Page 59 - MILITARY-STUDIES-2

Module - V
Chemical Warfare
Warfare and
Its Types three hours. The effects of agent start showing as follows: -

(a) A mild irritation of eyes (lachrymation)
(b) Soreness in the throat.
(c) Coughing, tightness of chest.

(d) Nausea, vomiting and headache.
Note
(e) There is a symptomless period before pulmonary odema sets, which is
indicated by: -

(i) Uneasiness, cough with white and yellow sputum.
(ii) Nausea, vomiting, gastric pain.

(iii) Rapid breathing and cardiac failure.
(f) The victim collapses and suffers spasmodic convulsions. Severe cases
show unconsciousness followed by death.

14.6 Protective Measures against Nerve Agents, Blister
Agents, Blood Agents and Choking Agents

The respirator gives complete protection to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs against
the vapour. Holding the breath till the mask is donned is also effective. The IPE/PPE
made up of non-permeable material provides some amount of protection against entry
through the skin. If contaminated by the liquid, one can avoid becoming a casualty by
carrying out personal decontamination drill. Decontamination of affected equipment
or ground by weathering is a slow process and so chemical decontaminants should be
used.

I. Incapacitating Agent: The non-lethal, incapacitating psycho-chemicals produce
physical or mental effects of sufficient severity, to prevent men from carrying out
their normal tasks. The duration of effect could be as brief as several minutes,
although it could last for several days in certain cases. Recovery is complete and
there are normally no after effects. The respirator affords full protection against
the incapacitating agents.

II. Riot Control Agents: CS Agent is mostly used as the riot control agent. It is a
white crystalline solid, which is disseminated as an aerosol.This causes intense
irritation of the eyes, accompanied by copious tears, a stinging of the skin and a
burning sensation in the throat and lungs, with pain and difficulty in breathing in
more severe cases. The effects are immediate and although they disappear rapidly
in fresh air. CS agent attacks through the eyes and respiratory tract, but is a truly
non-lethal agent. The respirator or gas mask provides complete protection against
such agents.

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MILITARY STUDIES