Surviving Chemical Warfare

Chemical warfare, just like biological warfare remains a threat today from terrorists and rogue nations. The international community has outlawed chemical weapons, but that won't stop everyone.

What is chemical warfare?
Toxic chemicals are used in battle against an enemy, or in the case of terrorism at random against average citizens. Defending against chemical agents can be very difficult especially when the target is normal people. Soldiers will have quick and easy access to masks, but may have to deal with residue left on their combat gear. The common person will obviously not be prepared with a mask or protective clothing.

What can we do?
Quick reaction is the best line of defense for a chemical attack. If you suspect an attack get out of the area if possible. Your situation will dictate the response. For instance:

• If you're in your car, roll up the windows, turn off the a/c or heater, and move the vents to recirculate.
• If you're outside, run away from the gas, but not downwind, and get into a building or vehicle.
• If the attack is in a confined space, get outside right away.

If you cannot get out of the situation then try to cover up. Protect your face (nose, mouth, and eyes especially), your head, your hands and arms, and anything else that may be exposed. If you have no blankets or jackets to cover up, then protect your face with your hands. Although we think about regular smoke rising, some chemical agents will float near the ground, so react appropriately.

A clear head and fast action is necessary. Move and assess your situation at the same time.

Once you are out of immediate danger, do the following:

1. Remove your clothes
2. Wash your body
3. Get medical attention
4. Notify the authorities
5. Watch the news for any updates

How will we be attacked?

Bombs or missiles can be filled with chemical agents and disseminate their horrors upon explosion. Aerosol cans can be rigged to go off in subways and other confined areas. Cars and airplanes can be used to spray vast areas with poison. These are some of the more well-known methods.

Food and water
Our food and water supplies can also be tampered with. These methods tend to be less effective. They are also more concentrated geographically reducing impact. However, targeted individuals and groups may be attacked this way.

What are the most common agents of chemical warfare?

Sarin (GB)
This is a nerve agent that prohibits the nerves from communicating with each other. Because the nerves are unable to communicate they will not function properly and cause muscle spasms. Death from suffocation can result.

Sarin is clear and colorless. It is also tasteless, so one could easily digest it without the faintest clue.

Symptoms include: nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, runny nose, muscle twitches, mental confusion, seizures, incontinence, and paralysis. You will likely see signs within minutes, but definitely within the first day of contact.

VX
Like Sarin, VX is a nerve agent that will disrupt the communication of nerves. It is very potent and can definitely lead to death.

One of the problems with VX is that it leaves an oily residue. Just a little residue can kill a person. So removal of exposed clothing must be performed carefully. Look for a clear, but amber-colored film.

Symptoms will be similar to Sarin and other nerve agents.

Mustard Gas (HD)
Mustard gas produces large blisters on exposed skin and attacks the lungs. It is a painful chemical that was used in World War I. This agent can kill, but was primarily used to hurt enemy troops.

It generally takes at least 4 hours for blisters to begin forming. This delay, coupled with its ability to remain toxic on clothing, easily leads to the spreading of mustard gas without the victim being aware of it. It does, however, have a brownish-yellow appearance and carry a smell similar to horseradish.

Lewisite
This is similar to mustard gas, blistering the skin and destroying the lungs. However upon contact the victim will develop itchiness and a rash. Pain will also develop quickly and blisters within the first day.

Chlorine
This very common agent was also used during World War I in chemical warfare. Among other things, chlorine is used in pesticides and can hurt the eyes, lungs, and skin. It is not as toxic as the above-mentioned agents, but is widely available and can injure a target well enough to give the user the upper hand. In recent times, it has been used in Iraq by insurgents.

Chemical warfare is not something to worry over as it is rare. However, remaining vigilant, especially when Homeland Security puts us on alert, is the smart thing to do.

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