Chemical weapons are more dangerous than you may know. In war, chemical weapons are one of the most debilitating and effective weapons to deploy on the enemy. According to the International Chemical Weapons Convention, there are more than fifty varying types of chemicals that have been produced for the sole intent of use as a weapon in chemical warfare. Chemical weapons were first introduced during World War I & World War II. But as years progressed and the level of danger possessed by these chemical warfare agents was revealed, the banning of these weapons began to take place. The imminent risk to humans and the potential effects of chemical weapons on humans’ health has led to a greater need for chemical weapon protection for possible future exposures to chemical weapons. Gathering and collecting an arsenal of protection from chemical warfare agents can help you to reduce the potential effects associated with chemical weapons exposure.
Chemical weapons can be categorized into four general categories, according to the Organization of the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Each of these four categories presents different hazards and possible effects to humans as a result of exposure to these dangerous chemical weapon agents. Below are the chemical weapons and their effects on the human body.
- Blood Agents: Blood agents contain agents such as cyanogen chloride, hydrogen cyanide, and arsine. These agents work by preventing a person’s blood and tissue cells from accepting oxygen intake and can lead to organ failure.
- Choking Agents: Choking agents consist of phosgene, chlorine, and diphosgene. These chemicals are absorbed through the lungs and will result in a build-up of fluid that will potentially lead to choking.
- Blister Agents: Lewisite, sulfur mustard and nitrogen mustard are all forms of blister agents. The chemicals that are blister agents will burn a person’s mucous membranes, skin, and eyes, and cause blistering.
- Nerve Agents: Sarin, tabun, soman, and VX are all known nerve agents. Nerve agents can cause muscle paralysis, as well as seizures and loss of body control.
The effects of chemical weapons on humans can be not only extensive but quite hazardous. Therefore, having preparations in place to protect yourself from such hazardous health effects is vital. The FAST-ACT Chemical Decontamination Kit provides ultimate protection from both surfaces and vapors chemical threats. FAST-ACT utilizes a proprietary technology that is highly reactive against a broad spectrum of chemicals including chemical warfare agents. The quick and easily deployed chemical decontamination products ensure that you are ready for every and all chemical threats in your environment.
