Chemical Weapons I. Overview
Written by Translator on July 16, 2008 – 8:23 pm -Crossposted at Dailykos.com
This the first in a series exploring chemical weapons. We will begin with a brief history and basic properties, then move to the state of chemical weapons in the world today. Chemical weapons have been used for centuries in warfare. One could say, at the extreme, blackpowder and other explosives are chemical weapons, but modern usage defines chemical weapons as having a physical, physiological, or combination of effects against people.
There are many classes of chemical weapons, from “tear gas” (technically called a lacrimator) up to the lethal agents, commonly the “mustards” (blistering agents, vesicants) and the “nerve” agents (nerve impulse disruptors).
Tags: Chemical weapons, Mustard gas, Nitrogen Mustard, Teaching, Vesicants
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