Choking Agents
scene of the attack, the victim's symptoms subside
rather rapidly, and the severe discomfort vanishes after
Choking agents, sometimes called lung irritants,
about one-half hour. At high concentrations, effects
primarily injure the respiratory tract which includes
may last for several hours. Because of their arsenical
the nose, the throat, and particularly the lungs where it
properties, these agents make foods poisonous.
causes pulmonary edema. In extreme cases,
membranes swell, lungs become filled with liquid, and
Tear Agents
death results from lack of oxygen; thus, these agents
Tear agents (also known as riot-control agents) are
choke an unprotected man. Fatalities of this type are
e s s e n t i a l l y l o c a l i r r i t a n t s , w h i c h , i n ve r y l ow
known as "dry-land drownings."
concentrations, act primarily on the eyes, causing
The two most common choking agents are as
intense pain and a considerable flow of tears; stinging
follows:
of warm, moist skin; and irritation of the nose. High
Phosgene (CG)
concentrations produce irritation of the upper
respiratory tract and lungs and cause nausea and
Diphosgene (DP)
vomiting. The agents may be either solids or liquids
and may be dispersed in the air as vapors or smokes.
Use of these agents is rather limited because they
react rapidly with water to yield nontoxic hydrolysis
Tear agents include the following:
products. Their concentrations in air are reduced fairly
CN
rapidly by water condensates (rain and fog) and by
dense vegetation. Other classes of agents are much
CNC
more efficient. Unlike the nerve and blister agents,
CNB
choking agents have no poisonous effect upon foods;
they are too readily destroyed.
BBC
CS
Vomiting Agents
Of these agents, CS is the newest and most
The most important vomiting agents are as
effective. It produces immediate effects even in
follows:
extremely low concentrations. An individual is
Diphenylchlorarsine (DA)
incapacitated about 20 to 60 seconds after exposure.
Effects last 5 to 10 minutes after the affected individual
Diphenylchanoarsine (DC)
is removed to fresh air. During this time, affected
Adamsite (DM)
individuals are incapable of effective concerted action.
This agent is highly successful in quelling riots.
These agents are dispersed as aerosols and produce
their effects by inhalation. These agents produce minor
The physiological effects of tear agents include the
eye irritation and a feeling of pain and sense of fullness
following:
in the nose and sinuses. This is accompanied by a
Extreme burning of the eyes accompanied by a
severe headache, intense burning in the throat,
heavy flow of tears
tightness and pain in the chest, and irritation of the
Coughing, difficulty in breathing, and chest
eyes, producing excessive tear formation. Coughing is
uncontrollable and sneezing is violent and persistent.
tightness
Nausea and vomiting are prominent. Mild symptoms,
Involuntary closing of the eyes
caused by exposure to very low concentrations,
resemble those of a severe cold. The onset of
Stinging sensation of moist skin
symptoms may be delayed for several minutes after
initial exposure, especially with DM. Therefore,
WARNING
effective exposure may occur before the presence of
the smoke is suspected. If the protective mask is then
Although personnel exposed to CS may
put on, symptoms will increase for several minutes,
shower as necessary, when CS dust or particles
despite adequate protection. As a consequence, the
are on the skin, showering should be delayed
victim may believe the mask to be ineffective, and by
for 6 hours to prevent stinging and reddening
removing it cause further exposure. On leaving the
of the skin.
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