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

Essay on life safety on the topic:

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

Completed:

Student M1-2 groups

Ramirez Quiñones Pavel Orlandovich

Moscow
2008

Table of contents

Introduction

A wide variety of toxic substances (OS) according to the classes of chemical compounds, properties and combat purpose naturally necessitates their classification. It is practically impossible to create a single, universal classification of OM, and there is no need for it. Specialists of various profiles take as the basis of the classification the properties and features of the most characteristic from the point of view of this profile, and therefore the classification compiled, for example, by specialists of the medical service, turns out to be unacceptable for specialists developing means and methods for the destruction of warfare or operational-tactical foundations for the use of chemical weapons.
Over the relatively short history of chemical weapons, the division of OM according to various criteria has appeared and still exists. There are known attempts to classify all agents by active chemical functional groups, by stability and volatility, by the serviceability of means of application and toxicity, by methods of degassing and treating the affected, by pathological reactions of the body caused by agents. At present, the so-called physiological and tactical classifications of OV have found the greatest distribution.
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 poisonous substances and types of their classification

1.1 Concept
Poisonous substances? (OV) - toxic chemical compounds designed to destroy enemy manpower 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.), the ability to penetrate the biobarriers of warm-blooded animals and overcome protective equipment.
1.2 Tactical classification

According to saturated vapor pressure ( volatility) to:

unstable (phosgene, hydrocyanic acid);

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

By the nature of the impact on manpower on:

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

By the speed of the 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 the physiological classification, they are divided into:

nerve-paralytic 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, diphenylchlorarsine, diphenylcyanarsine;
suffocating agents: phosgene, diphosgene;
irritant to the eye shell, or lachrymators: chloropicrin, chloroacetophenone, dibenzoxazepine, o-chlorobenzalmalondinitrile, bromobenzyl cyanide;
psychochemical agents:quinuclidyl-3-benzylate.

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

Currently, military experts consider nerve agents as the most promising for use as lethal agents. This group of poisonous 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 especially pronounced during repeated exposure on the first day after the initial contact. The cumulative effect is the accumulation of poison in the body and the changes it causes.

Signs of damage by various poisonous nerve agents are largely similar. The differences lie in the severity of some symptoms.
In those who are easily affected, constriction of the pupils (miosis), a spasm of accommodation, accompanied by a sharp weakening of vision at dusk and under artificial lighting, pain in the eyes, salivation, separation of mucus from the nose, a feeling of heaviness in the chest are observed. In case of damage through the skin and the digestive tract, constriction of the pupils is often absent, since it is caused by local action or the influx of large doses of OS into the general circulation.
With a moderate lesion, a sharp shortness of breath develops due to narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi, a cyanotic color of the mucous membranes and skin. There is a violation of coordination of movements (shaky gait), often vomiting, frequent urination, diarrhea. Signs of mild damage are more pronounced.
With a severe lesion, clinical-tonic convulsions of a paroxysmal nature occur, severe shortness of breath. Foamy sputum (saliva) comes out of the mouth. The skin and mucous membranes acquire a pronounced cyanotic color. In more severe cases, loss of consciousness and respiratory arrest occurs.
V gases (VX) are highly toxic nerve agents. They are low volatile yellowish liquids, odorless, non-irritating. V-gases dissolve well in organic solvents (gasoline, kerosene, solar oil, dichloroethane and others) and are poorly soluble in water; infect stagnant water bodies for several months; easily absorbed into rubber, wood, paints and varnishes.
V-gases can be used in cannon and rocket artillery chemical projectiles, in chemical aircraft bombs, aircraft pouring devices and chemical land mines.
At the time of application, V-gases are in the form of small droplets (drizzle) and fog (aerosol).
From an infected area, V-gases, together with dust, can pass into the air and enter the respiratory tract, as well as on the skin of people and cause fatal injuries.
Contact with the skin of v-gases in an amount significantly less than one drop causes a 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 armament and military equipment, V-gases are degassed with a freshly prepared degassing solution No. 1, as well as aqueous solutions of two-thirds of the calcium hypochlorite salt DTS-GK and decontaminating powder SF-2U (SF-2). Uniforms that are on personnel and contaminated with toxic substances are degassed with an individual anti-chemical package.
Vapors of V-gases are detected using chemical reconnaissance instruments (indicator tube with a red ring and a dot), as well as by means of chemical laboratories,
Sarin (HV) is a colorless volatile liquid (technical yellow sarin) 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 sorbed (delayed) on uniforms. It decomposes very slowly in water and can infect stagnant water bodies for a period of about a month. Quickly destroyed by aqueous solutions of alkalis, ammonia water. Skin and uniforms are degassed with an individual anti-chemical package. Degassing 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 - for 2 minutes. is fatal. At the time of use, Sarin is mostly in a vapor state, but droplets may be present at chemical munition explosion sites.
Sarin can be used in chemical rockets, cannon and rocket artillery chemical projectiles, in chemical aerial bombs and chemical land mines.
It is detected with the help of chemical reconnaissance devices (an indicator tube with a red ring and a dot), automatic gas detectors GSP-1M, GSP-11 and means of chemical laboratories.
When providing assistance in case of damage to the nerve agents, it is necessary to:
- give an antidote tablet from AI-2 (nest No. 2);
- immediately put on a gas mask (replace the faulty one); when being in an aerosol cloud of toxic substances, when the smallest droplets of OM get on the face, the skin of the face is first treated with the liquid of an individual anti-chemical package (IPP), then a gas mask is put on;
- carry out partial sanitization of exposed skin areas and partial degassing of clothing with IPP liquid and a PHS bag; artificial respiration according to indications;
- urgently evacuate the affected from the source of chemical contamination.

2.2 Blistering agents

Mustard gas belongs to the group of poisonous substances with blistering action. Mustard gas has a damaging effect both in the drop-liquid and in the vapor state.
Mustard gas (ND, N) can be used in purified form (distilled) and in the form of a technical product (technical). Distilled and industrial mustard gas are light yellow to dark brown oily liquids with a garlic or mustard odor.
Mustard gas boils at a temperature of 217°C, and freezes at temperatures from minus 4°C to minus 14.5°C.
Mustard gas is slightly soluble in water, but readily soluble in organic compounds.
solvents (gasoline, kerosene, benzene, solar oil, dichloroethane, etc.). Mustard gas slowly decomposes in water and can infect stagnant water bodies for a long time (up to 2 months).
Mustard gas causes local inflammatory changes, and also has a general toxic effect. At the time of contact with the OV, there is no pain or other unpleasant sensations. After a few hours of the latent period (2-3 hours with a drop-liquid agent), redness, slight swelling appear 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 bubbles filled with a clear liquid that constantly becomes cloudy. In severe cases, superficial ulcers form at the site of the blisters, and after infection joins, deep ulcers that do not heal for a long time.
When exposed to mustard gas vapors on the eyes, 2-5 hours after the lesion, there is a feeling of slight burning and a foreign body (sand) in the eyes. There is tearing, redness and swelling of the mucous membranes. In severe cases, these signs are more pronounced. Almost simultaneously with irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, hoarseness of voice, a feeling of sore throat, soreness behind the sternum, 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, drowsiness.
Armament 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 uniforms, mustard gas is degassed with an individual anti-chemical package.
At the time of application, mustard gas is in a state of vapor, mist and droplets of various sizes.
To protect against mustard gas, a gas mask and skin protection equipment (combined-arms protective raincoat OP-1, protective stockings and gloves) are used.
The smallest dose of mustard gas that causes damage to the skin is about 0.01 milligrams per 1 square centimeter of bare skin. The lethal dose in contact with bare 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 cannon and rocket artillery chemical shells, in chemical mines, aviation chemical bombs, chemical land mines, and also with the help of aviation pouring devices. It is possible to use mustard gas from thermal aerosol (fog) generators.
Mustard gas is detected by chemical reconnaissance devices (indicator tube with a yellow ring) and
means of chemical laboratories.
First aid in case of damage by mustard gas: a gas mask is immediately put on the affected; perform partial sanitization of exposed skin areas and partial degassing of clothing with IPP liquid and PHS bags; then all the affected are taken out (taken out) to an uninfected territory to the preserved hospitals or first aid units.
If the OM enters the stomach with food or water, it is necessary to induce vomiting in the affected person as soon as possible, give him activated charcoal and, as soon as possible, wash the stomach. To do this, the affected person is given to drink 3-5 glasses of water, and then they induce vomiting. So repeat 5 6 times. Then re-give the adsorbent (activated carbon).

2.3 Asphyxiant poisons

Penetrate by inhalation which affects the upper respiratory tract and lung tissue. The main representatives of 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, currently phosgene cannot be considered as 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 a smell.
Phosgene (SS) is a colorless gas with an odor of rotten hay that liquefies at 8°C. Phosgene freezes at a temperature of about minus 100.0°C.
At the time of application, phosgene is in a state of vapor and does not contaminate uniforms, weapons and equipment.
Vapors of phosgene are 3.5 times heavier than air. Phosgene has limited solubility in organic solvents. Water, aqueous solutions of alkalis, ammonia water easily destroy phosgene (ammonia water can be used to degas phosgene indoors). 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 a fatal injury by 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 settlements.
The first signs of a suffocating agent lesion are a sweetish taste in the mouth, a feeling of soreness in the throat, cough, dizziness, and general weakness. there may also be nausea, vomiting, soreness in the pit of the stomach. damage to the mucous membranes of the eyes is not expressed sharply.
After leaving the contaminated area, the effects of the lesion disappear, a latent period of action begins, lasting 6-8 hours. However, already at this time, with hypothermia and muscle tension, cyanosis and shortness of breath appear. Then pulmonary edema, severe shortness of breath, cough, copious sputum, headache, and fever develop and develop. Sometimes there is a more severe form of poisoning - a complete respiratory disorder, a decline in cardiac activity and death.
Phosgene can be used in aviation 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 he is necessarily removed (carried out) from the focus 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 focus of chemical contamination, all those affected must be given complete rest and facilitate breathing by unbuttoning collars and clothes, and if possible, remove them.
In case of damage by suffocating agents, artificial respiration cannot be done (due to the presence of pulmonary edema). In the event of complete respiratory arrest, artificial respiration should be performed until natural respiration is restored.

2.4 Poisonous substances of general poisonous action

Poisonous substances of general toxic action - a group of fast-acting volatile agents (hydrocyanic acid, cyanogen chloride, carbon monoxide, arsenic and phosphorous hydrogen) that affect the blood and nervous system. The most toxic, hydrocyanic acid and cyanogen chloride.
Hydrocyanic acid (AC) is a colorless, easily mobile and volatile liquid with an almond odor. 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 in field conditions do not infect uniforms, weapons and equipment. A gas mask serves as protection against hydrocyanic acid.
Hydrocyanic acid is highly soluble in water and infects stagnant water bodies for several days. When affected by hydrocyanic acid, tissues lose their ability to absorb oxygen. In this regard, with a decrease in the required oxygen content in the blood, oxygen starvation develops.
When affected by hydrocyanic acid, there is a smell of bitter almonds, a bitter metallic taste in the mouth, then there is a feeling of numbness of the oral mucosa, throat irritation, nausea, headache, dizziness, weakness. There is a bright pink color of the mucous membranes and skin, dilated pupils, protrusion of the eyeballs, shortness of breath, convulsions. Depression, a feeling of fear and loss of consciousness are noted. Then comes the loss of sensitivity, muscle relaxation, a sharp violation of 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 poisonous nerve agents. The concentration of hydrocyanic acid vapor in the air of 0.8-1.0 milligrams per liter when inhaled for 2 minutes is fatal. 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 aid in case of damage by 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 APM. To give an antidote, you should crush the ampoule in which it is contained and put it under a gas mask. With a sharp weakening or cessation of breathing, artificial respiration is performed and the antidote is re-inhaled.

2.5 Psychogenic poisons

Poisonous substances of psychogenic action - a group of agents that cause temporary psychosis due to a violation of chemical regulation in the central nervous system. Representatives of such agents are substances such as "LSD" (lesergic acid diethylamide) and Bi-Zet. These are colorless crystalline substances, poorly soluble in water, used in an aerosol state. When ingested, they can cause movement disorders, impaired vision and hearing, hallucinations, mental disorders, or completely change the normal picture of human behavior; a state of psychosis similar to that observed in patients with schizophrenia.
B-zed (VC) - white crystalline substance, odorless, withboiling point 320°C. Bized melts at a temperature of about 165 ° C. Water breaks down very slowly. It is destroyed by alcohol solutions of alkalis. Bized is degassed with a solution of two-thirds of the calcium hypochlorite salt DTSTK.
Bized acts on the nervous system, causing mental disorders, headache, blurred vision, drowsiness, fever and hallucinations. The action begins to manifest itself at a concentration of B-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, By-zed is in the form of an aerosol (smoke). A gas mask serves as protection against B-zed.
B-zed can be used in chemical aviation cassettes and poisonous smoke bombs. It is possible to use B-zed with the help of thermal aerosol generators.

2.6 Irritant poisons

Poisonous substances of irritating action - a group of agents that affect the mucous membranes of the eyes (lachrymators, for example
chloroacetophenone) and the upper respiratory tract (sternites, such as adamsite). The most effective agents of irritating combined action of the C-Es and C-Er types have the greatest efficiency.
Chloracetophenone (CN) is a white or light brown crystalline substance with a pungent odor reminiscent of the smell of cherry blossoms. Boils chloroacetophenone at a temperature of about 250°C, and melts at temperatures of about 60°C. Chloracetophenone is practically insoluble in water, but readily soluble in organic solvents. Water and aqueous solutions of alkalis does not decompose.
Chloracetophenone can be used with poisonous 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. Chloracetophenone has a lacrimal effect. Its concentration is 0.0001 milligrams per liter of air for 2 minutes. already causes irritation, and the concentration of 0.002 milligrams per liter of air for 2 minutes. is intolerable. Chloroacetophenone is detected by means of chemical laboratories.
Chloracetophenone, as well as other irritant toxic substances, can stick to uniforms and equipment, creating conditions under which one will have to be in gas masks for a long time. Degassing of uniforms and equipment contaminated with chloracetophenone and other 0V irritants can be carried out by cleaning and airing them.
SI-ES (SS) - a crystalline substance of white or light yellow color, darkening when heated. CS boils at about 315°C and melts at 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 washing with plenty of water.
CS has a strong irritating effect on the eyes and upper respiratory tract, causing watery eyes, burning in the nose, larynx and lungs, and nausea. According to the irritating effect, CS is 10-20 times stronger than chloroacetophenone. CS can be used with chemical hand grenades. It is possible to use CS with the help of aerosol generators. Detected by CS by means of 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. It does not dissolve in water, it dissolves well in acetone, and when heated, in other organic solvents. Oxidizing agents decompose adamsite to 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 with chemical hand grenades and mechanical aerosol generators. At the time of application is in the form of smoke. A gas mask serves as protection against it. Adamsite is detected by means of chemical laboratories.

Conclusion
Poisonous substances, in terms of their effect on the human body, are nerve-paralytic, blistering, suffocating, general toxic, irritant, and psychogenic.
The group of poisonous 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 poisonous substances with blistering action. Mustard gas has a damaging effect, both in a drop-liquid and in a vapor state. Mustard gas causes local inflammatory changes, and also has a general toxic effect. At the time of contact with the OV, pain, and other unpleasant sensations are absent.
etc.................

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.), the ability to penetrate the biobarriers of warm-blooded animals and overcome protective equipment.

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

Classification

RH protection

The set of measures for protection against agents includes their indication or detection, degassing, disinfection, as well as the use of personal protective equipment (gas masks, insulating breathing apparatus, raincoats, suits made of rubberized fabric, together with filter-type skin protection, antidotes, protective creams, anti-chemical drugs ) and collective chemical protection.

History reference

The first combat use of OV took place during the First World War. The French were the first to use them in August 1914: they were 26-mm grenades filled with tear gas (ethyl bromoacetate). But the Allied stocks of ethyl bromoacetate quickly ran out, and the French administration replaced it with another agent, chloroacetone. In October 1914, German troops opened fire with shells partially filled with a chemical irritant against the British at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, however the concentration of gas achieved was barely noticeable. In February 1915, French troops began using chlorine rifle grenades. However, this method of combat use of poison gases was very ineffective and did not create a significant concentration of them on enemy positions. The experience of the Kaiser troops in the battles near the city of Ypres on April 22 was much more successful: the 4th German Army launched a counterattack on the Ypres ledge, preempting the Anglo-French troops that was being prepared, and occupied most of the ledge. On the first day of the fighting, the German troops used the spraying of chlorine from the cylinders installed in their forward positions, when the wind blew in the direction of the Anglo-French trenches, and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy in manpower, achieving the effect of mass destruction, thanks to which this case of combat use of OV became widely known. (Actually, this is the first experience of a fairly effective combat use of OV.)

In June 1916, chemical weapons were also widely used by the Russian troops during the Brusilov breakthrough. 76-mm shells with suffocating agents (chloropicrin) and general poisonous (phosgene, vensinite) charges showed their high efficiency in suppressing enemy artillery batteries (and in this case, the Austro-Hungarians).

The Geneva Protocol of 1925 was the first international legal act prohibiting the military use of weapons.

Historical reference taken from Deyne V. de, Ypres..., Liége, 1925.

Impressed by the combat use of warheads in the First World War, many states began feverish preparations for the mass use of warheads in future wars. The training included both equipping the troops with chemical protection equipment and measures to protect the civilian population. In the 1920s, a number of countries conducted regular exercises for the civilian population to act in conditions of a chemical attack. By the beginning of World War II, most of the advanced states came up with a developed system of chemical defense. For example, the paramilitary organization OSOAVIAKHIM was created in the USSR.

Nevertheless, in the entire history of wars and local conflicts after the First World War, the use of combat agents was episodic and, moreover, not massive. The main reason for this was the relatively low effectiveness of the combat use of explosives as a means of mass destruction. The effectiveness of the use of OV in the First World War was largely exaggerated by the psychological shock of their use as a new, previously unknown weapon. The initial lack of means of protection against OV also had a strong effect. In the 1920s, military calculations showed [ ] , that the effect of the combat use of ammunition with explosive agents is much lower than the effect of the use of conventional ammunition (the number of enemy soldiers put out of action, for example, after an hour-long shelling of positions with chemical and high-explosive shells, was taken into account). Also, the effect of RH largely depends on factors such as weather (wind direction and strength, air humidity and temperature, atmospheric pressure, and so on). This makes the effect of the combat use of OV almost unpredictable. The storage of explosive ammunition is technically much more complicated than the storage of conventional ammunition. Disposal of damaged chemical munitions in the field is not possible. All these factors, plus the mass prevalence of effective means of protection, which has become the norm, have made the military use of weapons difficult and, with rare exceptions, pointless.

But the very presence of chemical weapons in service is a powerful psychological factor in influencing the enemy and deterring him from using his chemical weapons, forcing the armies to carry out large-scale anti-chemical defense measures. The effectiveness of the impact, for all its unpredictability, on an unprepared enemy (and even more so an unprepared civilian population) remains high. Moreover, the psychological effect exceeds the combat itself.

In addition to low combat effectiveness, the main deterrent is the sharply negative attitude of society towards the very fact of the combat use of any WMD, including chemical ones.

Designation

Substance	US Army cipher	The cipher of the Soviet army	Edgewood arsenal cipher
Mustard gas	H (unrefined) HD (distilled) VV (thickened)	R-5 (Zaikov mustard gas) VR-16 (thickened)	EA 1033
Phosgene	CG	R-10
Lewisite	L	R-43	EA 1034
Adamsite	DM	R-15	EA 1277
Sarin	GB	R-35	EA 1208 EA 5823 (binary)
Soman	GD	R-55	EA 1210
Herd	GA	R-18	EA 1205
Chinuclidil-3-benzylate	BZ	R-78	EA 2277

Toxic substances are synthesized compounds with toxic properties.. They are able to penetrate into the bloodstream through the respiratory system, stomach, skin. The effectiveness of poisonous substances in combat operations is estimated by their high degree of toxicity. Poisonous compounds are used not only to suppress enemy manpower, they are also part of the herbicides that are used to control pests of crops.

general characteristics

Poisonous substances are the basic part of chemical weapons, which is in service with some countries. Russia and the United States have the largest stock of toxic compounds, including in the form of warheads. Poisonous substances, when used, cause damage to the enemy's manpower, which reduces the ability to resist and the possibility of a retaliatory attack.

The damaging properties of poisons of this type differ from other military weapons. They penetrate from the surrounding space into buildings, military equipment, cause harm to military personnel and civilians.

Poisonous compounds, even in small doses, cause significant harm to the human body. A small damage to the skin (cracks, cuts, scratches) provokes infection and the rapid spread of toxins through the blood to the brain and internal organs. This condition often causes the death of a person or irreversible complications for the health of the victim. The characteristic features of toxic substances include:

• preservation of properties in the surrounding space;
• duration of exposure;
• the ability to spread over vast territories;
• mass destruction;
• danger to all people who are not equipped with chemical protection equipment.

For the civilian population, there is a danger of infection if gusts of wind carry poisonous gases or vapors towards their settlement. The synthesis of the main types of poisonous substances does not require the use of high-tech processes and expensive raw materials. If necessary, as many toxins as needed will be produced to replenish reserves, and in a short time. Today, the relevance of the use of chemical weapons is gradually fading away as a result of signed agreements between the governments of countries with large stockpiles of warheads. But the danger of infection still exists.

Acute intoxication can occur in the event of accidental releases of poison into the atmosphere during emergencies in industrial and chemical industries.

Also, the cause of respiratory failure and cardiac arrest is non-compliance with safety precautions when working with pesticides, their irrational use or improper storage. To avoid the negative consequences of poisoning, one should understand the main types of toxic compounds and the mechanism of their action on the human body, know which groups poisons are divided into.

Main classifications

Since in the overwhelming majority of cases, poisons are used to make military chemical weapons, the following classification of poisonous substances is used to characterize toxic properties:

• Deadly. They are capable of causing lethal damage to enemy personnel using various methods of poison penetration. In addition to chemical compounds, botulinum toxin belongs to this group.
• Temporarily damaging. When ingested into the bloodstream of a person, they provoke extensive intoxication, which lasts from several hours to several days. During the lesion, the functional activity of all vital systems of the body is disrupted., the victim is not able to fight.
• Short-term. Most often, such chemical compounds are used by law enforcement agencies for illegal actions of criminals. When exposed to the skin or mucous membranes, toxic substances have an irritating effect that disappears without a trace after a few hours. But there is still a danger of infection for an outsider if he finds himself in this time period in the area where the toxic compound was sprayed.

Chemical warfare agents are in liquefied form, and when used, they take on a vaporous, aerosol or liquid droplet form. If the ground layer of air becomes the object of infection, then compounds are used that can go into a state of vapor or a fine aerosol suspension.

Clouds formed by vapors or aerosols are called primary; they have the strongest damaging properties. If clouds form during evaporation from the soil, then they are secondary, with less pronounced toxic effects. Also, for tactical purposes, toxic substances are classified as follows:

• Fast acting. Such compounds have practically no latent period. They provoke the occurrence of suffocation and a violation of the heart rhythm directly when the poison comes into contact with the mucous membranes or skin.
• Slow action. The negative effects of intoxication can appear in a person after a few days. Especially dangerous are enterotoxins that penetrate tissues and begin to gradually destroy them. After the symptoms are eliminated, the victim is often diagnosed with chronic pathologies of the liver, kidneys and intestines.

During the conduct of hostilities, the tactics of infecting equipment, uniforms and terrain are used. In these cases, coarse and drop poisonous poisons are used. They retain their toxic properties for several weeks and even months, penetrating deep soil layers and water bodies. The characteristics of toxic substances are based on the ways in which poisons enter the human body:

1. Through open wounds. When using irritating substances, such intoxication is ineffective due to the washing out of the poison by the blood.
2. Through the respiratory tract. When toxins enter the walls of the larynx and nasopharynx, the substance is instantly absorbed into the bloodstream. Often the liver is excluded from the circulation, which allows the poison to freely penetrate into all tissues and organs.
3. Through the gastrointestinal tract. Such poisoning most often occurs in everyday life with careless handling of pesticides, their storage within walking distance for family members. During the conduct of hostilities, this method of intoxication is possible with the use of food and water from the contaminated area.
4. Through the skin or mucous membranes. Irritant compounds easily penetrate these biological barriers. On the surface of the skin, they form a primary inflammatory focus, and after entering the body, many secondary ones.

The dangerous properties of many poisonous substances include their cumulative nature. Toxic compounds can accumulate in the body for a long time, reducing the functional activity of all vital systems. This condition occurs in chronic poisoning at home or in industrial production in the absence of proper control. The severity of symptoms in this type of intoxication is mild, which is a provoking factor in the development of numerous pathologies of internal organs, muscles, joints, bones.

For ease of storage in military conditions, the following types of toxic substances are distinguished:

• Personnel. Toxic compounds are in service, so they are in warehouses in the quantities established by the standards. As the expiration dates expire, enough poisons are produced to replenish the required supplies.
• Reserve. If necessary, toxins are produced at the enterprises of the military-industrial complex in the required volumes.

In agriculture, a strict record of used pesticides and herbicides is maintained. Before processing the fields from pests, the population is notified about the upcoming work. As a rule, non-persistent toxins are used for spraying cereals during planned activities or during locust invasions.

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Poison nerve agents

According to their physiological properties, toxic substances are divided into several groups, and the most numerous are nerve poisons. After even a small amount of toxin penetrates into the bloodstream, a significant damage to the central nervous system occurs. The distinctive features of this method of poisoning include persistent constriction of the pupil.

Sarin

Easily volatile, colorless compound in liquid form, without a characteristic odor, does not solidify at low temperatures. Soluble in water and organic ingredients in various proportions, has the ability to form a homogeneous mixture with fats.

Sarin does not break down into its constituent elements when exposed to water for a long time. After contamination of the area with this poison, a stable toxic effect of the compound persists for two months. The toxic substance penetrates the body when drinking water from ponds or lakes located in the area.

Sarin is used in a vaporized state to eliminate the enemy by infecting the territory during a tactical air raid. The substance easily moves around the area with gusts of wind, it is thermolabile - it quickly decomposes in warm weather, and in winter it remains stable for several days.

In addition to defeating the enemy's manpower, sarin settles on equipment, buildings and uniforms. Therefore, it is impossible to remove the gas mask, even after leaving the danger zone for a sufficient distance. First, specialists treat the equipment with detoxifying solutions and control the state of the airspace.

V-ex

Liquid substance with low volatility, practically odorless. Capable of not freezing at sub-zero temperatures and soluble in organic compounds. After penetration into the human body, it is absorbed in fatty tissues. When conducting hostilities, coarse aerosols are used, which retain toxic properties in open water for about 5-6 months.

Vi-ex affects a person, entering the bloodstream through the respiratory tract or skin. Methods of infection with toxic substances are varied: in contact with military equipment, uniforms, equipment.

A toxic compound binds red blood cells, causing oxygen starvation of brain cells. There is a disorder in the regulation of all vital systems - breathing is disturbed, the heart rate decreases, the lung parenchyma swells. In the absence of medical intervention, death is possible within a few minutes after infection.

Soman has a nerve-paralytic effect. Its physical and chemical properties are similar to those of Sarin and VEX. It is a colorless or slightly colored liquid with a specific camphor smell. Soman is slightly soluble in water, and with organic solvents quickly forms homogeneous dilutions.

After the penetration of toxic substances through the respiratory tract, the pupils of a person narrow sharply, breathing becomes difficult, saliva and mucus are abundantly secreted from the nasal cavity. The headache is localized in the temples and is not eliminated even with the help of antispasmodics for several days.

If neuropsychological substances penetrate the bloodstream through the skin or mucous membranes, then the signs of intoxication are no less pronounced, but occur after a few hours. This route of infection is characterized by the appearance of a tremor of the limbs, and then convulsions.

Poisonous substances of blistering action

In terms of effects on the human body, mustard gas is the most dangerous compound for humans.. It is a yellowish or dark brown liquid with a characteristic garlic or mustard odor, forming homogeneous mixtures with organic solvents, but poorly soluble in water. In drop liquid or aerosol form, it infects the environment, ammunition, military equipment.

Mustard gas infects the area for several weeks, and then gradually decomposes into harmless components. Poison in the form of steam is carried by gusts of wind for tens of kilometers and becomes a source of the spread of toxins.

A poisonous substance affects the human body after penetrating into the bloodstream. A slight concentration of poison irritates the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, pharynx, bronchi and bronchioles. In acute intoxication, internal organs, lungs, and muscle tissues are damaged. As the substance accumulates within a few hours, blood cells are destroyed, the functional activity of the urinary system decreases.

The mechanism of poisoning develops as follows:

1. Upon contact with poison, a person does not feel burning or pain.
2. At the site of contact, an infectious focus is quickly formed.
3. After 24 hours, bubbles with liquid contents form on the reddened skin, which merge into a single pathological cavity.
4. The integrity of the cavity is broken with the formation of a large ulcer.

The work of the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted - the victim opens vomiting with impurities of fresh blood. If emergency medical care is not provided, death occurs due to cardiac arrest.

Poisonous substances of general toxic action

There are many poisonous compounds used in warfare. The severity of symptoms is directly dependent on how many classes of compounds are contained in the toxic mixture. The pathogenesis of poisoning is based on a violation of the transfer of molecular oxygen by erythrocytes to the cells of all tissues. This type of toxic substances is one of the fastest in terms of time exposure to the human body.

Hydrocyanic acid is a colorless, easily evaporating liquid with a characteristic almond aroma. In addition to the use in warfare, poisoning with this poison can occur in everyday life when using the nucleoli of some fruit trees.

If a poisonous compound got inside the body by inhaling gas, then after a few hours the victim has such negative signs:

• dry mucous membranes, sore throat, cough;
• extensive swelling of the nasopharynx and nasal cavity;
• decreased visual acuity, redness of the eyes, upper and lower eyelids.

The characteristic features of poisoning include reddening of the skin and a metallic taste on the tongue.. The death of a person occurs as a result of cardiac arrest.

Asphyxiating poisonous substances

Phosgene is the main representative of this class of toxic substances. It is easy to determine that the air contains this poison - it smells like rotten hay or rotting apples. The compound, which is poorly soluble in water, quickly decomposes into its constituent ingredients. The toxin penetrates into the human body by inhalation of vapors, its damaging effect develops after a few minutes.

A characteristic symptom of phosgene intoxication is a sharp rise in temperature, as well as blue lips. This condition can be confused with signs of a bacterial or viral infection.

With intoxication with significant concentrations of poison, the following symptoms develop:

1. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain in the epigastric region.
2. Emotional instability: fear, irritability, anxiety, insomnia.
3. Urination disorders, discoloration of urine, the appearance of blood clots.
4. Decreased tactile, tendon and muscle reflex.
5. Paralysis of breathing and heart.

For protection, you need to use a gas mask, a respirator for this type of poisoning is useless. It is necessary to remove a person from the affected area, remove the infected uniform from him. Only the urgent administration of antidote and detoxification therapy can save the life of the victim.

The basis of the damaging effect of chemical weapons is toxic substances (S), which have a physiological effect on the human body.

Unlike other military means, chemical weapons effectively destroy the enemy's manpower 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, military equipment. The damaging effect persists for some time, objects and terrain become infected.

Types of poisonous substances

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

At the moment of their application, when the shell is destroyed, they come into a combat state:

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

Poisonous substances are the main damaging factor of chemical weapons.

Characteristics of chemical weapons

Such weapons are shared:

• According to the type of physiological effects of OM on the human body.
• For tactical purposes.
• By the speed of the coming impact.
• According to the resistance of the applied OV.
• By means and methods of application.

Human exposure classification:

• OV nerve agent action. Deadly, fast-acting, persistent. They act on the central nervous system. The purpose of their use is the rapid mass incapacitation of personnel with the maximum number of deaths. Substances: sarin, soman, tabun, V-gases.
• OV skin blister action. Deadly, slow acting, persistent. They affect the body through the skin or respiratory organs. Substances: mustard gas, lewisite.
• OV of general toxic action. Deadly, 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.
• OV suffocating action. Deadly, slow acting, unstable. The lungs are affected. Substances: phosgene and diphosgene.
• OV psychochemical action. Non-lethal. They temporarily affect the central nervous system, affect mental activity, cause temporary blindness, deafness, a sense of fear, restriction of movement. Substances: inuclidyl-3-benzilate (BZ) and lysergic acid diethylamide.
• OV irritating action (irritants). Non-lethal. They act quickly, but for a short time. Outside the infected zone, their effect stops after a few minutes. These are tear and sneezing substances that irritate the upper respiratory tract and can affect the skin. Substances: CS, CR, DM(adamsite), CN(chloroacetophenone).

Damage 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 the focus of exposure (people are massively affected there) and the zone of distribution of the infected cloud.

First use of chemical weapons

Chemist Fritz Haber was a consultant to the German War Office 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 the task before him - to create chemical weapons with irritating and toxic substances. It's a paradox, but Haber believed that with the help of a gas war, he would save many lives by ending the trench war.

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

When the cloud came close, a sharp smell was felt, the soldiers stinged in the eyes and nose. The mist burned the chest, blinded, choked. The smoke moved deep into the French positions, sowing panic and death, followed by German soldiers with bandages on their faces, but they had no one to fight with.

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

After 2 days, the Germans repeated the attack, but the Allied soldiers soaked 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, machine guns “spoke” to them.

Chemical weapons of the First World War

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 filled with corpses. Even the grass died from the gas.

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

In December 1915 - phosgene. It smells like hay and has a lingering effect. Cheapness made it easy to use. At first they were produced in special cylinders, and by 1916 they began to make shells.

Bandages did not save from blistering gases. It penetrated through clothes and shoes, causing burns on the body. The area was poisoned for more than a week. Such 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 also poisoned by the British.

For the first time, Russia also used this weapon on the battlefields of the First World War.

Chemical weapons of mass destruction

Experiments with chemical weapons took place under the guise of developing poisons for insects. Used in the gas chambers of concentration camps "Cyclone B" - hydrocyanic acid - an insecticidal agent.

"Agent Orange" - a substance for deleafing vegetation. Used in Vietnam, soil poisoning caused severe diseases 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 - the lives of hundreds of civilians were claimed, including many children. A nerve agent was used, most likely Sarin.

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

Victims of chemical weapons of mass destruction are all those who fell into the strike zone. Back in 1905, an international agreement was signed on the non-use of chemical weapons. To date, 196 countries around the world have signed up to the ban.

In addition to chemical to weapons of mass destruction and biological.

Types of protection

• Collective. The shelter can provide long stays for people without personal protective equipment if it is equipped with filter-ventilation kits and is well sealed.
• Individual. Gas mask, protective clothing and a personal chemical bag (PPI) with antidote and liquid to treat clothing and skin lesions.

Prohibition on 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 came into force on the prohibition of the use in war of asphyxiating, poisonous or other similar gases and bacteriological agents. 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 manufacture and use, but also on 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, South Sudan did not recognize it. It also entered into legal force in Israel and Myanmar.

poisonous substances(OV), toxic chemical compounds designed to defeat enemy personnel during hostilities. OM can enter the body through the respiratory system, skin, mucous membranes and the digestive tract. OVs also have a damaging effect when they enter a wound or burn surface. These substances have a certain set of physical and chemical properties, due to which they are in a vaporous, liquid or aerosol state in a combat situation. The production of OM is based on simple methods of obtaining from available and cheap raw materials.

For tactical purposes OVs are divided into groups according to the nature of their damaging effect:

deadly;

temporarily incapacitating manpower;

irritating.

By speed of advance damaging effects are distinguished:

· high-speed agents that do not have a period of latent action;

Slow-acting agents with a period of latent action.

Depending on the duration of the retention of striking ability Lethal agents are divided into two groups:

persistent agents that retain their damaging effect for several hours and days;

· unstable agents, the damaging effect of which persists for several tens of minutes after their application.

According to the physiological effects of OM on the body, there are:

· Nerve agents, which are also called organophosphorus agents, since their molecules contain phosphorus; (V-gases, sarin, soman)

skin blister; (mustard gas, lewisite)

general toxic action; (cyanogen chloride, hydrocyanic acid)

suffocating; (phosgene, diphosgene)

psychotropic (incapacitants);

DLC-lysergic acid diethylamite

irritants (irritants). chloroacetophenone, adamsite

poisonous substances nerve agent . According to the chemical structure, all substances of this group are organic compounds, derivatives of phosphorus acids. FOS cause damage by entering the body in various ways: through the skin, wound, mucous membranes of the eyes, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract. The main combat agents - sarin, soman, V-gases - dissolve well in fats, organic solvents (dichloroethane, gasoline, alcohol), and are easily resorbed through the skin.

Sarin- a colorless volatile liquid, with a boiling point of about 150˚ C, easily soluble in water and organic solvents. Persistence on the ground in summer from several minutes to 4 hours, in winter - from several hours to several days.

Soman- a transparent liquid with a boiling point of 85˚ C, vapors six times heavier than air, with a camphor smell, poorly soluble in water, well - in all organic solvents, other characteristics are the same as sarin.

V - gases (phosphorylcholines)- colorless liquids with a boiling point above 300˚ C, poorly soluble in water, good - in organic solvents, surpass sarin and soman in toxicity, especially when it comes into contact with the skin. Persistence on the ground in summer from several hours to several weeks, in winter - from 1 to 16 weeks.

The mechanism of action of FOS is complex and poorly understood. They inhibit many enzymes (cholinesterases) of the body, contribute to the accumulation of acetylcholine in the tissues, which causes excitation, a deep dysfunction of many organs and systems.

Signs of damage are profuse salivation, nasal discharge, constriction of the pupils (meiosis), suffocation, stomach cramps, paralysis, and death is possible.

Urgent care in the lesion focus is in the order of self- and mutual assistance:

Putting on a gas mask;

The use of antidotes (athens, atropine with a syringe-

tube or taren tablets);

Treatment of infected skin areas and uniforms from

individual anti-chemical package IPP-8;

Removal outside the source of infection. If necessary -

reintroduction of the antidote.

First aid to the seriously affected consists in the repeated administration of antidotes; when breathing stops - in the conduct of mechanical ventilation; subcutaneous injection of cordiamine; additional degassing of open skin areas and uniforms adjacent to them.

Poisonous substances of blistering action . The poisonous substances of the blistering action include lewisite and mustard gas: pure, sulphurous, nitrogenous, oxygen. A characteristic feature of the effect on the body is the ability to cause local inflammatory-necrotic changes in the skin and mucous membranes in combination with a pronounced resorptive effect (after absorption), so they are often called skin-resorptive agents.

Mustard gas(as a technical product) - dark brown oily liquid with the smell of mustard or garlic, heavier than water, vapors heavier than air, boiling point 217˚ C; dissolves well in organic solvents, fats, oils, is destroyed by alkalis and chlorine-containing preparations; toxic in vapor, aerosol and droplet state. Persistence on the ground in summer up to 1.5 days, in winter - more than a week. It is able to penetrate the body in any way: through the respiratory organs, intact skin, wound and burn surface, gastrointestinal tract.

Mustard gas affects all organs and tissues with which it comes into contact, causing local inflammatory-necrotic lesions, and in any way it enters the body, it has a general toxic effect in the form of CNS damage, hematopoiesis suppression, circulatory disorders, digestion, thermoregulation of all types of metabolism, immunity etc.

Skin lesions occur under the action of mustard gas in a vapor or liquid state and depend on the temperature and humidity of the air, the area of ​​the infected skin surface and its moisture content, and the time of exposure. The most sensitive places with delicate skin, a high content of sweat ducts (groin, armpits, inner thighs) and tight fitting clothing (belt, collar). The duration of the latent period in the case of the action of vaporous mustard gas is from 5 to 15 hours, liquid - up to 2 - 4 hours.

With the defeat of vaporous mustard gas, only the development of erythema (redness) that occurs on sensitive areas of the skin can be observed. Such erythema is painless, may be accompanied by itching, especially when warming and at night. The prognosis is favorable - by 7-10 days all phenomena disappear, pigmentation can persist for a long time.

The defeat of drip-liquid mustard gas occurs in a more severe form. Against the background of mustard erythema, after 8-12 hours, small blisters appear, often located along the border of redness (“mustard gas necklace”). Then they increase in size, merge, which is accompanied by itching, burning and pain. After the 4th day, the blisters subside with the formation of a slowly healing ulcer and the frequent addition of a secondary purulent infection.

Symptoms of eye damage appear after 30 minutes - 3 hours in the form of photophobia, cramps, lacrimation, redness of the mucosa and slight swelling. The phenomena of uncomplicated conjunctivitis pass without a trace after 1-2 weeks.

At a higher concentration of mustard gas vapors, lesions of moderate severity occur, characterized by more pronounced symptoms with the spread of the process to the skin of the eyelids (blepharitis). The duration of the lesion is 20-30 days, the prognosis is favorable.

In case of damage by drop-liquid mustard gas, the cornea is involved in the process - keratitis develops with the formation of ulcers, clouding of the cornea and a decrease in visual acuity, eye death is possible. The course is long - 4 - 6 months.

Respiratory damage occurs during inhalation of mustard gas vapors and the severity depends on the concentration of agents and the duration of stay in the contaminated area.

With mild lesions, the latent period is more than 12 hours. Then there are signs of inflammation of the upper respiratory tract: runny nose, chest pain, hoarseness or loss of voice. Symptoms go away after 10 to 12 days.

The defeat of moderate severity is characterized by an earlier appearance (after 6 hours) and a more rapid development of the above symptoms. On the 2nd day, worsening occurs, chest pain and cough increase, purulent sputum appears, wheezing, the temperature rises to 38-39º C - tracheobronchitis develops. The dead mucous membrane of the trachea and bronchi can be torn off and cause various complications. Recovery occurs in 30 - 40 days.

With a severe lesion, the latent period is shortened to 2 hours. The condition of the affected people deteriorates sharply, shortness of breath increases, cyanosis of the skin and mucous membranes appears, coughing intensifies, and on the third day mustard pneumonia develops with a protracted course, which is explained by a decrease in immunity. When inhaling especially high concentrations of mustard gas vapors or aspiration of drop-liquid mustard gas, necrotic pneumonia develops on the first day with hemoptysis, respiratory failure, an extremely serious condition and an unfavorable prognosis (with widespread necrosis - death).

The defeat of the gastrointestinal tract is observed when using mustard-contaminated products or water. Death occurs when 50 mg of mustard gas is ingested. The hidden period is short - from 30 minutes to 1 hour. There are severe pains in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, loose stools. They are joined by signs of a general toxic effect, which, along with the depth of local changes, determine the further course.

The resorptive effect is manifested in an increase in body temperature, the appearance of adynamia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a violation of the pulse rate, a decrease in blood pressure, the development of cardiovascular insufficiency, and blood changes.

Lewisite- oily liquid with the smell of geranium leaves, boiling point 190º C, slightly soluble in water, well - in organic solvents, fats, oils; enters the body in any way. Durability in summer - hours, in winter - up to 3 days. Skin-resorptive toxicity is three times higher than mustard gas; mixes with many agents and dissolves them itself. It is neutralized by solutions of caustic alkalis, bleach and other oxidizing agents.