NOTE
devices used for detection of chemical agents, and the
capability of each device.
T h e a d va n c e d c h e m i c a l p r o t e c t ive
garment (ACPG) will be phased in to replace
In chemical operations, toxic chemical agents
the CPO over several years. Issue and use of
produce death, injury, or irritating effects. Although
the CPO will continue until stocks are
chemical agents are frequently referred to as gases,
exhausted and shelf life has expired.
they may actually be found as solid particles, liquids,
or gases. Chemical agents are used chiefly for their
effects on personnel. Some agents have corrosive
REVIEW QUESTIONS
effects on certain materials, and incendiary agents will
burn most materials. Chemical agents produce harmful
physiological reactions when applied to the body
Q1.
The MCU-2/P protective mask comes in a
externally, inhaled, or swallowed. Most military
total of how many sizes?
chemical agents cause disorganization of the
1.
One
functioning of the body.
2.
Two
Chemical agents can be disseminated by aircraft
3.
Three
spray, chemical projectiles, chemical bombs, chemical
grenades, smoke pots, smoke candles, chemical land
4.
Four
mines, and missiles. These principal factors determine
Q2.
What is the minimum number of C2 canisters
the method by which a chemical agent is spread, the
issued with a MCU2/P protective mask?
quantity of the agent required to accomplish specific
objectives, the nature of the agent being used, the
1.
One
distance to the place of attack, and the speed with
2.
Two
which the agent must be used.
3.
Three
CHARACTERISTICS AND EFFECTS OF
4.
Four
CHEMICAL AGENTS
Q3.
What is the maximum life expectancy of a C2
The characteristics and some of the general
canister when opened in a noncontaminated
physiological effects of the more common chemical
area?
agents are discussed in this section. This knowledge is
very important in allowing personnel to react quickly
1.
30 days
and accurately should a chemical attack occur.
2.
60 days
The rate of action of a chemical agent is the rate at
3.
90 days
which a body reacts to or is affected by that agent.
4.
120 days
There is a wide variation in the rate of reaction to the
toxic chemical agents, even to those of similar tactical
Q4.
What is the maximum life expectancy of a C2
o r p hy s i o l o g i c a l c l a s s i fi c a t i o n s . Fo r ex a m p l e ,
canister in a contaminated environment?
distilled mustard (HD) produces no immediate
1.
30 days
sensation, and 4 to 6 hours may pass before the skin
reddens. Lewisite (L), on the other hand, causes
2.
60 days
immediate pain, and the skin begins to redden within
3.
90 days
30 minutes.
4.
120 days
Blister agents must be decontaminated within 1 to
2 minutes after exposure if serious effects are to be
prevented. Nerve agents and blood agents act quickly.
CHEMICAL OPERATIONS
If death is to be averted, you should administer
antidotes or start other first-aid measures within
Learning Objective: Recall the methods used for
30 seconds after the symptoms appear. Vomiting and
dissemination of chemical agents, the characteristics of
tear agents also take effect within a short time after
the various agents and their effect on personnel, the
being inhaled.
9-5
