The ‘C’ in CBRNe stands for chemical weapons. A chemical weapon is a warfare agent that only depends on the distinctive properties of the weaponised compound. It requires no explosive force for effect. The objective of a chemical weapon is generally to injure or debilitate the enemy or to restrict the use of a specific area.
History of chemical warfare
The concept of using chemicals for acts of poisoning is very ancient. These were usually acts against single individuals or small groups by oral administration, but the use of chemicals on a mass scale as incendiary weapons is recorded in the wars of classical Greece, probably first during the Peloponnese War when the Spartans set fire to woods drenched in sulphur and pitch (‘Greek Fire’) to force the surrender of cities under siege. Choking fumes would have been part of the problem for the defenders.
Read more on the history of chemical warfare…
Nerve agents
There are two types of organophosphate compoundswhich are known as nerve agents, the G-series and the V-series.
Blister agents
Blister agents (also known as vesicants) include three types: sulfur mustards, nitrogen mustards and lewisite.
Choking agents
The family of choking agents (or pulmonary agents) is the oldest group of chemical warfare agents. The use of sulphur in the antique times and chlorine and phosgene(CG) during World War I are historic examples of the military use of choking agents.
Blood agents
Blood agents are less well known, but still very deadly agents. Once absorbed through the lungs they rapidly block oyygen circulation around the body.
Incapacitating agents
The best known incapacitating agent is BZ (3-Quinuclidinyl benzilate). This agent affects the motoric, psychological aspects and the ability to think clearly.
Read more on incapacitating agents…
Non-proliferation of chemical weapons
In 1993, the Chemical Weapons Convention banned allchemical weapons. However, the ban was not enforceduntil 1997. The OPCW (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons), based in The Hague, is the international implementing body of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC or Convention).
Read more on the non-proliferation of chemical weapons…
For more information on chemical weapons and chemical terrorism, please contact us using the contact form or click one of the links to the left: