Mustard Gas Article

Mustard Gas Protection

Mustard Gas (Yperite) was first used by the German Army in September 1917. It had disastrous affect on humans who were exposed to this dangerous vapor. Mustard gas is a strong compound that causes blisters. Choosing the right safety gear like gas masks would help protect oneself fron Nuclear, Chemical & Biological agents.

Mustard gas was used in chemical warfare as early as World War I by Germans and as late as the Iran-Iraq War in 1980?1988. There is a high probability of it?s usage by terrorists and other non-social groups for mass attacks. Sulfur mustard is a thick liquid, which was made for use as a chemical weapon.

The sulfur mustards, of which mustard gas is a member, are a class of related vesicant chemical warfare agents with the ability to form large blisters on exposed skin. In their pure form most sulfur mustards are colorless, odorless, viscous liquids at room temperature. The name "mustard" comes from the smell associated with impure mustard gas, which is usually yellow-brown in color and has an odor resembling mustard plants, garlic or horseradish.

Sulfur mustard or mustard gas is released into the air as a vapor, people can be exposed through skin contact, eye contact, or breathing. Sulfur mustard vapor can be carried long distances by wind. If sulfur mustard is released into water, people can be exposed by drinking the contaminated water or getting it on their skin. If you are exposed to sulfur mustard, many factors determine whether you'll be harmed. These factors include the dose (how much), the duration (how long), and how you come in contact with it. You must also consider the other chemicals you're exposed to and your age, sex, diet, family traits, lifestyle, and state of health.

Adverse health effects caused by sulfur mustard depend on the amount people are exposed to, the route of exposure, and the length of time that people are exposed. Sulfur mustard is a powerful irritant and blistering agent that damages the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It damages DNA, a vital component of cells in the body. Sulfur mustard vapor is heavier than air, so it will settle in low-lying areas. Exposure to sulfur mustard liquid is more likely to produce second- and third- degree burns and later scarring than is exposure to sulfur mustard vapor. Extensive skin burning can be fatal. Extensive breathing in of the vapors can cause chronic respiratory disease, repeated respiratory infections, or death. Extensive eye exposure can cause permanent blindness. Exposure to sulfur mustard may increase a person?s risk for lung and respiratory cancer.

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