Characteristics and Effects of Chemical Weapons in Chemistry

Sonia Gawande

Abstract


Chemical agents should be considered in key incident planning. Consider exposure to chemical agents in any casualty with unexplained and unusual symptoms. Poisoning with many chemical agents, especially nerve agents, can be treated when diagnosed early. Protective equipment must be worn if there is suspicion that chemical agent remains in the local environment. Move casualties from contaminated environment to well ventilated area to give first aid. Decontamination of the casualty involves removal of clothing, shaving contaminated hair, and irrigation with water or dilute sodium hypochlorite to remove residual agent from skin. In this review, we have focused on the agents that pose the greatest threat, recognising chemical weapons injuries, and the principles of management.

Keywords: characteristics, chemical agents, effects, skin decontamination, terrorists agents

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References


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