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Module - V
Chemical Warfare
Warfare and
Its Types

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Note
CHEMICAL WARFARE

After learning about Nuclear and Biological warfare, lets now understand Chemical
warfare. Chemical warfare (CW) involves the use of toxic properties of chemical
substances as weapons. Chemical agents are inorganic substances used in warfare to
attack the organs of the human body in order to prevent the human body from functioning
at all or to hinder its normal functioning. The results are usually disabling to a varying
degree, or fatal. However, with proper protective equipment, training, and
decontamination measures, the primary effects of chemical weapons can be overcome.

As per UN conventions, use of chemical weapons is banned. In recent incidents in
Syria, chemical weapons affected a number of civilians. Even though there is a convention
and ban on its use, chemical weapons can be used by countries. Therefore, it is important
that we learn about chemical weapons and means of defence against it.

Objectives

After studying this lesson, you will be able to:
• classify the chemical agents on the basis of criteria and types;

• know the factors on which the duration of effectiveness depends;
• explain the types of chemical agents based on their effectiveness;

• identify the effects of chemical agents on the body;
• explain the characteristics and symptoms of agents like Nerve agents, Blister
agents, Blood agents and choking agents;

• take protective measures against the various main groups of chemical agents
and
• appreciate the requirements of a good chemical warfare agent.

14.1 Types of Chemical Agents

Chemical warfare includes the use of toxic chemical compounds in warfare as also the
methods of combating such agents. Chemical warfare is as dreadful as nuclear warfare.

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MILITARY STUDIES