Chemical Weapons

Paper Summary:

Technical discussion of toxic properties of various weapons. Purpose of producing physiological or physical effects on enemy forces. Modern origin in use of mustard gas in World War I. Describes blistering agents (vesicants), nerve gas, VX, Soman, B2, toxins and allergens. Treaties to prevent use of chemical weapons. The Geneva Protocol of 1925 and the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993.

From the Paper:

"Chemical weapons use the toxic properties of chemicals to produce physical or physiological effects, usually on enemy forces during wars (FAS-Introduction, 2001). Although they have been used throughout history, chemical weapons are thought of as originating during World War I with the use of mustard gas by both sides. In 1925, the Geneva Protocol was signed which prohibited the use of chemical weapons in warfare, but several nations who signed the pact, including the United States, did so with the proviso that they reserved the right to retaliate in kind if chemical weapons were used against them. Neither side used chemical weapons during World War II. Common agents in use are: the blood agents arsine, cyanogen chloride and hydrogen chloride; the choking agents chlorine, diphosgene, PFIB and phosgene; nerve agents GA (tabun), GB (sarin), GD (soman), GE, GF, V..."

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