic solvents and poorly soluble in water. Mustard gas is heavier than water, freezes at a temperature of about 14°C, and is easily absorbed into various paints, rubber and porous materials, which leads to deep contamination. In air, mustard gas evaporates slowly. The main combat state of mustard gas is droplet-liquid or aerosol. However, mustard gas is capable of creating dangerous concentrations of its vapors due to natural evaporation from the contaminated area. In combat conditions, mustard gas can be used by artillery (mortars), aviation using bombs and pouring devices, as well as landmines. The defeat of personnel is achieved by contamination of the ground layer of air with vapors and aerosols of mustard gas, contamination of exposed skin, uniforms, equipment, weapons and military equipment and areas of terrain with aerosols and drops of mustard gas.

The depth of distribution of mustard gas vapor ranges from 1 to 20 km for open areas. Mustard gas can infect an area for up to 2 days in summer, and up to 2-3 weeks in winter. Equipment contaminated with mustard gas poses a danger to personnel unprotected by protective equipment and must be decontaminated. Mustard gas infects stagnant bodies of water for 2-3 months. The presence of mustard gas vapor is determined using an indicator tube (one yellow ring) using chemical reconnaissance devices VPKhR and PPKhR. To protect against mustard gas, a gas mask and a general protective kit are used, as well as weapons and military equipment of the shelter, equipped with filter-ventilation units, blocked cracks, trenches and communication passages.

Mustard gas has a damaging effect through any route of entry into the body. Damage to the mucous membranes of the eyes, nasopharynx and upper respiratory tract occurs even at low concentrations of mustard gas. At higher concentrations, along with local lesions, general poisoning of the body occurs. Mustard gas has a latent period of action (2-8 hours) and is cumulative. At the time of contact with mustard gas, there is no skin irritation or pain effects. Areas affected by mustard gas are prone to infection. Skin damage begins with redness, which appears 2-6 hours after exposure to mustard gas. After a day, small blisters filled with a yellow transparent liquid form at the site of redness. Subsequently, the bubbles merge. After 2-3 days, the blisters burst and an ulcer forms that does not heal for 20-30 days. If the ulcer gets infected, healing occurs in 2-3 months. When inhaling mustard gas vapors or aerosols, the first signs of damage appear after a few hours in the form of dryness and burning in the nasopharynx, then severe swelling of the nasopharyngeal mucosa occurs, accompanied by purulent discharge. In severe cases, pneumonia develops, death occurs on the 3rd - 4th day from suffocation. The eyes are especially sensitive to mustard vapors. When exposed to mustard gas vapors on the eyes, a feeling of sand appears in the eyes, lacrimation, photophobia, then redness and swelling of the mucous membrane of the eyes and eyelids occurs, accompanied by copious discharge of pus. Contact with droplets of liquid mustard gas in the eyes can lead to blindness. When mustard gas enters the gastrointestinal tract, within 30-60 minutes sharp pain in the stomach, drooling, nausea, vomiting appears, and diarrhea (sometimes with blood) subsequently develops.

First aid. Drops of mustard gas on the skin must be immediately degassed using PPI. The eyes and nose should be rinsed generously, and the mouth and throat should be rinsed with a 2% solution of baking soda or clean water. In case of poisoning with water or food contaminated with mustard gas, induce vomiting and then administer a slurry prepared at the rate of 25 g of activated carbon per 100 ml of water.

Generally poisonous substances

Generally poisonous substances entering the body disrupt the transfer of oxygen from the blood to the tissues. These are one of the fastest acting agents. These include hydrocyanic acid (AC) and cyanogen chloride (CC). In the US Army, hydrocyanic acid and cyanogen chloride are reserve agents.

Hydrocyanic acid (AC)- colorless, quickly evaporating liquid with the smell of bitter almonds. In open areas it quickly evaporates (after 10-15 minutes) and does not contaminate the area or equipment. Degassing of premises, shelters and closed cars is carried out by ventilation. Under field conditions, significant sorption of hydrocyanic acid by uniforms is possible. Disinfection is also achieved by ventilation. The freezing point of hydrocyanic acid is minus 14°C, so in cold weather it is used in a mixture with cyanogen chloride or other chemical agents. Hydrocyanic acid can be used by large-caliber chemical bombs. Damage occurs when inhaling contaminated air (damage through the skin is possible with prolonged exposure to very high concentrations). Means of protection against hydrocyanic acid are a gas mask, shelters and equipment equipped with filter-ventilation units. When affected by hydrocyanic acid, an unpleasant metallic taste and burning sensation in the mouth, numbness in the tip of the tongue, tingling in the eye area, scratching in the throat, anxiety, weakness and dizziness appear. Then a feeling of fear appears, the pupils dilate, the pulse becomes rare, and breathing becomes uneven. The victim loses consciousness and an attack of convulsions begins, followed by paralysis. Death occurs from respiratory arrest. When exposed to very high concentrations, the so-called fulminant form of damage occurs: the affected person immediately loses consciousness, breathing is rapid and shallow, convulsions, paralysis and death. When affected by hydrocyanic acid, a pink coloration of the face and mucous membranes is observed. Hydrocyanic acid does not have a cumulative effect.

First aid. Put a gas mask on the affected person, crush the ampoule with the antidote for hydrocyanic acid and insert it into the under-mask space of the front part of the gas mask. If necessary, perform artificial respiration. If the symptoms of the lesion persist, the antidote can be re-administered. Hydrocyanic acid is detected using an indicator tube with three green rings using VPHR and PPHR devices.

Cyanogen chloride (CK)- colorless, more volatile than hydrocyanic acid, liquid with a strong unpleasant odor. Its toxic properties are similar to hydrocyanic acid, but unlike it, it irritates the upper respiratory tract and eyes. The means of application, protection, and degassing are the same as for hydrocyanic acid.

Asphyxiating agents

This group of chemical agents includes phosgene. In the US Army, phosgene (CG) is a reserve agent.

Phosgene (CG) under normal conditions, a colorless gas, 3.5 times heavier than air, with a characteristic odor of rotten hay or rotten fruit. It dissolves poorly in water, but is easily decomposed by it. Combat state - par. Durability on terrain is 30-50 minutes, vapor stagnation in trenches and ravines is possible for 2 to 3 hours. The depth of distribution of contaminated air is from 2 to 3 km.

Phosgene affects the body only when its vapor is inhaled, and mild irritation of the mucous membrane of the eyes, lacrimation, an unpleasant sweetish taste in the mouth, slight dizziness, general weakness, cough, tightness in the chest, nausea (vomiting) are felt. After leaving the contaminated atmosphere, these phenomena disappear, and within 4-5 hours the affected person is in a stage of imaginary well-being. Then, as a result of pulmonary edema, a sharp deterioration in the condition occurs: breathing becomes more frequent, a severe cough with copious production of foamy sputum, headache, shortness of breath, blue lips, eyelids, nose, increased heart rate, pain in the heart, weakness and suffocation appear. Body temperature rises to 38-39°C, pulmonary edema lasts several days and usually ends in death.

First aid. Put a gas mask on the affected person, remove him from the contaminated atmosphere, provide complete rest, make breathing easier (remove the waist belt, unfasten the buttons), cover him from the cold, give him a hot drink and deliver him to a medical center as quickly as possible.

Protection against phosgene - gas mask, shelter and equipment equipped with filter and ventilation units. Phosgene is detected by an indicator tube with three green rings by VPHR and PPHR devices.

Toxic substances of psychochemical action

Currently, the psychotropic agent Bi-Zet (BZ) is in service with the armies of foreign countries.

Bi-Z (BZ) - a white, odorless crystalline substance, insoluble in water, soluble in chloroform, dichloroethane and acidified water. The main combat state is aerosol. It is used using aviation cassettes and aerosol generators.

BZ affects the body by inhaling contaminated air and ingesting contaminated food and water. The effect of BZ begins to appear after 0.5-3 hours. When exposed to low concentrations, drowsiness and decreased combat effectiveness occur. When exposed to high concentrations, at the initial stage, rapid heartbeat, dry skin and dry mouth, dilated pupils and a decrease in combat effectiveness are observed for several hours. Over the next 8 hours, numbness and speech inhibition occur. This is followed by a period of excitement, lasting up to 4 days. 2-3 days after exposure to chemical agents, a gradual return to normal begins.

First aid: Put a gas mask on the affected person and remove it from the affected area. When going out to an uncontaminated area, perform partial sanitary treatment of exposed areas of the body using PPI, shake out the uniform, rinse the eyes and nasopharynx with clean water.

Detection of BZ in the atmosphere is carried out by military chemical reconnaissance devices VPKhR and PPKhR using indicator tubes with one brown ring.

Protection from BZ - gas mask, equipment and shelters equipped with filter ventilation units.

Irritant toxic substances (irritants)

Irritants are substances with irritant (sternites) and lachrymatory (lacrimator) effects, related to chemical riot control agents, ways to quickly cause sensory irritation or physical disorders in the human body that disappear within a short period of time after cessation of exposure.

The main substances in this class are CS (CS) and CP (CR) and chloroacetophenone (CN).

CBS (C.S.) - white, solid, slightly volatile crystalline substance with the smell of pepper. It dissolves poorly in water, moderately in alcohol, well in acetone and chloroform. Combat state - aerosol. Used with chemical aircraft bombs, artillery shells, aerosol generators and smoke grenades. Can be used in the form of long-acting formulations CS-1 and CS-2.

CS in small concentrations has an irritating effect on the eyes and upper respiratory tract, and in high concentrations causes burns of exposed skin, in some cases - paralysis of breathing, heart and death. Signs of damage: severe burning and pain in the eyes and chest, severe lacrimation, involuntary closing of the eyelids, sneezing, runny nose (sometimes with blood), painful burning in the mouth, nasopharynx, upper respiratory tract, cough and chest pain. When leaving a contaminated atmosphere or after putting on a gas mask, the symptoms continue to increase for 15-20 minutes, and then gradually subside over 1-3 hours.

C-Ar (CR) - yellow crystalline substance. It dissolves poorly in water, but well in organic solvents. Combat use is similar to CS. The toxic effects of CR are similar to CS, but are more irritating to the eyes and upper respiratory tract.

Chloroacetophenone acts on the body similar to CS and CR, but is less toxic.

When exposed to irritating agents, it is necessary to wear a gas mask. In case of severe irritation of the upper respiratory tract (severe cough, burning, pain in the nasopharynx), crush the ampoule with the anti-smoke mixture and insert it under the gas mask helmet. After leaving the contaminated atmosphere, rinse your mouth, nasopharynx, and eyes with a 2% solution of baking soda or clean water. Remove chemical agents from uniforms and equipment by shaking out or cleaning. Gas masks, shelters and military equipment equipped with filter and ventilation units reliably protect against irritating agents.

Toxins and phytotoxicants

Toxins are chemical substances of protein nature of microbial, plant or animal origin that, when they enter the human or animal body, can cause disease and death.

The US Army's standard supply includes substances XR (X-Ar) and PG (P-G), which are new highly toxic chemical agents.

SubstanceXR- botulinum toxin of bacterial origin, entering the body, causes severe damage to the nervous system. Belongs to the class of lethal agents. XR is a fine white to yellowish-brown powder that dissolves easily in water. Used in the form of aerosols by aviation, artillery or missiles, it easily penetrates the human body through the mucous surfaces of the respiratory tract, digestive tract and eyes. It has a hidden period of action from 3 hours to 2 days. Signs of damage appear suddenly and begin with a feeling of severe weakness, general depression, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. 3-4 hours after the onset of symptoms of the lesion, dizziness appears, the pupils dilate and stop responding to light. Vision is blurry, often double vision. The skin becomes dry, there is a dry mouth and a feeling of thirst, severe pain in the stomach. Difficulties arise in swallowing food and water, speech becomes slurred, and the voice becomes weak. For non-fatal poisoning, recovery occurs within 2-6 months.

SubstancePG- staphylococcal enterotoxin - used in the form of aerosols. It enters the body through inhaled air and contaminated water and food. Has a hidden period of action of several minutes. Symptoms of the infection are similar to food poisoning. Initial signs of damage: salivation, nausea, vomiting. Severe abdominal pain and watery diarrhea. Highest degree of weakness. Symptoms last 24 hours, during which time the affected person is incapacitated.

First aid for toxin damage. Stop the entry of the toxin into the body (put on a gas mask or respirator when in a contaminated atmosphere, rinse the stomach if poisoned by contaminated water or food), take it to a medical center and provide qualified medical care.

Protection against XR and PG toxins includes a gas mask or respirator, weapons, military equipment and shelters equipped with filter ventilation units.

Phytotoxicants- chemicals that cause damage to vegetation Plants treated with phytotoxicants lose foliage, dry out and die. For military purposes, special highly toxic formulations are used. The US Army has “orange”, “white” and “blue” formulations. The application of these formulations is carried out by spraying from special devices from airplanes and helicopters.

When using the “orange” recipe, after a week the vegetation completely dies. In the case of using “white” and “blue” formulations, after 2-3 days the leaves completely fall off and are destroyed, and after 10 days the vegetation dies. When using the “orange” and “white” formulations, the vegetation is not restored throughout the entire season, and when using the “blue” formulation, the soil is completely sterilized and the vegetation is not restored for a number of years.

Means and methods of using toxic agents

substances and irritants and protection against them

All US Army chemical munitions are painted gray. Colored rings, an OV code are applied to the ammunition body, the ammunition caliber, mass marks, model and code of the ammunition and batch number are indicated.

Ammunition filled with lethal substances is marked with green rings, and those with temporary and short-term incapacitating substances are marked with red rings. Chemical munitions containing nerve agents have three green rings, blister munitions have two green rings, and general poisonous and asphyxiating munitions have one green ring. Ammunition filled with psychochemical agents has two red rings, and ammunition with irritant agents has one red ring.

Code of toxic substances: Vi-X - “VX-GAS”, sarin - “GB-GAS”, technical mustard gas - “H-GAS”, distilled mustard gas - “HD-GAS”, hydrocyanic acid - “AC-GAS”, cyanogen chloride – “CK-GAS”, phosgene – “CG-GAS”, Bi-Z – “BZ-Riot”, CC – “CS-Riot”, CC – “CR-Riot”, chloroacetophenone – “CN- Riot." Botulinum toxin is coded “XR”, staphylococcal enterotoxin is coded “PG”.

Chemical weapons are weapons whose destructive effect is based on the use of the toxic properties of toxic substances (CA).

Agents include toxic chemical compounds intended to inflict mass casualties on manpower during combat use. Some chemical agents are designed to kill vegetation.

Chemical agents are capable of highly effective destruction of manpower over large areas without destroying material assets, penetrate into cabins, shelters and structures that do not have special equipment, retain their destructive effect for a certain time after their use, contaminate the area and various objects, and have a negative psychological effect for personnel. In the shells of chemical munitions, toxic substances are in a liquid or solid state. At the moment of use, they, freed from the shell, turn into a combat state: vapor (gaseous), aerosol (smoke, fog, drizzle) or droplet-liquid. In the state of vapor or gas, OM are fragmented into individual molecules, in the state of fog - into tiny droplets, in the state of smoke - into tiny solid particles.

The most common tactical and physiological classifications of OS (Fig. 4).

In the tactical classification, toxic substances are divided into:

1. By saturated vapor pressure (volatility) on:

• unstable (phosgene, hydrocyanic acid);
• persistent (mustard gas, lewisite, VX);
• poisonous fumes (adamsite, chloroacetophenone).

2. By the nature of the impact on manpower on:

• lethal (sarin, mustard gas);
• temporarily incapacitating personnel (chloroacetophenone, quinuclidyl-3-benzilate);
• irritants: (adamsite, chloroacetophenone);
• educational: (chloropicrin);

3. According to the speed of onset of the damaging effect on:

• fast-acting - do not have a period of latent action (sarin, soman, VX, AC, Ch, Cs, CR);
• slow acting - have a period of latent action (mustard gas, Phosgene, BZ, Louisite, Adamsite).

Rice. 4. Classification of toxic substances

In the physiological classification (according to the nature of the effect on the human body), toxic substances are divided into six groups:

1. Nervous agents.
2. Blisters.
3. Generally poisonous.
4. Suffocating.
5. Annoying.
6. Psychochemical.

TO nerve agent (NOV) include: VX, sarin, soman. These substances are colorless or slightly yellowish liquids that are easily absorbed into the skin, various paints and varnishes, rubber products and other materials, and easily accumulate on fabrics. The lightest of the NOVs is sarin, so its main combat state when used is steam. In its vapor state, sarin causes damage mainly through the respiratory system.

Sarin vapors can penetrate the human body through the skin; the magnitude of its fatal toxodose is 200 times higher than when inhaling the vapors. In this regard, it is unlikely that personnel protected by gas masks will be affected by sarin vapor in the field.

OM VX has low volatility, and its main combat state is a coarse aerosol (drizzle). The agent is intended to destroy manpower through the respiratory system and unprotected skin, as well as for long-term contamination of the area and objects on it. VX is several times more toxic than sarin when exposed through the respiratory system and hundreds of times more toxic when exposed through the skin in droplet form. A drop of a few mg of VX on exposed skin is enough to cause fatal injury to a person. Due to the low volatility of VX, contamination of the air with its vapor through the evaporation of droplets deposited on the soil will be insignificant. In this regard, damage to personnel protected by gas masks by VX vapors in field conditions is practically excluded.

NOMs are quite resistant to the action of water, so they can contaminate stagnant bodies of water for a long time: sarin for up to 2 months, and VX for up to six months or more.

Soman's properties are intermediate between sarin and VX.

When a person is exposed to small toxodoses of NO, vision deterioration is observed due to constriction of the pupils of the eyes (miosis), difficulty breathing, and a feeling of heaviness in the chest appears. These phenomena are accompanied by severe headaches and can last for several days. When the body is exposed to fatal toxodoses, severe miosis, suffocation, profuse salivation and sweating are observed, a feeling of fear, vomiting, attacks of severe convulsions, and loss of consciousness appear. Death often occurs from respiratory and cardiac paralysis.

TO blister agent This refers primarily to distilled (purified) mustard gas, which is a colorless or slightly yellowish liquid. Mustard gas is easily absorbed into various paints, rubber and porous materials. The main combat state of mustard gas is droplet-liquid or aerosol. Possessing great resistance, mustard gas is capable of creating dangerous concentrations over contaminated areas, especially in summer; it is capable of infecting water bodies, but is poorly soluble in water.

Mustard gas has a multifaceted damaging effect. When acting in droplet-liquid, aerosol and vapor states, it causes not only damage to the skin, but also general poisoning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems when absorbed into the blood. A feature of the toxic effect of mustard gas is that it has a period of latent action. Skin damage begins with redness, which appears 2-6 hours after exposure. After a day, small blisters filled with a yellow transparent liquid form at the site of redness. After 2-3 days, the blisters burst and ulcers form that do not heal for 20-30 days. When inhaling mustard gas vapors or aerosols, the first signs of damage appear after a few hours in the form of dryness and burning in the nasopharynx. In severe cases, pneumonia develops. Death occurs within 3-4 days. The eyes are especially sensitive to mustard vapors. When exposed to vapors, there is a feeling of the eyes being clogged with sand, lacrimation and photophobia, then swelling of the eyelids occurs. Eye contact with mustard gas almost always results in blindness.

Generally poisonous agents disrupt the activity of many organs and tissues, primarily the circulatory and nervous systems. A typical representative of common toxic agents is cyanogen chloride, which is a colorless gas (at a temperature< 13°С — жидкость) с резким запахом. Хлорциан является быстродействующим ОВ. Он устойчив к действию воды, хорошо сорбируется пористыми материалами. Основное боевое состояние – газ. Ввиду хорошей сорбируемости обмундирования необходимо учитывать возможность заноса хлорциана в убежище. Хлорциан поражает человека через органы дыхания и вызывает неприятный металлический привкус во рту, раздражение глаз, чувство горечи, царапанье в горле, слабость, головокружение, тошноту и рвоту, затруднение речи. После этого появляется чувство страха, пульс становится редким, а дыхание – прерывистым. Поражённый теряет сознание, начинается приступ судорог и наступает паралич. Смерть наступает от остановки дыхания. При поражении хлорцианом наблюдается розовая окраска лица и слизистых оболочек.

TO suffocating include agents that affect human lung tissue. This is, first of all, phosgene, which is a colorless gas (at temperatures below 80C it is liquid) with an unpleasant odor of rotten hay. Phosgene has low resistance, but since it is heavier than air, at high concentrations it can “flow” into the cracks of various objects. Phosgene affects the body only through the respiratory system and causes pulmonary edema, which leads to disruption of the supply of air oxygen to the body, causing suffocation. There is a period of latent action (2-12 hours) and cumulative action. When inhaling phosgene, mild irritation of the mucous membrane of the eyes, lacrimation, dizziness, cough, chest tightness, and nausea are felt. After leaving the infected area, these phenomena disappear within a few hours. Then suddenly there is a sharp deterioration in the condition, a strong cough with copious sputum production, headache and shortness of breath, blue lips, eyelids, cheeks, nose, increased heart rate, pain in the heart, weakness, suffocation, and an increase in temperature to 38-390C. Pulmonary edema lasts several days and is usually fatal.

TO irritating agent include CS type OM, chloroacetophenone, adamsite. All of them are solid-state OBs. Their main combat mode is aerosol (smoke or fog). Agents cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory system, and differ from each other only in terms of their effects on the body. In low concentrations, CS simultaneously has a strong irritant effect on the eyes and upper respiratory tract, and in high concentrations it causes burns to exposed skin. In some cases, paralysis of the respiratory organs, heart and death occurs. Chloroacetophenone, acting on the eyes, causes severe lacrimation, photophobia, pain in the eyes, convulsive compression of the eyelids. If it comes into contact with the skin, it may cause irritation and burning. Adamsite, when inhaled after a short period of latent action (20-30 s), causes a burning sensation in the mouth and nasopharynx, chest pain, dry cough, sneezing, and vomiting. After leaving the contaminated atmosphere or putting on a gas mask, signs of damage increase within 15-20 minutes, and then slowly subside over 1-3 hours.

All of these irritating agents were widely used by the US Army during the Vietnam War.

TO psychochemical agent These include substances that act on the nervous system and cause mental (hallucination, fear, depression, depression) or physical (blindness, deafness, paralysis) disorders.

These include, first of all, BZ - a non-volatile substance, the main combat state of which is aerosol (smoke). OB BZ affects the body through the respiratory system or gastrointestinal tract. When inhaling contaminated air, the effect of the agent begins to appear after 0.5 - 3 hours (depending on the dose). Then, within a few hours, there is a rapid heartbeat, dry skin, dry mouth, dilated pupils and blurred vision, unsteady gait, confusion and vomiting. Small doses cause drowsiness and decreased combat effectiveness. Over the next 8 hours, numbness and inhibition of speech sets in. The person is in a frozen position and is unable to react to changes in the situation. Then comes a period of excitement for up to 4 days. It is characterized by increased activity in the affected person, fussiness, erratic actions, verbosity, difficulty in perceiving events, contact with him is impossible.. This lasts up to 2-4 days, then there is a gradual return to normal.

All chemical munitions have approximately the same structure and consist of a body, an explosive device, an explosive device and a bursting charge. To use explosive agents, the enemy can use aerial bombs, artillery shells, airborne discharge devices (VAP), as well as ballistic cruise missiles (UAVs). It is believed that with their help it is possible to transfer a significant amount of toxic substances to the target and at the same time maintain the surprise of the attack.

Modern aviation has exceptionally great capabilities for the use of chemical agents. An important advantage of aviation is the ability to transport large quantities of explosives to targets located in the rear. Aviation means of chemical attack include chemical aviation bombs and aviation pouring devices - special tanks of various capacities (up to 150 kg).

Artillery means of using chemical agents (cannon, howitzer and rocket-propelled chemical ammunition) are usually equipped with sarin and VX gases. Multi-barrel rocket launchers, which compare favorably with conventional artillery, can also be used to deliver chemical agents.

In addition, chemical landmines and aerosol generators are used. Chemical landmines are buried in the ground and camouflaged. They are intended to infect areas - roads, engineering structures, passages after the withdrawal of friendly troops. Aerosol generators are used to infect large volumes of air.

Chemical warfare agents (OB) - toxic chemical compounds intended to destroy enemy manpower.

Agents can affect the body through the respiratory system, skin and digestive tract. The combat properties (combat effectiveness) of agents are determined by their toxicity (due to the ability to inhibit enzymes or interact with receptors), physicochemical properties (volatility, solubility, resistance to hydrolysis, etc.), ability to penetrate the biobarriers of warm-blooded animals and overcome defenses.

Chemical warfare agents are the main destructive element of chemical weapons.

Classification.

The most common tactical and physiological classifications of OM.

Tactical classification

According to saturated vapor pressure (volatility) to:

unstable (phosgene, hydrocyanic acid);

persistent (mustard gas, lewisite, VX);

toxic fumes (adamsite, chloroacetophenone).

By the nature of the impact on manpower:

lethal (sarin, mustard gas);

temporarily incapacitating personnel (chloroacetophenone, quinuclidyl-3-benzilate);

irritants: (adamsite, CS, CR, chloroacetophenone);

educational: (chloropicrin);

According to the speed of onset of the damaging effect:

fast-acting - do not have a period of latent action (sarin, soman, VX, AC, CH, CS, CR);

slow acting - have a period of latent action (mustard gas, phosgene, BZ, lewisite, adamsite);

Physiological classification.

According to physiological classification, they are divided into:

nerve agents (organophosphorus compounds): sarin, soman, tabun, VX;

general toxic agents: hydrocyanic acid; cyanogen chloride;

blister agents: mustard gas, nitrogen mustard, lewisite;

Agents that irritate the upper respiratory tract or sternites: adamsite, diphenylchloroarsine, diphenylcyanarsine;

asphyxiating agents: phosgene, diphosgene;

irritants to the eye membranes or lacrimators: chloropicrin, chloroacetophenone, dibenzoxazepine, chlorobenzalmalondinitrile, bromobenzyl cyanide;

psychochemical agents: quinuclidyl-3-benzilate, BZ.

Chemical munitions.

Ammunition filled with toxic chemical warfare agents (TCW) - poisonous substances, toxins, phytotoxicants. X.b. different types form a system of chemical weapons - one of the types of weapons of mass destruction. Transferring the BTXV into a combat state is the main and specific function of the X.B. According to the method of such translation, X.b. is distinguished. explosive (shells, mines, missile warheads, bombs, cluster elements), pouring (airborne spray devices - VAP (Fig. 1)), spraying (aircraft spray devices - RAP), thermal (checkers, grenades), thermomechanical and mechanical ( aerosol generators) actions. Aerosol generators, reusable VAP and RAP are also called chemical warfare devices.

X.b. delivered to the target: by firearms (artillery shells and mines), jet engines (warheads of missiles and missiles), manned and unmanned aircraft (chemical warfare devices, bombs, grenades), as well as by hand throwing (hand grenades). In addition, it is possible to install chemical bombs and land mines on the ground.

X.b. has a single design of the device, including 5 main structural elements: a shell with BTXV, made in the form of a body, cylinder or reservoir of various designs; a source of energy for destroying the shell and converting the mass of BTC into an aerodispersed state (charges of high explosives, powder charges, pyrotechnic compositions, compressed gases; for some explosives, for example VAP, high-speed oncoming air flows are used as an energy source); means for bringing the energy source into action at a given point in time (various types of fuses, fuses, squibs); device for docking with the carrier, which makes it possible to use X.b. using appropriate means of delivery to the target; a device for stabilizing the movement of an X.B., ensuring that it hits the target. When developing a specific design scheme for X.b. the type of armored vehicle, the chosen method of transferring to a combat state, as well as the characteristics of the carrier with which it is intended to use this X.B. are taken into account.

A special variety of X.b. are binary chemical munitions, the action of which is based on the use of two (hence the name “binary”) non-toxic or low-toxic components that, when mixed, can enter into a chemical reaction to form highly toxic BTC. The components of such substances are contained in the ammunition separately from each other and are mixed only during the flight to the target. In other words, the final part of the technological process for the production of deadly gases is transferred from the workshop to the ammunition body and is carried out only on the flight path.

Federal State Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education “Financial Academy under the Government of the Russian Federation”

Abstract on life safety on the topic:

“classification of toxic substances according to their effects on the human body”

Completed:

Student M1-2 groups

Ramirez Quinones Pavel Orlandovich

Moscow
2008

Table of contents

Introduction

A wide variety of toxic substances (CA) according to classes of chemical compounds, properties and military purposes, naturally, necessitates their classification. It is almost impossible to create a single, universal classification of agents, and there is no need for this. Specialists of various profiles base their classification on the most characteristic properties and features of chemical agents from the point of view of a given profile, therefore, a classification compiled, for example, by medical service specialists, turns out to be unacceptable for specialists developing means and methods for destroying chemical agents or the operational-tactical principles of the use of chemical weapons.
Over the relatively short history of chemical weapons, a division of chemical agents according to a variety of criteria appeared and still exists today. There are attempts to classify all agents by active chemical functional groups, by persistence and volatility, by the range of means of use and toxicity, by methods of decontamination and treatment of the affected, by pathological reactions of the body caused by agents. Currently, the most widespread are the so-called physiological and tactical classifications of OM.
In this course work we will consider the essence and principles of classification of the effects of toxic substances on the human body.

1. The concept of toxic substances and types of their classification

1.1 Concept
Poisonous substances? (OV) - toxic chemical compounds intended to destroy enemy personnel during military operations. Can enter the body through respiratory system , skin and digestive tract. The combat properties (combat effectiveness) of agents are determined by their toxicity (due to the ability to inhibit enzymes or interact with receptors), physicochemical properties (volatility, solubility, resistance to hydrolysis, etc.), ability to penetrate the biobarriers of warm-blooded animals and overcome defenses.
1.2 Tactical classification

According to the elasticity of saturated vapors ( volatility) to:

unstable (phosgene, hydrocyanic acid);

persistent (mustard gas, lewisite, VX);
poisonous fumes (adamsite, chloroacetophenone).

By the nature of the impact on manpower:

lethal (sarin, mustard gas);
temporarily incapacitating personnel (chloroacetophenone, quinuclidyl-3-benzilate);
irritants: (adamsite, Cs, Cr, chloroacetophenone);
educational: (chloropicrin);

According to the speed of onset of the damaging effect:

fast-acting - do not have a period of latent action ( sarin, soman, AC, Ch, Cs, CR);
slow acting - have a period of latent action ( mustard gas, VX, Phosgene, BZ, Louisite, Adamsite);

1.3 Physiological classification
According to physiological classification, they are divided into:

nerve agents (organophosphorus compounds): sarin, soman, tabun, VX;
general poisonous agents:hydrocyanic acid; cyanogen chloride;
blister agents: mustard gas, nitrogen mustard, lewisite;
Agents that irritate the upper respiratory tract or sternites: adamsite, diphenylchloroarsine, diphenylcyanarsine;
asphyxiating agents: phosgene, diphosgene;
irritating ocular agents or lachrimators: chloropicrin, chloroacetophenone, dibenzoxazepine, o-chlorobenzalmalondinitrile, bromobenzyl cyanide;
psychochemical agents:quinuclidyl-3-benzilate.

2. The impact of toxic substances on the human body
2.1 Nerve agents

Currently, military experts consider nerve agents as the most promising for use as lethal agents. This group of toxic substances includes extremely highly toxic organophosphorus compounds - sarin, soman, V-gases. causing damage to the nervous system, they have a pronounced general toxic effect.
A characteristic property of organophosphorus agents is their cumulative effect, which is expressed especially sharply upon repeated exposure in the first day after initial contact. The cumulative effect is the accumulation of poison in the body and the changes it causes.

Signs of injury from various toxic nerve agents are largely similar. The differences lie in the severity of some symptoms.
In mildly affected patients, constriction of the pupils (miosis), spasm of accommodation, accompanied by a sharp weakening of vision at dusk and in artificial light, pain in the eyes, drooling, mucus from the nose, and a feeling of heaviness in the chest are observed. When affected through the skin and digestive tract, constriction of the pupils is often absent, as it is caused by local action or the entry of large doses of OM into the general bloodstream.
With moderate damage, severe shortness of breath develops due to narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi, and a bluish coloration of the mucous membranes and skin. There is a lack of coordination of movements (shaky gait), often vomiting, frequent urination, and diarrhea. Signs of mild damage are more pronounced.
With severe damage, clinical-tonic convulsions of a paroxysmal nature and severe shortness of breath occur. Foamy sputum (saliva) comes from the mouth. The skin and mucous membranes acquire a pronounced bluish color. In more severe cases, loss of consciousness and respiratory arrest occur.
V-gases (VX) are highly toxic nerve agents. They are low-volatile liquids of a yellowish color, odorless, and non-irritating. V-gases are highly soluble in organic solvents (gasoline, kerosene, diesel oil, dichloroethane and others) and poorly soluble in water; infect stagnant bodies of water for several months; easily absorbed into rubber, wood, paints and varnishes.
V-gases can be used in chemical artillery shells of cannon and rocket artillery, in chemical aircraft bombs, liquid aircraft devices and chemical land mines.
At the time of application, V-gases are in the form of small droplets (drizzle) and fog (aerosol).
From the contaminated area, V-gases along with dust can become airborne and enter the respiratory tract, as well as onto the skin of people and cause fatal injuries.
Contact with skin of v-gases in an amount significantly less than one drop causes fatal injury to a person. To protect against V-gases, it is necessary to wear a gas mask and skin protection (combined arms protective raincoat OP-1, protective stockings and gloves).
In weapons and military equipment, V-gases are degassed with freshly prepared degassing solution No. 1, as well as aqueous solutions of two-thirds calcium hypochlorite salt DTS-GK and decontamination powder SF-2U (SF-2). Uniforms worn by personnel and contaminated with toxic substances are decontaminated with an individual anti-chemical package.
Vapors of V-gases are detected using chemical reconnaissance instruments (an indicator tube with a red ring and a dot), as well as by means of chemical laboratories,
Sarin (HS) is a colorless volatile liquid (technical sarin is yellow) with a boiling point of about 150°C. It freezes at a temperature of about minus 40°C. Sarin is highly soluble in water and organic solvents. Easily adsorbed (retained) on uniforms. It decomposes very slowly in water and can contaminate stagnant bodies of water for about a month. It is quickly destroyed by aqueous solutions of alkalis and ammonia water. The skin and clothing are degassed with an individual anti-chemical package. Decontamination of weapons and equipment is not required. A gas mask serves as protection against sarin.
Sarin is a fast-acting nerve agent. The concentration of sarin vapor in the air is 0.0005 milligrams per liter when inhaled for 2 minutes. causes constriction of the pupils (miosis) and difficulty breathing (retrosternal effect), and a concentration of 0.06 milligrams per liter - within 2 minutes. is fatal. At the time of application, sarin is mainly in a vapor state, but droplets may be present in areas where chemical munitions explode.
Sarin can be used in chemical rockets, chemical artillery shells for cannon and rocket artillery, in chemical aircraft bombs and chemical landmines.
It is detected using chemical reconnaissance devices (an indicator tube with a red ring and a dot), automatic gas detectors GSP-1M, GSP-11 and chemical laboratory equipment.
When providing assistance in cases of nerve agent damage, it is necessary to:
- give an antidote tablet from AI-2 (socket No. 2);
- immediately put on a gas mask (replace the faulty one); when you are in an aerosol cloud of toxic substances, when the smallest droplets of chemical agents fall on your face, first treat your facial skin with the liquid of an individual anti-chemical package (IPP), then put on a gas mask;
- carry out partial sanitization of exposed skin areas and partial decontamination of clothing with IPP liquid and PCS bags; according to indications, artificial respiration;
- urgently evacuate those affected from the source of chemical contamination.

2.2 Poisonous substances with blister action

Mustard gas belongs to the group of toxic substances with blister action. Mustard gas has a damaging effect both in droplet-liquid and vapor states.
Mustard gas (ND, N) can be used in purified form (distilled) and in the form of a technical product (technical). Distilled and technical mustard gases are oily liquids from light yellow to dark brown in color with the smell of garlic or mustard.
Mustard gas boils at a temperature of 217°C, and freezes within temperatures from minus 4°C to minus 14.5°C.
Mustard gas is slightly soluble in water, but dissolves well in organic substances.
solvents (gasoline, kerosene, benzene, diesel oil, dichloroethane, etc.). Mustard gas slowly decomposes in water and can contaminate stagnant bodies of water for a long time (up to 2 months).
Mustard gas causes local inflammatory changes and also has a generally toxic effect. At the moment of contact with the agent, there is no pain or other unpleasant sensations. After a few hours of the latent period (2 - 3 hours with drip-liquid OM), redness, slight swelling appears on the skin, itching and burning are felt. After 18-24 hours, bubbles form, located along the edge of the redness in the form of a necklace, then the bubbles merge into large blisters filled with clear liquid, which constantly becomes cloudy. In severe cases, superficial ulcers form at the site of the blisters, and after infection, deep ulcers form that do not heal for a long time.
When exposed to mustard gas vapors on the eyes, 2 to 5 hours after the injury, a slight burning sensation and a foreign body (sand) in the eyes occurs. Watery eyes, redness and swelling of the mucous membranes appear. In severe cases, these signs are more pronounced. Almost simultaneously with irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, hoarseness, a sore throat, soreness in the chest, runny nose, dry cough, chest pain, nausea, and general weakness occur.
The general toxic effect of mustard gas is manifested by headache, dizziness, nausea, fever, general depression, apathy, and drowsiness.
Weapons and equipment contaminated with mustard gas are degassed with degassing solution No. 1, aqueous solutions of DTS-GK or decontaminating powder SF-2U (SF-2). On the ground and engineering structures, mustard gas is degassed with bleach and DTS-GK. On the skin and uniform, mustard gas is degassed with an individual anti-chemical package.
At the time of application, mustard gas is in a state of steam, fog and droplets of various sizes.
To protect against mustard gas, use a gas mask and skin protective equipment (combined arms protective raincoat OP-1, protective stockings and gloves).
The smallest dose of mustard gas that causes skin damage is about 0.01 milligrams per 1 square centimeter of bare skin. The lethal dose upon contact with naked human skin is about 4-5 grams. The concentration of mustard gas vapor in the air is 0.3 milligrams per liter for 2 minutes. is fatal.
Mustard gas can be used in chemical artillery shells of cannon and rocket artillery, in chemical mines, aviation chemical bombs, chemical land mines, as well as using aircraft pouring devices. It is possible to use mustard gas from thermal aerosol (fog) generators.
Mustard gas is detected by chemical reconnaissance instruments (an indicator tube with a yellow ring) and
using chemical laboratories.
First aid for mustard gas: immediately put on a gas mask; carry out partial sanitization of exposed skin areas and partial decontamination of clothing with IPP liquid and PCS bags; then all those affected are taken out (transported) to uninfected territory to surviving hospitals or first aid units.
If the agent gets into the stomach with food or water, you should induce vomiting in the affected person as quickly as possible, give him activated charcoal and rinse the stomach as soon as possible. To do this, the affected person is given 3-5 glasses of water to drink, and then vomited. This is repeated 5-6 times. Then the adsorbent (activated carbon) is given again.

2.3 Asphyxiating agents

Penetrate when inhaled and damage the upper respiratory tract and lung tissue. The main representatives are phosgene and diphosgene.
Diphosgene is a colorless oily liquid with the smell of rotten hay, boiling point 128°C, freezing point minus 57°C.
According to military experts, at present phosgene cannot be considered an effective means of chemical warfare, since it has low toxicity (30 times less than the toxicity of sarin), a latent period of action and odor.
Phosgene (PP) is a colorless gas with the smell of rotten hay, liquefying at a temperature of 8°C. Phosgene freezes at a temperature of about minus 100.0°C.
At the time of use, phosgene is in a vapor state and does not contaminate uniforms, weapons and equipment.
Phosgene vapor is 3.5 times heavier than air. Phosgene has limited solubility in organic solvents. Water, aqueous solutions of alkalis, and ammonia water easily destroy phosgene (ammonia water can be used to degas phosgene in enclosed spaces). A gas mask serves as protection against phosgene.
Phosgene has a suffocating effect with a latent period of 4-6 hours. Lethal concentrations of phosgene vapor in the air are 3.0 milligrams per liter when breathing for 2 minutes. Phosgene has cumulative properties (you can get fatal damage from prolonged inhalation of air containing low concentrations of phosgene vapor). Air containing phosgene vapor can stagnate in ravines, hollows, lowlands, as well as in forests and populated areas.
The first signs of a suffocating agent are a sweetish taste in the mouth, a feeling of rawness in the throat, cough, dizziness, and general weakness. There may also be nausea, vomiting, and pain in the pit of the stomach. Damage to the mucous membranes of the eyes is not pronounced.
After leaving the contaminated area, the effects of the lesion disappear, and a latent period of action begins, lasting 6-8 hours. However, already at this time, due to hypothermia and muscle tension, cyanosis and shortness of breath appear. Then pulmonary edema, severe shortness of breath, cough, copious sputum production, headache, and fever appear and develop. Sometimes there is a more severe form of poisoning: complete respiratory distress, decline in cardiac activity and death.
Phosgene can be used in aircraft chemical bombs and mines.
Phosgene is detected by chemical reconnaissance devices (an indicator tube with three green rings) and automatic gas detectors GSP-1M, GSP-11.
First aid. A gas mask is immediately put on the affected person and they are necessarily taken out (carried out) from the source of chemical contamination, regardless of the severity of the condition. Independent movement of the affected person leads to a sharp deterioration in the course of poisoning, the development of pulmonary edema and death. in the cool season, the affected person should be warmly covered and, if possible, warmed. After removal from the source of chemical contamination, all affected persons must be given complete rest and breathing easier by unbuttoning collars and clothing, and if possible, removing it.
If you are affected by asphyxiating agents, artificial respiration cannot be done (due to the presence of pulmonary edema). In case of complete respiratory arrest, perform artificial respiration until natural respiration is restored.

2.4 Generally poisonous substances

General toxic agents are a group of fast-acting volatile agents (hydrocyanic acid, cyanogen chloride, carbon monoxide, arsenic and hydrogen phosphide) that affect the blood and nervous system. The most toxic are hydrocyanic acid and cyanogen chloride.
Hydrocyanic acid (AC) is a colorless, highly mobile and volatile liquid with the odor of almonds. The boiling point of hydrocyanic acid is 26.1°C, the freezing point is minus 13.9°C. At the time of application, hydrocyanic acid is in the form of steam.
Its vapors are lighter than air and do not contaminate uniforms, weapons and equipment in field conditions. A gas mask serves as protection against hydrocyanic acid.
Hydrocyanic acid is highly soluble in water and contaminates stagnant bodies of water for several days. When damaged by hydrocyanic acid, tissues lose their ability to absorb oxygen. In this regard, when the required oxygen content in the blood decreases, oxygen starvation develops.
When affected by hydrocyanic acid, the smell of bitter almonds, a bitter metallic taste in the mouth are felt, then a feeling of numbness of the oral mucosa, throat irritation, nausea, headache, dizziness, and weakness appear. There is a bright pink color of the mucous membranes and skin, dilated pupils, protrusion of the eyeballs, shortness of breath, and convulsions. Depression, fear and loss of consciousness are noted. Then comes a loss of sensitivity, muscle relaxation, and a sharp disturbance in breathing and cardiac activity. The pulse is frequent, weak, arrhythmic. Breathing is rare, shallow, uneven. Later, breathing stops while the heart is still beating.
In terms of toxicity, hydrocyanic acid is significantly inferior to toxic nerve agents. A concentration of hydrocyanic acid vapor in the air of 0.8-1.0 milligrams per liter when inhaled for 2 minutes is lethal. Hydrocyanic acid can be used in aviation chemical bombs. Hydrocyanic acid is detected by chemical reconnaissance devices (an indicator tube with three green rings) and automatic gas detectors GSP-1M, GSP-11.
First medical aid for exposure to hydrocyanic acid is to put on a gas mask, give an antidote for inhalation and evacuate from the source of infection to a hospital or emergency department. To give an antidote, you should crush the ampoule in which it is contained and place it under a gas mask. If breathing suddenly weakens or stops, perform artificial respiration and re-inhale the antidote.

2.5 Psychogenic toxic substances

Toxic substances of psychogenic action are a group of chemical agents that cause temporary psychoses due to disruption of chemical regulation in the central nervous system. Representatives of such agents are substances such as “LSD” (lesergic acid diethylamide) and Bi-Z. These are colorless crystalline substances, poorly soluble in water, and are used in an aerosol form. If they enter the body, they can cause movement disorders, visual and hearing impairment, hallucinations, mental disorders, or completely change the normal pattern of human behavior; a state of psychosis similar to that observed in patients with schizophrenia.
Bi-zed (BC) is a white crystalline substance, odorless, withboiling point 320°C. Bi-zed melts at a temperature of about 165°C. It is destroyed very slowly by water. Destroyed by alcohol solutions of alkalis. Bized is degassed with a solution of two-thirds calcium hypochlorite salt DTSTK.
Bized acts on the nervous system, causing mental disturbances, headaches, blurred vision, drowsiness, fever and hallucinations. The effect begins to manifest itself at a concentration of Bi-zed in the air of about 0.1 milligrams per liter after 0.5 hours and lasts 2-3 days.
At the time of application, Bi-zed is in the form of an aerosol (smoke). A gas mask serves as protection against Bi-zed.
Bi-zed can be used in chemical aviation cassettes and poisonous smoke bombs. It is possible to use Bi-zed using thermal aerosol generators.

2.6 Irritant toxic substances

Irritating toxic substances - a group of chemical agents that affect the mucous membranes of the eyes (lacrimators, for example
chloroacetophenone) and upper respiratory tract (sternites, such as adamsite). The most effective agents are those with irritating combined action, such as SI and SI-ER.
Chloroacetophenone (CN) is a crystalline substance of white or light brown color with a pungent odor, reminiscent of the smell of flowering bird cherry. Chloroacetophenone boils at a temperature of about 250°C, and melts at temperatures of about 60°C. Chloroacetophenone is practically insoluble in water, but readily soluble in organic solvents. Does not decompose with water and aqueous solutions of alkalis.
Chloroacetophenone can be used with toxic smoke bombs, chemical hand grenades and mechanical aerosol generators. At the time of application, it is in the air in the form of an aerosol (smoke).
A gas mask serves as protection against chloroacetophenone. Chloroacetophenone has a lachrymatory effect. Its concentration is 0.0001 milligrams per liter of air for 2 minutes. already causes irritation, and the concentration is 0.002 milligrams per liter of air for 2 minutes. is intolerable. Chloroacetophenone is detected in chemical laboratories.
Chloroacetophenone, as well as other irritating toxic substances, can linger on uniforms and equipment, creating conditions under which you will have to wear gas masks for a long time. Decontamination of uniforms and equipment contaminated with chloroacetophenone and other irritating agents can be carried out by cleaning and airing them.
CS (SS) is a white or light yellow crystalline substance that darkens when heated. CS boils at a temperature of about 315°C, and melts at a temperature of 95°C. CS is very sparingly soluble in water and readily soluble in organic solvents. It is removed from the surface of the body and equipment by rinsing with plenty of water.
CS has a strong irritant effect on the eyes and upper respiratory tract, causing lacrimation, burning in the nose, larynx and lungs, and nausea. In terms of irritant action, CS is 10-20 times stronger than chloroacetophenone. CS can be used with chemical hand grenades. It is possible to use CC using aerosol generators. Detected by CC using chemical laboratories.
Adamsite (DM) is a low-volatile crystalline substance of yellow-green color, boiling at temperatures above 40°C
Adamsite melts at a temperature of about 195°C. Insoluble in water, soluble in acetone, and when heated, in other organic solvents. Oxidizing agents decompose adamsite into substances that do not affect the respiratory tract.
Adamsite has an irritating effect on the respiratory tract. Its concentration is 0.0002 milligrams per liter of air for 2 minutes. already causes irritation, and the concentration is 0.01 milligrams per liter of air for 2 minutes. is intolerable.
Adamsite can be applied using chemical hand grenades and mechanical aerosol generators. At the time of use it appears in the form of smoke. A gas mask serves as protection against it. Adamsite is detected in chemical laboratories.

Conclusion
Toxic substances, from the point of view of their effect on the human body, are nerve-paralytic, vesicant, asphyxiating, general toxic, irritant, and psychogenic.
The group of nerve agents includes extremely highly toxic organophosphorus compounds - sarin, soman, V-gases. causing damage to the nervous system, they have a pronounced general toxic effect.
Mustard gas belongs to the group of toxic substances with blister action. Mustard gas has a damaging effect, both in droplet-liquid and vapor states. Mustard gas causes local inflammatory changes and also has a general toxic effect. At the moment of contact with the agent there is pain, but there are no other unpleasant sensations.
etc.................

The basis of the destructive effect of chemical weapons are toxic substances (TS), which have a physiological effect on the human body.

Unlike other weapons, chemical weapons effectively destroy enemy personnel over a large area without destroying materiel. This is a weapon of mass destruction.

Together with the air, toxic substances penetrate into any premises, shelters, and military equipment. The damaging effect persists for some time, objects and the area become infected.

Types of toxic substances

Toxic substances under the shell of chemical munitions are in solid and liquid form.

At the moment of their use, when the shell is destroyed, they come into combat mode:

• vaporous (gaseous);
• aerosol (drizzle, smoke, fog);
• drip-liquid.

Toxic substances are the main damaging factor of chemical weapons.

Characteristics of chemical weapons

These weapons are divided into:

• According to the type of physiological effects of OM on the human body.
• For tactical purposes.
• According to the speed of the onset of impact.
• According to the durability of the agent used.
• By means and methods of use.

Classification according to human exposure:

• Nerve agents. Lethal, fast-acting, persistent. Act on the central nervous system. The purpose of their use is rapid mass incapacitation of personnel with the maximum number of deaths. Substances: sarin, soman, tabun, V-gases.
• Agent of vesicant action. Lethal, slow-acting, persistent. They affect the body through the skin or respiratory system. Substances: mustard gas, lewisite.
• Generally toxic agent. Lethal, fast-acting, unstable. They disrupt the function of the blood to deliver oxygen to the tissues of the body. Substances: hydrocyanic acid and cyanogen chloride.
• Agent with asphyxiating effect. Lethal, slow-acting, unstable. The lungs are affected. Substances: phosgene and diphosgene.
• OM of psychochemical action. Non-lethal. Temporarily affect the central nervous system, affect mental activity, cause temporary blindness, deafness, a sense of fear, and limitation of movement. Substances: inuclidyl-3-benzilate (BZ) and lysergic acid diethylamide.
• Irritant agents (irritants). Non-lethal. They act quickly, but only for a short time. Outside the contaminated area, their effect ceases after a few minutes. These are tear and sneeze-producing substances that irritate the upper respiratory tract and can damage the skin. Substances: CS, CR, DM(adamsite), CN(chloroacetophenone).

Damaging factors of chemical weapons

Toxins are chemical protein substances of animal, plant or microbial origin with high toxicity. Typical representatives: butulic toxin, ricin, staphylococcal entsrotoxin.

The damaging factor is determined by toxodose and concentration. The zone of chemical contamination can be divided into a focus area (where people are massively affected) and a zone where the contaminated cloud spreads.

First use of chemical weapons

Chemist Fritz Haber was a consultant to the German War Ministry and is called the father of chemical weapons for his work in the development and use of chlorine and other poisonous gases. The government set him the task of creating chemical weapons with irritating and toxic substances. It’s a paradox, but Haber believed that with the help of gas warfare he would save many lives by ending trench warfare.

The history of use begins on April 22, 1915, when the German military first launched a chlorine gas attack. A greenish cloud appeared in front of the French soldiers' trenches, which they watched with curiosity.

When the cloud came close, a sharp smell was felt, and the soldiers’ eyes and nose stung. The fog burned my chest, blinded me, choked me. The smoke moved deeper into the French positions, spreading panic and death, and was followed by German soldiers with bandages on their faces, but they had no one to fight with.

By evening, chemists from other countries figured out what kind of gas it was. It turned out that any country can produce it. Rescue from it turned out to be simple: you need to cover your mouth and nose with a bandage soaked in a soda solution, and plain water on the bandage weakens the effect of chlorine.

After 2 days, the Germans repeated the attack, but the Allied soldiers soaked their clothes and rags in puddles and applied them to their faces. Thanks to this, they survived and remained in position. When the Germans entered the battlefield, the machine guns “spoke” to them.

Chemical weapons of World War I

On May 31, 1915, the first gas attack on the Russians took place. Russian troops mistook the greenish cloud for camouflage and brought even more soldiers to the front line. Soon the trenches were filled with corpses. Even the grass died from the gas.

In June 1915, a new poisonous substance, bromine, began to be used. It was used in projectiles.

In December 1915 - phosgene. It has a hay smell and a lingering effect. Its low cost made it convenient to use. At first they were produced in special cylinders, and by 1916 they began to make shells.

Bandages did not protect against blister gases. It penetrated through clothing and shoes, causing burns on the body. The area remained poisoned for more than a week. This was the king of gases - mustard gas.

Not only the Germans, their opponents also began to produce gas-filled shells. In one of the trenches of the First World War, Adolf Hitler was poisoned by the British.

For the first time, Russia also used these weapons on the battlefields of the First World War.

Chemical weapons of mass destruction

Experiments with chemical weapons took place under the guise of developing insect poisons. Hydrocyanic acid, an insecticidal agent used in the gas chambers of Zyklon B concentration camps.

Agent Orange is a substance used to defoliate vegetation. Used in Vietnam, soil poisoning caused severe illnesses and mutations in the local population.

In 2013, in Syria, in the suburbs of Damascus, a chemical attack was carried out on a residential area, killing hundreds of civilians, including many children. The nerve gas used was most likely sarin.

One of the modern variants of chemical weapons is binary weapons. It comes into combat readiness as a result of a chemical reaction after combining two harmless components.

Everyone who falls into the impact zone becomes victims of chemical weapons of mass destruction. Back in 1905, an international agreement on the non-use of chemical weapons was signed. To date, 196 countries around the world have signed up to its ban.

In addition to chemical weapons of mass destruction and biological.

Types of protection

• Collective. A shelter can provide long-term stay for people without personal protective equipment if it is equipped with filter-ventilation kits and is well sealed.
• Individual. Gas mask, protective clothing and personal chemical protection package (PPP) with antidote and liquid for treating clothing and skin lesions.

Prohibited use

Humanity was shocked by the terrible consequences and huge losses of people after the use of weapons of mass destruction. Therefore, in 1928, the Geneva Protocol prohibiting the use of asphyxiating, poisonous or other similar gases and bacteriological agents in war came into force. This protocol prohibits the use of not only chemical but also biological weapons. In 1992, another document came into force, the Chemical Weapons Convention. This document complements the Protocol; it speaks not only of a ban on the production and use, but also of the destruction of all chemical weapons. The implementation of this document is controlled by a specially created committee at the UN. But not all states signed this document; for example, Egypt, Angola, North Korea, and South Sudan did not recognize it. It also did not enter into legal force in Israel and Myanmar.