Part Four
Counterweapons
There are no hard and fast general rules for countering the effects of chemical weapons, other than to takes whatever steps possible to minimize both the length of time one is exposed to the agent and the length of time taken to respond with administration of specific countermeasures. The single most important factor for victims of a chemical agent attack is to not panic.
 Any and all specific steps to be taken after exposure will depend on the identity and nature of the particular chemical agent or agents that have been contacted, the conditions of exposure, and on what may actually be readily available for use as a countermeasure. For all but the nerve agents, flushing with large amounts of running water to dilute and wash the chemical agent away as quickly as possible may go a long way to minimize the effects of exposure. This of course depends entirely on the availability of such water. The simple expedient of triggering an available automatic sprinkler system can do the job, provided one is sufficiently aware of the situation to think to trigger the water spray. Keeping one's eyes firmly closed and breathing as lightly as possible will also help to minimize the effects of chemical exposure.
Since chemical warfare agents are themselves just chemicals, one of the most effective countermeasures is to alter their intrinsic nature by forcing them to undergo certain reactions. Many chemical agents, particularly the sulfur mustard agents, are fairly easily oxidized with a 5% solution of sodium hypochlorite (common household bleach). In sulfur-based mustard agents, the sulfur atom becomes oxidized from sulfide to sulfoxide and sulfone, destroying the vesicant properties of the material, and one can tolerate contact with household bleach a lot more safely than with a sulfur mustard agent. Again, presence of mind in the event of an attack, and the availability of materials to hand are of great importance.
 All chemical warfare agents have specific effective countermeasures that can be applied by anyone who has taken the time to make themselves familiar with available information. (Nerve agents, with which effective countermeasures are very limited, are an exception.) The single most effective countermeasure against chemical agents is knowledge. Being aware of the chemical nature of the world and the society we have constructed for ourselves, and understanding how chemistry can either harm or help us, is paramount to using that knowledge to protecting ourselves as well. While it is not within the realm of reason for everyone to know the chemical principles that would allow them to take steps on their own, there is certainly a wealth of information to be had. Complete descriptions of chemical warfare agents as 'Fact Sheets' and 'MSDS' forms are readily available. These documents contain complete descriptions of effective countermeasures and steps to be taken in the event of exposure. They represent the knowledge that can save lives and make the use of chemical weapons much less effective, and much less likely.
Last In A Series of Four
Articles and Columns By Richard:
Radon, A Rare Element
Chemical Weapons
A Four Part Series
What is pH?
Composite Materials
How Can A Bullet-proof Vest Stop A Bullet?
Richard M. J. Renneboog
Information Technology Developer / Webmaster
Renaissance Aeronautics Associates Incorporated
P.O. Box 54
Strathroy, Ontario
N7G-3J1
Canada
(519)-319-5780
rnjrenneboog@yahoo.com
A Brief Bio
Richard M. J. Renneboog completed Honours B.Sc. at The University of Western Ontario, in 1979. He earned a M.Sc. degree in 1983 in the field of Synthetic Organic Chemistry studying under Prof. Robert M. Cory in the Department of Chemistry at The University of Western Ontario, in London, Ontario, Canada. He pursued further studies in mass spectrometry with Prof. Paul Kebarle and in the synthesis of enzyme model systems with Prof. R.S. Brown, in the Department of Chemistry at University of Alberta, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
In 1991, Richard completed accelerated study for Technologist diploma in Electronics Engineering Technology at Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology, in Belleville, Ontario, Canada. Since 1991, has been independent private technical consultant and writer in both chemical and computer applications. Endeavours have included the composition of scripts for instructional and promotional video, corporate website design, curriculum development for training in advanced composites technology, and development. |
