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ARMY, MARINE CORPS, NAVY, AIR FORCE
POTENTIAL MILITARY
CHEMICAL/BIOLOGICAL
AGENTS AND
COMPOUNDS
FM 3-11.9
MCRP 3-37.1B
NTRP 3-11.32
AFTTP(I) 3-2.55
JANUARY 2005
DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION:
Approved for public release;
distribution is unlimited.
MULTISERVICE TACTICS, TECHNIQUES, AND PROCEDURES
FOREWORD
This publication has been prepared under our direction for use by our respective
commands and other commands as appropriate.
STANLEY H. LILLIE
Brigadier General, USA
Commandant
US Army Chemical School
EDWARD HANLON, JR.
Lieutenant General, USMC
Deputy Commandant
for Combat Development
TC&zttu. — ,
JOHN M. KELLY
Rear Admiral, USN
Commander
Navy Warfare Development Command
BENTLEY B. RAYBURN
Major General, USAF
Commander
Headquarters Air Force Doctrine Center
This publication is available at Army
Knowledge Online <www.us.army.mil> .
PREFACE
1. Scope
This document provides commanders and staffs with general information and
technical data concerning chemical/biological (CB) agents and other compounds of
military interest such as toxic industrial chemicals (TIC). It explains the use;
classification; and physical, chemical, and physiological properties of these agents
and compounds. Users of this manual are nuclear, biological, and chemical
(NBC)/chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) staff officers, NBC
noncommissioned officers (NCOs), staff weather officers (SWOs), NBC medical
defense officers, medical readiness officers, medical intelligence officers, field
medical treatment officers, and others involved in planning battlefield operations in
an NBC environment.
2. Purpose
This publication provides a technical reference for CB agents and related
compounds. The technical information furnished provides data that can be used to
support operational assessments based on intelligence preparation of the battlespace
(IPB).
3. Application
The audience for this publication is NBC/CBR staff personnel and
commanders tasked with planning, preparing for, and conducting military
operations.
4. Implementation Plan
Participating service command offices of primary responsibility (OPRs) will
review this publication, validate the information, and reference and incorporate it in
service and command manuals, regulations, and curricula as follows:
Army. The United States Army (USA) will incorporate this publication in
USA training and doctrinal publications as directed by the Commander, United
States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). Distribution is in
accordance with Department of the Army (DA) Form 12-99-R (Initial Distribution
Requirements for Publications).
Marine Corps. The United States Marine Corps (USMC) will incorporate
the procedures in this publication in USMC training and doctrinal publications as
directed by the Commanding General (CG), United States Marine Corps Combat
Development Command (MCCDC). Distribution is in accordance with Marine Corps
Publication Distribution System (MCPDS).
Navy. The United States Navy (USN) will incorporate these procedures in
USN training and doctrinal publications as directed by the Commander, Navy
Warfare Development Command (NWDC). Distribution is according to the military
standard requisitioning and issue procedures (MILSTRIP).
Air Force. The United States Air Force (USAF) will validate and
incorporate appropriate procedures according to applicable governing directives.
5. User Information
a. The United States Army Chemical School (USACMLS) developed this
publication with the joint participation of the approving service commands.
b. We encourage recommended changes for improving this publication. Please
reference the specific page and paragraph, and provide a rationale for each
recommendation. Send comments and recommendations directly to —
Army
Commandant
US Army Chemical School
ATTN: ATSN-CM-DD
401 MANSCEN Loop, Suite 1029
Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473-8926
COMM (573) 596-0131, extension 3-7364
Marine Corps
Commanding General
US Marine Corps Combat Development Command
ATTN: C42 (Director)
3300 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-5001
DSN 278-6234; COMM (703) 784-6234
Navy
Commander
Navy Warfare Development Command
ATTN: N5
686 Cushing Road
Newport, Rl 02841-1207
DSN 948-4201; COMM (401) 841-4201
Air Force
HQ Air Force Doctrine Center
ATTN: DJ
155 North Twining Street
Maxwell AFB, AL 36112-6112
DSN 493-7224; COMM (334) 953-7224
*FM 3-11.9
MCRP 3-37.1B
NTRP 3-11.32
AFTTP(I) 3-2.55
FM 3-11.9 US Army Training and Doctrine Command
Fort Monroe, Virginia
MCRP 3-37. IB Marine Corps Combat Development Command
Quantico, Virginia
NTRP 3-11.32 Naval Warfare Development Command
Newport, Rhode Island
AFTTP(I) 3-2.55 Headquarters Air Force Doctrine Center
Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama
10 January 2005
POTENTIAL MILITARY CHEMICAL/BIOLOGICAL AGENTS AND
COMPOUNDS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY xiii
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
Background l-l
Threat I-2
Militarily Significant Aspects of Toxic Chemical Agents I-4
Militarily Significant Aspects of Biological Agents I-7
Militarily Significant Aspects of Toxic Industrial Chemicals l-ll
CHAPTER II CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS AND THEIR PROPERTIES
Background Il-l
Definitions of Selected Physical and Chemical Properties Il-l
Definitions of Toxicity-Related Terms II-4
DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
*This publication supersedes FM 3-9, 12 December 1990.
IV
CHAPTER III
CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER V
APPENDIX A
APPENDIX B
APPENDIX C
APPENDIX D
APPENDIX E
APPENDIX F
APPENDIX G
APPENDIX H
Choking Agents 11-9
Nerve Agents 11-13
Blood Agents 11-31
Blister Agents (Vesicants) 11-37
Incapacitating Agents 11-64
Chemical Warfare Agent Precursors 11-68
Other Chemical Warfare Agents 11-76
MILITARY CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS AND THEIR PROPERTIES
Background Ill-l
Riot Control Agents (Tear- Producing Compounds) Ill-l
Respiratory Irritants 111-7
Obsolete Riot Control Agents 111-14
Smokes, Obscurants, and Incendiaries 111-16
BIOLOGICAL AGENTS AND THEIR PROPERTIES
Background IV-1
Bacterial Agents of Potential Concern IV-4
Rickettsiae of Potential Concern IV-11
Viral Agents of Potential Concern IV- 14
Toxins of Potential Concern IV-22
TOXIC INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS AND THEIR PROPERTIES
Background V-l
Other Information Sources V-2
Reach-Back Capability V-4
TABLE OF EQUIVALENTS A-l
TEMPERATURE CONVERSIONS B-l
PERIODIC TABLE OF THE ELEMENTS C-l
CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION SCHEDULE 1, 2,
AND 3 CHEMICALS D-l
CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENT PRECURSOR CHEMICALS:
USES AND EQUIVALENTS E-l
CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS AND OTHER MILITARY
CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS F-l
PROPERTIES OF CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS AND MILITARY
CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS G-l
TOXICITY PROFILE ESTIMATES H-l
Background H-l
Choking Agents H-l
Nerve Agents H-l
Blood Agents H-16
Blister Agents H-17
Respiratory Irritants H-32
APPENDIX I PROPERTIES OF SELECTED BIOLOGICAL AGENTS 1-1
APPENDIX J SELECTED ANIMAL PATHOGENS J-l
Background J-l
Animal Diseases J-l
APPENDIX K SELECTED PLANT PATHOGENS K-l
Background K-l
Bacterial Diseases K-l
Fungal Diseases K-2
Viral Diseases K-5
APPENDIX L DISSEMINATION OF BIOLOGICAL AGENTS L-l
Background L-l
Inhalation or Aerosol Route of Entry L-l
Percutaneous Route of Entry L-3
Oral Route of Entry L-4
Covert Dissemination L-4
REFERENCES References-1
GLOSSARY Glossary-1
INDEX Index-l
FIGURES ll-l The TLE Effect on the Ct Profile 11-7
11-2 Ct Profile for Dosage versus Exposure Duration 11-8
G-l Vapor Pressure of Choking Agents G-19
G-2 Vapor Pressure of Nerve Agents G-20
G-3 Vapor Pressure of Blood Agents G-21
G-4 Vapor Pressure of Blister Agents G-22
G-5 Vapor Pressure of Incapacitating Agents (BZ) G-23
G-6 Vapor Pressure of Riot Control Agents (Capsaicin) G-24
G-7 Vapor Pressure of Respiratory Irritants G-25
H-l GA Vapor: Dosage versus Exposure Duration H-3
VI
H-2 GA Vapor: Concentration versus Exposure
Duration H-4
H-3 GB Vapor: Dosage versus Exposure Duration H-6
H-4 GB Vapor: Concentration versus Exposure
Duration H-7
H-5 GD Vapor: Dosage versus Exposure Duration H-9
H-6 GD Vapor: Concentration versus Exposure
Duration H-10
H-7 GF Vapor: Dosage versus Exposure Duration H-12
H-8 GF Vapor: Concentration versus Exposure
Duration H-13
H-9 VX Vapor: Dosage versus Exposure Duration H-15
H-10 VX Vapor: Concentration versus Exposure
Duration H-16
H-ll HD Vapor: Dosage versus Exposure Duration H-19
H-12 HD Vapor: Concentration Versus Exposure
Duration H-19
TABLES ll-l List of Selected CW Agents and Precursors 1-1
11-2 CG 11-10
11-3 CG Toxicity Estimates 11-11
11-4 DP 11-12
11-5 DP Toxicity Estimates 11-13
11-6 GA 11-14
11-7 GA Toxicity Estimates 11-17
11-8 GB 11-18
11-9 GB Toxicity Estimates 11-20
11-10 GD 11-21
11-11 GD Toxicity Estimates 11-23
11-12 GF 11-24
11-13 GF Toxicity Estimates 11-26
11-14 VX 11-27
11-15 VX Toxicity Estimates 11-29
11-16 Vx 11-30
11-17 Vx Toxicity Estimates 11-31
11-18 AC 11-32
VII
11-19 AC Toxicity Estimates 11-33
11-20 CK 11-34
11-21 CK Toxicity Estimates 11-35
11-22 SA 11-36
11-23 SA Toxicity Estimates 11-37
11-24 HD 11-38
11-25 HD Toxicity Estimates 11-40
11-26 HN-1 11-41
11-27 HN-1 Toxicity Estimates 11-43
11-28 HN-2 11-43
11-29 HN-2 Toxicity Estimates 11-45
11-30 HN-3 11-46
11-31 HN-3 Toxicity Estimates 11-48
11-32 HT 11-48
11-33 HT Toxicity Estimates 11-50
11-34 L 11-50
11-35 L Toxicity Estimates 11-53
11-36 HL 11-54
11-37 HL Toxicity Estimates 11-56
11-38 PD 11-57
11-39 PD Toxicity Estimates 11-58
11-40 ED 11-59
11-41 ED Toxicity Estimates 11-60
11-42 MD 11-60
11-43 MD Toxicity Estimates 11-62
11-44 CX 11-63
11-45 CX Toxicity Estimates 11-64
11-46 BZ 11-65
11-47 BZ Toxicity Estimates 11-66
11-48 Correlation of Symptoms and Incapacitating
Agent Family 11-68
11-49 DF 11-69
11-50 DF Toxicity Estimates 11-70
11-51 QL 11-71
VIM
11-52 QL Toxicity Estimates 11-72
11-53 OPA 11-72
11-54 OPA Toxicity Estimates 11-73
11-55 NE 11-74
11-56 NE Toxicity Estimates 11-75
11-57 NM (Containing Elemental Sulfur) 11-75
11-58 NM Toxicity Estimates 11-76
11-59 Other CW Agents 11-76
lll-l List of Selected Military Chemical Compounds Ill-l
111-2 CS 111-2
111-3 CS Toxicity Estimates 111-3
111-4 CR 111-4
111-5 CR Toxicity Estimates 111-5
111-6 OC 111-5
111-7 OC Toxicity Estimates 111-7
111-8 DM 111-7
111-9 DM Toxicity Estimates 111-9
111-10 DA 111-10
111-11 DA Toxicity Estimates 111-11
111-12 DC 111-12
111-13 DC Toxicity Estimates 111-13
111-14 Cl 2 111-13
111-15 CI2 Toxicity Estimates 111-14
111-16 CN 111-15
111-17 ZnCl 2 111-17
111-18 WP 111-18
111-19 Ti0 2 111-19
111-20 Synthetic Graphite 111-20
111-21 SGF-2 111-21
IV-1 List of Potential BW Agents IV-2
IV-2 Animal and Plant Pathogens with Potential
BW Applications IV-3
V-l Accidents Involving Hazardous Substances V-2
A-l Table of Equivalents A-l
IX
A-2 Table of Commonly Used Prefixes A-l
B-l Temperature Conversions B-l
C-l Periodic Table of the Elements C-l
C-2 Chemical Elements and Symbols C-2
D-l CWC Schedule 1 Chemicals D-l
D-2 CWC Schedule 2 Chemicals D-2
D-3 CWC Schedule 3 Chemicals D-3
E-l CW Agent Precursor Chemicals: Uses and
Equivalents E-l
F-l Symbols for CW Agents and Military Chemical
Compounds F-l
G-l Physical Properties of Choking, Nerve, and Blood
Agents G-2
G-2 Physical Properties of Blister and
Incapacitating Agents G-7
G-3 Physical Properties of RCAs and Respiratory Irritants G-12
G-4 Toxicity Estimates for CW Agents G-17
G-5 Toxicity Estimates (Exposure Duration) for Military
Chemical Compounds G-18
G-6 Persistency of Selected CW Agents G-18
H-l CG Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Inhalation/Ocular) H-l
H-2 DP Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Inhalation/Ocular) H-l
H-3 GA Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Inhalation/Ocular) H-l
H-4 GA Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Percutaneous) H-2
H-5 GA Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Inhalation/Ocular) H-2
H-6 GA Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Percutaneous) H-2
H-7 GA Profile Estimates (Threshold Effects, Percutaneous) H-3
H-8 GA Profile Estimates (Mild Effects, Inhalation/Ocular) H-3
H-9 GB Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Inhalation/Ocular) H-4
H-10 GB Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Percutaneous) H-5
H-ll GB Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Inhalation/Ocular) H-5
H-12 GB Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Percutaneous) H-5
H-13 GB Profile Estimates (Threshold Effects, Percutaneous) H-6
H-14 GB Profile Estimates (Mild Effects, Inhalation/Ocular) H-6
H-15 GD Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Inhalation/Ocular) H-7
H-16 GD Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Percutaneous) H-8
H-17 GD Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Inhalation/Ocular) H-8
H-18 GD Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Percutaneous) H-8
H-19 GD Profile Estimates (Threshold Effects, Percutaneous) H-9
H-20 GD Profile Estimates (Mild Effects, Inhalation/Ocular) H-9
H-21 GF Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Inhalation/Ocular) H-10
H-22 GF Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Percutaneous) H-10
H-23 GF Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Inhalation/Ocular) ... H-ll
H-24 GF Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Percutaneous) H-ll
H-25 GF Profile Estimates (Threshold Effects, Percutaneous) H-ll
H-26 GF Profile Estimates (Mild Effects, Inhalation/Ocular) H-12
H-27 VX Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Inhalation/Ocular) H-13
H-28 VX Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Percutaneous) H-14
H-29 VX Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Inhalation/Ocular) ... H-14
H-30 VX Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Percutaneous) H-14
H-31 VX Profile Estimates (Threshold Effects, Percutaneous) H-15
H-32 VX Profile Estimates (Mild Effects, Inhalation/Ocular) H-15
H-33 AC Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Inhalation/Ocular) H-16
H-34 SA Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Inhalation/Ocular) H-16
H-35 HD Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Inhalation/Ocular) H-17
H-36 HD Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Percutaneous) H-17
H-37 HD Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Percutaneous) H-17
H-38 HD Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Ocular) H-18
H-39 HD Profile Estimates (Mild Effects, Percutaneous) H-18
H-40 HD Profile Estimates (Mild Effects, Ocular) H-18
H-41 HN-1 Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Inhalation/Ocular)... H-20
H-42 HN-1 Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Percutaneous) H-20
H-43 HN-1 Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Percutaneous) H-20
H-44 HN-1 Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Ocular) H-21
H-45 HN-1 Profile Estimates (Mild Effects, Percutaneous) H-21
H-46 HN-1 Profile Estimates (Mild Effects, Ocular) H-21
H-47 HN-2 Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Inhalation/Ocular)... H-22
H-48 HN-2 Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Percutaneous) H-22
H-49 HN-2 Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Percutaneous) H-22
XI
H-50 HN-2 Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Ocular) H-23
H-51 HN-2 Profile Estimates (Mild Effects, Percutaneous) H-23
H-52 HN-2 Profile Estimates (Mild Effects, Ocular) H-23
H-53 HN-3 Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Inhalation/Ocular)... H-24
H-54 HN-3 Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Percutaneous) H-24
H-55 HN-3 Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Percutaneous) H-24
H-56 HN-3 Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Ocular) H-25
H-57 HN-3 Profile Estimates (Mild Effects, Percutaneous) H-25
H-58 HN-3 Profile Estimates (Mild Effects, Ocular) H-25
H-59 HT Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Inhalation/Ocular) H-26
H-60 HT Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Percutaneous) H-26
H-61 HT Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Percutaneous) H-26
H-62 HT Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Ocular) H-27
H-63 HT Profile Estimates (Mild Effects, Percutaneous) H-27
H-64 HT Profile Estimates (Mild Effects, Ocular) H-27
H-65 L Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Inhalation/Ocular) H-28
H-66 L Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Percutaneous) H-28
H-67 L Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Percutaneous) H-28
H-68 L Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Ocular) H-29
H-69 L Profile Estimates (Mild Effects, Percutaneous) H-29
H-70 L Profile Estimates (Mild Effects, Ocular) H-29
H-71 HL Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Inhalation/Ocular) H-30
H-72 HL Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Percutaneous) H-30
H-73 HL Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Percutaneous) H-30
H-74 HL Profile Estimates (Severe Effects, Ocular) H-31
H-75 HL Profile Estimates (Mild Effects, Percutaneous) H-31
H-76 HL Profile Estimates (Mild Effects, Ocular) H-31
H-77 PD Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Inhalation/Ocular) H-32
H-78 CX Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Inhalation/Ocular) H-32
H-79 DM Profile Estimates (Lethal Dose, Inhalation/Ocular) H-32
1-1 Properties of Selected Biological Agents 1-2
XII
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Potential Military Chemical/Biological Agents and Compounds
Chapter I
Introduction
Chapter I briefly addresses the threat and the significant military aspects of
chemical and biological agents and TIC.
Chapter II
Chemical Warfare Agents and Their Properties
Chapter II provides information on chemical agents that might be encountered
in the field. It discusses chemical agent physical characteristics and toxicity data of
choking, nerve, blood, blister, and incapacitating agents.
Chapter III
Military Chemical Compounds and Their Properties
Chapter III discusses military chemical compounds such as the riot control
agents (RCAs). It provides physical and chemical characteristics and toxicity data
for military chemical compounds.
Chapter IV
Biological Agents and Their Properties
Chapter IV addresses general characteristics of biological agents (including
toxins) and provides a summary of selected antipersonnel agents that may be
employed in weapons systems.
Chapter V
Toxic Industrial Chemicals and Their Properties
Chapter V addresses TIC and a summary of available TIC information sources.
XIII
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
The following commands and agencies participated in the development of this publication:
Joint
Joint Requirements Office, 401 MANSCEN Loop, Suite 1309, Fort Leonard Wood, MO
65473
Army
United States Army Chemical School, 401 MANSCEN Loop, Suite 1029, Fort Leonard
Wood, MO 65473
United States Army Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground,
MD 21040
Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps Combat Development Command, 3300 Russell Road, Suite
318A, Quantico, VA 22134-5021
Navy
United States Navy Warfare Development Command, 686 Cushing Road, Sims Hall,
Newport, RI 02841
United States Navy Surface Warfare Development Group, 2200 Amphibious Drive, Norfolk,
VA 23521
Air Force
HQ Air Force Doctrine Center, ATTN: D J, 155 North Twining Street, Maxwell AFB, AL
36112-6112
HQ Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency, 139 Barnes Drive, Suite 1, Tyndall AFB, FL
32403-5319
XIV
Chapter I
INTRODUCTION
1. Background
The threat or use of CB weapons is a possible condition of future warfare and could
occur in the early stages of war to disrupt United States (US) operations and logistics. In
many of the regions where the US is likely to deploy forces, potential adversaries may use
CB weapons. Potential adversaries may seek to counter US conventional military
superiority using less expensive and more attainable, asymmetrical means. To meet this
challenge, US forces must be properly trained and equipped to operate effectively and
decisively in the face of NBC attacks. 1 Additionally, US forces could be confronted in an
environment where TIC present a hazard to US forces. 2
a. Use of CB Weapons. 3 Adversaries may employ CB agents and other toxic
materials to achieve specific effects. In addition to the physical effects, there exist
psychological effects, both in the immediate target area and in other vulnerable areas that
may be potential targets.
(1) Chemical agents have effects that can be immediate or delayed, can be
persistent or nonpersistent, and can have significant physiological effects. While relatively
large quantities of an agent are required to ensure an area remains contaminated over
time, small-scale selective use that exploits surprise can cause significant disruption and
may have lethal effects.
(2) Biological agents can produce lethal or incapacitating effects over an
extensive area and can reproduce. The delayed onset of symptoms and detection,
identification, and verification difficulties for biological agents can also confer important
advantages to adversaries who decide to use biological agents.
(3) The means available to adversaries for delivery of CB weapons range from
specially designed, sophisticated weapon systems developed by nations to relatively
inefficient improvised devices employed by terrorists and other disaffected individuals and
groups.
b. US Policy. 3 This paragraph contains brief descriptions of treaty, legal, and
policy strictures on chemical and biological warfare (CBW).
(1) The Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use in War of Asphyxiating,
Poisonous or Other Gases, and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare," also known as the
Geneva Protocol of 1925, prohibits chemical and bacteriological methods of warfare. Most
parties interpret the protocol as a prohibition only of the first use of these agents in war. It
did not ban the development, production, or stockpiling of these weapons. In 1974, the US
Senate gave advice and consent to ratification of this protocol, subject to the reservation
that the US would not be bound by the provisions with respect to an enemy state or its
allies who fail to respect the prohibitions of the protocol. On 22 January 1975, the US
ratified the protocol subject to this reservation. The protocol entered into force for the US
on 10 April 1975. The relevance of the Geneva Protocol is largely superseded by the more
1-1
restrictive Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling, and
Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (also known as the Chemical Weapons
Convention [CWCJ and by the Convention on the Prohibition of Bacteriological and Toxic
Weapons (also known as the Biological Weapons Convention [BWCJ) summarized below.
(2) The Presidential Statement on Chemical and Biological Weapons, 25
November 1969, renounced the US use of lethal biological agents and weapons and confined
biological research to defensive measures such as immunization and safety. Under the
terms of the BWC, parties undertake not to develop, produce, stockpile, or acquire biological
agents or toxins "of types and in quantities that have no justification for prophylactic,
protective and other peaceful purposes," as well as weapons and means of delivery. The
BWC does not establish a specific verification regime. The US ratified the BWC on 29
March 1975.
(3) Executive Order No. 11850, 8 April 1975, Renunciation of Certain Uses in
War of Chemical Herbicides and Riot Control Agents, renounced first use of herbicides in
war (except for specified defensive uses) and first use of RCAs in war except for defensive
military modes to save lives.
(4) The CWC, which entered into force on 29 April 1997, bans the development,
production, acquisition, stockpiling, transfer, or use of chemical weapons. It provides for
the destruction of all chemical weapons stocks within 10 years after entry into force. It
contains a vigorous challenge regime to ensure compliance. The US ratified the CWC on 25
April 1997.
2. Threat
a. Changes. 4 Countries with chemical weapons programs are adding agents and
more sophisticated delivery systems. Similarly, the sophistication of CBW capabilities is
increasing. Proliferation of weapons technology, precision navigation technology, and CBW
technology in developing nations presents the US with a complicated national security
challenge. Intelligence efforts include collection and analysis of nations' dual-use, CB
industrial capabilities, and development of the indications and warning of adversarial use
of dual-use capabilities.
b. Challenges. The US faces a number of regional proliferation challenges. Many
of these are detailed in the January 2001 report published by the Office of the Secretary of
Defense (OSD), Proliferation: Threat and Response. At least 25 countries now possess — or
are in the process of acquiring and developing — capabilities to inflict mass casualties and
destruction: NBC weapons or the means to deliver them. 5
c. Proliferation. 4 Proliferation of CBW technology also raises several important
issues. Various nations could export a wide array of chemical products, including
Australian group-controlled items to numerous countries of proliferation concern. The
controlled items include specific chemical agent precursors, pathogens with biological
warfare (BW) applications, and dual-use equipment that can be used in both CBW
programs.
d. Increases in Proliferation. 4 In the next several years, the threat from the
proliferation of CBW may increase. This could result from the development of CB agents
that are more difficult to detect and from the adoption of more capable delivery systems.
States with existing programs may master the production processes for complete weapons
development and will be less dependent on outside suppliers.
1-2
(1) Any nation with the political will and a minimal industrial base could
produce CBW agents suitable for use in warfare. Efficient weaponization of these agents,
however, does require design and production skills usually found in countries that possess a
munitions development infrastructure or access to such skills from cooperative sources.
(2) On the other hand, almost any nation or group could fabricate crude agent
dispersal devices. Such weapons might be capable of inflicting only limited numbers of
casualties; nevertheless, they could have significant operational repercussions due to the
psychological impact created by fears of CBW agent exposure. 4
(3) Genetic engineering gives BW developers the tools to pursue agents that
could defeat the protective and treatment protocols of the prospective adversary.
Genetically engineered microorganisms also raise the technological hurdle that must be
overcome to provide for effective detection, identification, and early warning of BW attacks.
(4) Numerous characteristics need to be controlled for a highly effective BW
agent. Historically, the accentuation of one characteristic often resulted in the attenuation
of one or more other characteristics, possibly even rendering the modified agent ineffective
as a weapon. Advances in biotechnology, genetic engineering, and related scientific fields
provide ever-increasing potential to control more of these factors, possibly leading to an
enhanced ability to use BW agents as battlefield weapons.
e. Novel BW Agents. 1 Advances in biotechnology and genetic engineering may
facilitate the development of potentially new and more deadly BW agents. The ability to
modify microbial agents at a molecular level has existed since the 1960s, when new genetic
engineering techniques were introduced, but the enterprise tended to be slow and
unpredictable. With today's techniques, infectious organisms can be modified to bring
about disease in different ways. The current level of sophistication for many biological
agents is low, but there is enormous potential — based on advances in modern molecular
biology, fermentation, and drug delivery technology — for making more sophisticated
weapons. The BW agents may emerge in two likely categories: man-made manipulations of
classic BW agents and newly discovered or emerging infectious diseases. An example of a
recent new pathogen (though not necessarily ideal BW agents) includes streptococcus
pneumonia S23F, a naturally occurring strain of pneumonia resistant to at least six of the
more commonly used antibiotics.
(1) The potential types of novel biological agents that could be produced
through genetic engineering methodologies are listed below. Each of these techniques seeks
to capitalize on the extreme lethality, virulence, or infectivity of BW agents and exploit this
potential by developing methods to deliver more efficiently and to control these agents on
the battlefield.
(a) Benign microorganisms genetically altered to produce a toxin, venom,
or bioregulator.
(b) Microorganisms resistant to antibiotics, standard vaccines, and
therapeutics.
(c) Microorganisms with enhanced aerosol and environmental stability.
(d) Immunologically altered microorganisms able to defeat standard
identification, detection, and diagnostic methods.
(e) Combinations of the above four types with improved delivery systems.
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(2) The future likelihood of infectious agents being created for BW purposes
will be influenced by technological trends such as —
(a) Genetically engineered vectors in the form of modified infectious
organisms may become increasingly available as medical tools and techniques become more
widely available.
(b) Strides will be made in the understanding of infectious disease
mechanisms and in microbial genetics that are responsible for disease processes.
(c) An increased understanding of the human immune system function
and disease mechanisms will shed light on the circumstances that cause individual
susceptibility to infectious disease.
(d) Vaccines and antidotes will be improved over the long term, perhaps
to the point where classic BW agents will offer less utility as a means of causing casualties.
(e) Many bioengineering companies (both US and foreign) now sell all-in-
one kits to enable researchers to perform recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
experiments. The availability of free online gene sequence databases and analytic software
over the Internet further amplifies and disseminates this capability. It is now possible to
transform relatively benign organisms to cause harmful effects.
3. Militarily Significant Aspects of Toxic Chemical Agents
a. Classification. A toxic chemical agent is any chemical which, through its
chemical action on life processes, can cause death, temporary incapacitation, or permanent
harm to humans or animals. 6 For the purpose of this manual, chemical agents are further
divided into chemical warfare (CW) agents and military chemical compounds. The terms
"persistent" and "nonpersistent" describe the time chemical agents remain in an area and
do not classify the agents technically.
(1) CW Agents. The CW agents are toxic chemicals and their precursors
prohibited under the CWC. These agents include choking, nerve, blood, blister, and
incapacitating agents. Their physiological actions are as follows:
(a) Choking Agents. 7 Choking agents cause damage to the lungs,
irritation to the eyes and the respiratory tract, and pulmonary edema ("dry-land
drowning") .
(b) Nerve Agents. Nerve agents inhibit cholinesterase (ChE) enzymes.
This inhibition permits acetylcholine (ACh), which transmits many nerve impulses, to
collect at its various sites of action. 7 The body's muscles and glands become overstimulated
due to excessive amounts of ACh. At sufficient doses, this can lead to an inability of the
body to sustain breathing.
(c) Blood Agents. 7 The blood transports these agents to all body tissues.
Hydrogen cyanide (AC) and cyanogen chloride (CK) are cellular poisons, and they disrupt
the oxidative processes used by the cells. 7 Arsine (SA) is different. It causes hemolysis of
the red blood cells. 8 The central nervous system (CNS) is especially vulnerable to lack of
oxygen regardless of the etiology, and respiratory and cardiovascular collapse resulting
from AC and CK poisoning. In the case of SA poisoning, the proximal cause of death is
myocardial failure.
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(d) Blister Agents (Vesicants). Blister agents are noted for producing
reddening and blistering of the skin, but the eyes and respiratory tract are more sensitive
than the skin. Eye exposure results in reddening of the eyes and temporary blindness or
permanent effects. Inhaled mustard damages mucous membranes and the respiratory
tract. 7
(e) Incapacitating Agents. 9 Used in a military context, incapacitation is
understood to mean inability to perform one's military mission. Since missions vary, for the
purpose of this manual, incapacitation means the inability to perform any military task
effectively. An incapacitating agent is an agent that produces temporary physiological or
mental effects, or both, which will render individuals incapable of concerted effort in the
performance of their assigned duties. Medical treatment is not essential but can facilitate a
more rapid recovery. 7
(2) Military Chemical Compounds. Military chemical compounds are less toxic
and include materials such as respiratory irritant agents, RCAs, smoke and obscurants,
and incendiary materials. The term excludes CW agents. Their physiological actions are as
follows:
(a) RCAs (Lacrimators). The RCAs are chemicals that rapidly produce in
humans sensory irritation or disabling physical effects which disappear within a short time
following termination of exposure. 6 They are local irritants that, in very low
concentrations, act primarily on the eyes, causing intense pain and tearing. At high
concentrations they irritate the respiratory tract and the skin. They sometimes cause
nausea and vomiting.
(b) Respiratory Irritant Agents. These agents were previously called
vomiting agents. Their primary action is irritation of the respiratory tract. 10 In addition,
these agents cause lacrimation (tearing), irritation of the eyes, uncontrollable coughing,
sneezing, nausea, and a general feeling of bodily discomfort. Usually symptoms disappear
in 20 minutes to 2 hours, leaving no residual injury. 7
b. Duration of Effectiveness. Several factors determine the time a chemical agent
remains effective. These include, but are not limited to, the method of dissemination,
weather and terrain conditions, and the physical and chemical properties of the agent.
(1) Method of Dissemination. 11 Chemical agents are usually disseminated in
the field in the form of vapors (gases), aerosols, or liquids. When a chemical agent is
disseminated as a vapor from a bursting munition, initially the cloud expands, grows cooler
and heavier, and tends to retain its form. Aerosols are finely divided liquid and/or solid
substances suspended in the atmosphere and behave in much the same manner as
vaporized agents. Liquid agents can be absorbed (soaked into) and adsorbed (adhered to)
by surfaces. They can then be evaporated or desorbed (off-gas) from surfaces, causing a
vapor hazard.
(2) Weather and Terrain Conditions. 11 Many weather factors and terrain
conditions influence the duration of effectiveness of chemical agents. Most important
weather factors include temperature, temperature gradient, wind speed, relative humidity,
and precipitation. Important terrain conditions include vegetation, soil, and terrain
contours.
(3) Physical Properties. Some of the important physical properties are vapor
density, vapor pressure (VP), volatility, freezing point (FP), and melting point (MP). Vapor
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density determines whether the agent is lighter or heavier than air, thus determining
whether the agent will settle to low areas or float away and dissipate in the atmosphere.
Vapor pressure is used to determine the volatility of an agent. The volatility has an effect
upon the vapor concentration. It also affects the duration of an agent hazard after
dissemination. The boiling and freezing points of chemical agents influence their
operational use and the means of disseminating them. See Appendix A for information on
table of equivalents and commonly used prefixes, Appendix B for information on
temperature conversions, and Appendix C for the periodic table of elements. See Chapter II
for definitions of selected physical properties.
(4) Chemical Properties. The chemical properties of an agent include its
stability and reactivity with water and other substances. See Chapter II for definitions of
selected chemical properties.
c. Potency and Physiological Actions. Factors that contribute to the adverse
human health effects of chemical agents include toxicity, route of exposure (ROE), dosage,
exposure duration, minute volume (MV), temperature, endpoint, physiological stressors,
rate of detoxification (ROD), and rate of action (ROA). Note that not all factors are
applicable to all exposure scenarios. For example, MV is not applicable to a percutaneous
liquid exposure. Dosages are given for a 70-kilogram (kg) male with an MV of 15 liters per
minute (L/min). Additional toxicological data are required to determine if the toxicity
estimates can be applied to women. Emphasis is placed on acute toxic effects. Acute toxic
effects are those occurring within moments to a few days of the toxic exposure. The toxicity
estimates provided are not applicable to the general population. 10 ' 12 - 13
NOTE: Occupational health guidelines for the evaluation and control of
occupational exposure to nerve and blister agents is promulgated separately by
the US Army Surgeon General in DA Pamphlets 40-8 and 40-173. These references
define the medical surveillance program for personnel who support chemical
demilitarization operations.
d. CWC Chemicals. Appendix D contains the list of toxic chemicals, groups of
chemicals, and precursors subject to the CWC. The examples given in Appendix D are not
all-inclusive. There are, by conservative estimates, 25,000 or more chemicals subject to the
CWC regulation — listing each chemical by name is not practical. 14 Chemicals covered
under the CWC are divided into three categories as follows:
(1) Schedule 1 chemicals (See Table D-l, page D-l) have little or no use in
industrial and agricultural industries. They pose a high risk to the object and purpose of
the CWC by virtue of their high potential for use in activities prohibited under the CWC. 14
(2) Schedule 2 chemicals (See Table D-2, page D-2) may be useful in the
production of chemical weapons; however, they also have legitimate uses in other industrial
areas. They pose a significant risk to the object and purpose of the CWC. 14
(3) Schedule 3 chemicals (See Table D-3, page D-3) have legitimate uses in
industrial areas and pose a risk to the object and purpose of the CWC. 14
e. Dual-Use Precursors. Precursors for CW agents also have civil uses in industrial
and agricultural industries (see Appendix E).
f. CW Agents and Other Military Chemical Compounds. See Appendix F for the
symbols of CW agents and other military chemical compounds. See Appendix G for a
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consolidation of the information given in the chemical agent tables and toxicity tables in
Chapters II and III.
NOTE: See information in Chapters II, III, and Appendix H for detailed
information on toxicity of CW agents and military chemical compounds.
g. Agent Mixtures. Mixing chemical agents with each other or with other materials
can alter the characteristics and effectiveness of the agents. Mixtures may lower the
freezing point, increasing agent effectiveness over a wider temperature range. The addition
of thickeners or thinners to agents will increase or decrease persistency: for example,
soman (GD) mixed with thickeners will increase persistency; RCAs mixed with thinners
will decrease persistency. In addition to changing the physical properties, mixing agents
together will create special problems through their physiological effects. These problems
can produce difficulty in identification, immediate and delayed effects, or contact and vapor
hazards occurring simultaneously. Some mixtures would make it difficult to maintain the
seal of the protective mask. Mixing some agents can also increase the toxic effects, either
by a synergistic effect or by an improved absorption through the skin.
4. Militarily Significant Aspects of Biological Agents
a. Classification. A biological agent is a microorganism that causes disease in
personnel, plants, or animals or causes the deterioration of material. 6 Biological agents can
be classified as pathogens, toxins, bioregulators, or prions.
(1) Pathogens. Pathogens are disease-producing microorganisms, 6 such as
bacteria, rickettsiae, or viruses. Pathogens are either naturally occurring or altered by
random mutation or recombinant DNA techniques.
(2) Toxins. Toxins are poisons formed as a specific secreting product in the
metabolism of a vegetable or animal organism, as distinguished from inorganic poisons.
Such poisons can also be manufactured by synthetic processes. 6 Toxins are produced by a
variety of organisms, including microbes, snakes, insects, spiders, sea creatures, and
plants. 15
(3) Bioregulators. Bioregulators include biochemical compounds that regulate
cell processes and physiologically active compounds such as catalysts and enzymes.
Although they can be found in the human body in small quantities, introduction of large
quantities can cause severe adverse effects or death. 15
(4) Prions. Prions are proteins that can cause neurodegenerative diseases in
humans and animals. 16 Proteins have a unique, genetically defined amino acid sequence
that determines their specific shapes and functions. Normal cell proteins have the same
amino acid building blocks but they fold differently than prions. When prions enter brain
cells, they apparently convert normal proteins into prions. Ultimately, the infected brain
cells die and release prions into the tissue. These prions enter, infect, and destroy other
brain cells. Prions entered the public's consciousness during the mad cow epidemic that hit
England in 1996. 17 Transmission of the prions from cows to man is suspected to cause
human illness. There are no known therapies effective against prions. 18
b. Uses. Biological agents can be disseminated and used against personnel,
animals, plants, or material. Food and industrial products can be rendered unsafe or unfit
for use by contamination or by the effects resulting from contamination with biological
agents. The US military forces are deployed throughout the world. Associated with the
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movement of troops are risks of introduction of exotic agricultural pests and animal disease
agents through soil contamination and transportation of regulated items such as fruits,
vegetables, meat, and dairy products, other food items, and animal products (e.g., trophies).
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service (APHIS) oversees the entry of cargo, personnel, equipment, personal property, mail,
and their means of conveyance into the US. 19 (See Appendix I for selected properties of
some biological agents.)
(1) Antipersonnel. Biological antipersonnel agents are those that are effective
directly against humans. The threat would select these agents on the basis of the agents'
ability to cause death or disability. Potential biological antipersonnel agents include toxins,
bacteria, rickettsiae, viruses, and toxins.
(2) Antianimal. Biological antianimal agents are those that could be employed
against animals to incapacitate or destroy them through disease. The purposeful spreading
of infectious agents that attack cattle or other domestic animals can lead to serious
consequences for a country's food supply or export of animal products (hides, wool, fats, and
biological medicinal products such as adrenalin, insulin, pituitary extracts, cortisone,
vaccines, and antisera). 20 See Appendix J.
(3) Antiplant. Biological antiplant agents are organisms that cause disease or
damage to plants. These agents may be used intentionally by an enemy to attack food or
economically valuable crops, thereby reducing a nation's ability to resist aggression. 20 See
Appendix K.
(4) Antimaterial. Antimaterial agents are organisms that degrade or break
down some item of material. For example, fungi may damage fabrics, rubber products,
leather goods, or foodstuffs. Some bacteria produce highly acidic compounds that cause
pitting in metals; these agents could create potential problems with stockpiled material.
Some bacteria can use petroleum products as an energy source and cause residues that
might clog fuel or oil lines. 20
c. Duration of Effectiveness. The duration of effectiveness of a biological agent
refers to the persistency of the agent in the environment. It depends on the characteristics
of the agent and environmental factors. 3
(1) Biological agent characteristics such as encapsulation (natural, such as
bacterial spores, or manmade protective coverings), addition of dyes to the spray fluid, or
possibly genetic engineering (of pathogens) may protect some agents from sunlight and
other destructive natural forces. 3 Bacteria that are resistant to environmental extremes
frequently produce spores to allow survival during adverse conditions. Spore formation is
not a method of reproduction inasmuch as each vegetative cell forms only a single spore and
each spore germinates to form a single vegetative cell. The bacterium (vegetative cell)
makes a copy of its DNA. The DNA becomes surrounded by a series of membranes that
accumulate calcium, dipicolinic acid (heat-resistant factor), and protein layers. The
resistant spore might remain dormant for years without requiring nutrients or water and
might survive under extreme ranges of temperature. When conditions become favorable,
the spore develops into an actively growing vegetative cell. 21
(2) Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, relative humidity, wind speed, and temperature
gradient are important weather factors in determining duration of effectiveness.
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d. Methods of Dissemination. 22 Biological agents may be disseminated as aerosols,
liquid droplets (toxins only), or dry powders. See Appendix L for additional information on
dissemination of biological agents.
(1) Biological agents may be delivered in either wet or dry form. Dry powders
composed of very small particles tend to have better dissemination characteristics and have
advantages in storage. Dried agents require an increased level of technological
sophistication to produce, although freeze-drying and spray-drying technologies have been
available in the industry for a number of years.
(2) The BW agents might be released against our forces or against civilian
populations by means of sprays, explosive devices, and contamination of food and water.
Most commonly, delivery methods use aerosolized agents.
(a) A BW agent can be released as a line source. A line source would be
released perpendicular to the direction of the wind, upwind of the intended target area.
(b) A second type of aerosol source is a point source, which is a stationary
device for aerosolization of the agent, such as a stationary sprayer. A modified point source
would be a group of spray devices, such as specially designed bomblets dispersed in a
pattern on the ground or a missile or artillery shell designed to release such bomblets.
e. Physiological Aspects. Employment considerations for BW agents include the
following:
(1) ROE. The important portals of entry are the respiratory tract, the exposed
mucosal surfaces (moist surfaces of nose, mouth, and eyes), and the digestive tract. 23 In a
biological attack the respiratory route would be the primary route of entry. 3 The
respiratory system is much more susceptible to penetration. The body is more resistant to
invasion by microorganisms through the skin; however, penetration across the skin can
occur. This is particularly true of abraded (broken) surfaces and some toxins such as
mycotoxins. 23 Toxins absorbed through the respiratory tract can produce signs and
symptoms different from those acquired through natural occurrence. 24 For example,
staphylococcal enterotoxin B when ingested in food causes acute gastrointestinal (GI)
illness; however, when delivered via aerosol to the respiratory tract, it produces respiratory
disease. 23 Personnel can encounter biological agents by natural routes, such as in water
and food or by vectors.
(2) Dosage. The BW agents are inherently more toxic than CW nerve agents
on a weight-for-weight basis and can potentially provide broader coverage per pound of
payload than CW agents. 15
(a) Infective Dose. 25 The infectivity of an agent reflects the relative ease
with which microorganisms establish themselves in a host species. Pathogens with high
infectivity cause disease with relatively few organisms.
(b) Lethal Dose. Some pathogens produce toxins that can result in
disease (for example, anthrax, botulinum, cholera, diphtheria, and typhus). The extreme
toxicity of many toxins causes the lethal dose to be much smaller than that of chemical
agents. Hence, units of micrograms (|ag) or even nanograms (ng) may be used instead of
milligrams (mg) in expressing toxicity. Human toxicity estimates are based on animal
data, and the ROE for the animals is not always what would be expected on the battlefield.
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Some human toxicity data are based on accidental contact, ingestion, or inhalation of these
natural poisons.
(3) ROA. The rate of reaction to toxins varies widely. Rapid-acting toxins
generally incapacitate within minutes. Delayed-acting agents may take several hours to
days to incapacitate. The time for maximum effects for pathogens is normally more than 24
hours (unless the pathogen produces a toxin). However, the incubation periods of
microorganisms used in BW may be far shorter than those expected by examining the
natural disease.
f. Requirements for a Weaponized BW Agent. 22 The key factors that make a
biological agent suitable for an attack include availability or ease of production in sufficient
quantity; the ability to cause either lethal or incapacitating effects in humans at doses that
are achievable and deliverable; appropriate particle size in aerosol; ease of dissemination;
stability (while maintaining virulence) after production in storage, weapons, and the
environment; and susceptibility of intended victims with nonsusceptibility of friendly
forces.
(1) Availability or Ease of Production. Many replicating agents (bacteria and
viruses) can be produced in large quantities with modern fermentation and viral production
technologies. Some toxins, like ricin, are widely available because their source in nature is
ubiquitous and the process necessary to harvest the toxin is technically straightforward.
On the other hand, some replicating agents are very difficult to grow in quantity, and many
toxins are produced in nature in such low quantities that harvesting them is impractical
(shellfish toxins are a good example).
(2) Incapacitation and Lethality. BW agents are likely to be selected for their
ability to either incapacitate or kill the human targets of the attack. A BW agent does not
necessarily have to be lethal to be useful as a military weapon. An agent such as
Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus could cause incapacitation among large
numbers of unit personnel. If lethality is desired, agents such as anthrax have high case
fatality rates once infection is established in unimmunized hosts.
(3) Appropriate Particle Size in Aerosol. An effective weaponized BW agent is
of a particle size that would allow it to be carried for long distances by prevailing winds and
inhaled deeply into the lungs of the unsuspecting victims. The size range of particles that
meets both of these conditions is 1 to 5 microns in diameter. Particles larger than this
would either settle out into the ground or more likely be filtered out in the upper
respiratory tract of those who inhale them. Particles in this size range are invisible to the
human eye; thus, a cloud of such particles would not generally be detected by those
attacked, even if such a cloud were to be carried through their position. It is worth noting,
however, that particles outside this size range are still dangerous and able to cause deadly
illnesses, even though their transmission efficiency is less.
(4) Ease of Dissemination. An effective weaponized BW agent is easily
disseminated in the open air by using off-the-shelf devices such as industrial sprayers or
other types of aerosol-producing devices. These could be mounted on an airplane, boat, car,
or other moving vehicle, or even placed in a stationary position. An alternative method
would be to disseminate the agent in an enclosed space (e.g., a building) where it could
more efficiently infect or intoxicate humans living or working in the area.
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(5) Stability after Production. Once an adversary produces a BW agent in
quantity, it must be fairly stable — either in bulk storage or once put into a weapon or
delivery system. It must, therefore, retain its viability and virulence or toxicity during
production, storage, transportation, and delivery.
(6) Susceptibility and Nonsusceptibility. An effective BW agent is one to which
the target force is known to be susceptible (i.e., not immunized against), but to which the
adversary possesses high levels of immunity, usually via vaccination.
5. Militarily Significant Aspects of Toxic Industrial Chemicals
a. Classification. The TIC are chemicals that are toxic to plants, animals, or
humans.
b. Uses. The TIC are found in abundance in all countries, and are used in chemical
manufacturing processes, agriculture (pesticides), water treatment (chlorination), and
many other areas. Each year, more than 70,000 different chemicals amounting to billions
of tons of material are produced, processed, or consumed by the global chemical industry. A
large portion of these chemicals may exhibit characteristics or be sufficiently hazardous to
be a threat in a military situation. 2
c. Characteristics of TIC. The TIC of military concern may exist as solids, liquids,
or gases. For many cases, release of a TIC may involve a change of the state of the
chemical, therefore making protection difficult. Like CW agents, TIC include many lethal
compounds.
(1) Toxicity. Many TIC, due to their toxicity, can cause incapacitation or
death.
(2) Corrosiveness. Many TIC are highly corrosive. Special equipment
containers and procedures are necessary to ensure safe handling.
(3) Flammability. Many TIC are highly flammable and present a major fire
hazard.
(4) Explosiveness. Unlike CW agents, TIC can be highly explosive and present
a serious threat when handled.
(5) Reactivity. Many TIC react violently with water or other materials, and
thus present dangers upon contact with other materials, including air.
(6) Byproducts. When burned, mixed, or exploded, many TIC produce
additional highly toxic byproducts.
(7) Quantities available. The sheer volume and widespread availability of TIC
present a serious danger in the event of a release.
d. Duration of Effectiveness. A number of factors determine the amount of time a
TIC would present a danger after release. Factors include the physical properties of the
TIC as well as weather, terrain, and conditions at the release site. These factors affect TIC
in the same manner as that for chemical agents. 3
e. Physiological Aspects. Exposure to TIC affects the body in a variety of ways.
Generally, they disrupt bodily functions. The effects are dependent on the routes of entry,
toxicity of the chemical, and the concentration to which exposed.
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(1) ROE. The TIC can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, dermal
absorption, or a combination of these methods. The primary concern for exposure is that of
the inhalation of a TIC as a gas. 2
(2) Exposure Concentration and Levels of Concern. The type and seriousness
of effects from exposure to TIC, like any chemical is dependent upon the concentration and
length of time one is exposed. This concentration and time relationship is unique to every
chemical. The dosages of TIC are expressed in parts per million (ppm). In general, TIC
tend to be at least one order of magnitude less potent than nerve agents and tend not be
rapidly lethal in small quantities. Standards have been developed for industry for different
exposure scenarios.
(a) Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH): 24 The definition of
IDLH that was derived during the Standards Completion Program (SCP) was based on the
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) definition stipulated in 30 CFR 11.3(t).
The purpose for establishing an IDLH value in the SCP was to ensure that a worker could
escape without injury or irreversible health effects from an IDLH exposure in the event of
the failure of respiratory protection equipment. The highly reliable breathing apparatus
providing maximum worker protection was permitted. In determining IDLH values, the
ability of a worker to escape without loss of life or irreversible health effects was considered
along with severe eye or respiratory irritation and other deleterious effects (e.g.,
disorientation or lack of coordination) that could prevent escape. As a safety margin, the
SCP IDLH values were based on the effects that might occur as a consequence of a 30-
minute exposure. However, the 30-minute period was not meant to imply that workers
should stay in the work environment any longer than necessary. In fact, every effort should
be made to exit immediately.
(b) Refer to the United States Army Center for Health Promotion and
Preventive Medicine (USACHPPM) Technical Guide 230, Chemical Exposure Guidelines for
Deployed Military Personnel, for obtaining the military exposure guidelines for assessing
exposure concentrations for TIC.
f. TIC Hazard Assessment. As part of the IPB process, a planner must assess the
likelihood of a release or exposure as well as the actual TIC material. Some example
considerations are 3 —
(1) Accidents in civilian operations significantly increase when technically
trained personnel flee an area, such as a combat zone (CZ). Civilian personnel remaining
may be pressured to operate equipment beyond their training/technical expertise in a area
of combat.
(2) Pipelines can offer a very attractive target for terrorists because actions can
be planned well in advance of execution and pipelines do not rely on shipping or
transportation scheduled.
(3) Storage yards, ports, airfields and rail yards often contain significant
amounts of transiting TIC. This not only presents opportunities for improvised use against
US forces, but also presents increased possibility of accidents and targets for those who
want to destroy the TIC (such as ammunition precursor chemicals).
g. Pesticides. Large stockpiles of obsolete pesticides have been accumulated in
virtually all developing countries over periods sometimes exceeding four decades. 28 The
term "pesticides," as used by US forces include insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, and
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herbicides. The health effects of pesticides depend on the type of pesticide. Some, such as
the organophosphates and carbamates, affect the nervous system. Others may irritate the
skin or eyes. Some pesticides may be carcinogens. Others may affect the hormone or
endocrine system in the body. 29 The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
recognized the dangers of many pesticides and publishes lists of those pesticides that are
either banned or severely restricted in their use. Applicable service personnel (e.g., Army
preventive medicine (PVNTMED), Air Force civil engineering, public health) can provide
information on specific pesticides that could be used in specific areas of operation (AOs).
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NOTES
1 Office of the Secretary of Defense, Proliferation: Threat and Response, ISBN: 0-16-042727-
4, US Government Printing Office, November 1997.
2 A.K. Steumpfle et al., Final Report of International Task Force-25: Hazard From Toxic
Industrial Chemicals, March 18, 1996.
3 Joint Publication 3-11, Joint Doctrine of Operations in NBC Environment, 11 July 2000.
4 DOD Chemical and Biological Defense Program Annual Report to Congress, Vol. I, April
2002.
5 Office of the Secretary of Defense, Proliferation: Threat and Response, US Government
Printing Office, January 2001.
6 Joint Publication 1-02, Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms,
as amended through 05 June 2003.
7 FM 8-285/Navy Medical (NAVMED) P-5041/Air Force Joint Manual (AFJMAN) 44-
149/Fleet Marine Force Manual (FMFM) 11-11, Treatment of Chemical Agent Casualties
and Conventional Military Chemical Injuries, 22 December 1995.
8 L. Fishbein and S. Czerczak, Concise International Chemical Assessment Document 47:
Human Health Aspects, WHO, 2002.
9 Brigadier General (BG) Russ Zajtchuck, et al. (eds.), Textbook of Military Medicine:
Medical Aspects of Chemical and Biological Warfare, Office of the Surgeon General, 1997,
Chapter 11, "Incapacitating Agents. "
10 Sharon Reutter et al., Review and Recommendations for Human Toxicity Estimates for
FM 3-11.9, ECBC-TR0349, September 2003.
n FM 3-6/FMFM 7-11-H/Air Force Manual (AFM) 105-7, Field Behavior of NBC Agents
(Including Smoke and Incendiaries), 3 November 1986.
12 Jeffrey H. Grotte and Lynn I Yang, Report of the Workshop on Chemical Agent Toxicity for
Acute Effects: Institute for Defense Analyses, May 11-12, 1998, IDA Document D-2176, June
2001.
13 Anna Johnson-Winegar, PhD, Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, Memorandum,
Subject: Interim Certification of Chemical and Biological Data, December 27, 2001.
14 Federal Register, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Export Administration, "15 CFR Part
710 et al., Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations; Final Rule," December 30, 1999.
15 Office of the US President, The Biological and Chemical Warfare Threat, 1999.
16 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Office of Health and Safety (OHS),
"BMBL Section VII: Agent Summary Statements, Section VII-D: Prions," 17 June 1999,
http://www.cdc.gov/OD/OHS/BIOSFTY/bmbl4/bmbl4s7d.htm , 19 August 2003.
17 Ruth Levy Guyer, "Research in the News: Prions: Puzzling Infectious Proteins,"
http://science-
education.nih.gov/nihHTML/ose/snapshots/multimedia/ritn/prions/prionsl.html , 8 August
2003.
1-14
18 AFMAN 10-2602, Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, and Conventional (NBCC) Defense
Operations and Standards (Operations), 1 December 2002.
19 USDA, APHIS, "Protocol for Military Clearance," 18 June 2001.
20 BG Russ Zajtchuk, et al. (eds.), Textbook of Military Medicine: Medical Aspects of
Chemical and Biological Warfare, Office of the Surgeon General, 1997, Chapter 21, "The
Biological Warfare Threat."
21 TM 3-216/AFM 355-6, Technical Aspects of Biological Defense, 12 January 1971.
22 BG Russ Zajtchuk, et al. (eds.), Textbook of Military Medicine: Medical Aspects of
Chemical and Biological Warfare, Office of the Surgeon General, 1997, Chapter 20, "Use of
Biological Weapons."
23 FM 8-284/NAVMED P-5042/AFMAN (I) 44-156/Marine Corp Reference Publication
(MCRP) 4-11. 1C, Treatment of Biological Warfare Agent Casualties, 17 July 2000.
24 BG Russ Zajtchuk, et al. (eds.), Textbook of Military Medicine: Medical Aspects of
Chemical and Biological Warfare, Office of the Surgeon General, 1997, Chapter 30,
"Defense Against Toxin Weapons."
25 FM 8-9/NAVMED P-5059/AFJMAN 44-151, NATO Handbook on the Medical Aspects of
NBC Defense Operations AMEDD- 6(B), 1 February 1996.
26 CDC, NOISH, Documentation for Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health
Concentrations, National Technical Information Service (NTIS) Publication No. PB-94-
195047, May 1994.
27 Mark Davis, Baseline Study on the Problem of Obsolete Pesticide Stocks, Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Pesticide Disposal Series N.9, 2001.
28 US EPA, "Pesticides: Health and Safety: Human Health Issues," 19 May 2003,
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/human.htm , 19 August 2003.
1-15
Chapter II
CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS AND THEIR PROPERTIES
1. Background
The CW agents can be classified according to their physiological effects or their
military use; they include choking, nerve, blood, blister, and incapacitating agents. 1 This
chapter contains definitions for selected physical and chemical properties; definitions for
selected toxicity terms; and the physical, chemical, and physiological properties of selected
CW agents and precursors listed in Table II- 1.
Table 1 1-1. List of Selected CW Agents and Precursors
2. Definitions of Selected Physical and Chemical Properties
The definitions for the physical and chemical properties are given in the same order
listed in the chemical agent tables.
a. Molecular Weight (MW). MW is the value represented by the sum of the atomic
weights of all the atoms in a molecule. 2 See Table C-l (page C-l) for the Periodic Table of
Elements and Table C-2 (page C-2) for the list of elements and their symbols. For example,
the MW of ethyldichloroarsine (ED), C2H5ASCI2, is computed as follows:
C (atomic weight = 12.011) x 2 = 24.02
H (atomic weight = 1.0079) x 5 = 5.04
As (atomic weight = 74.9216) x 1 = 74.92
CI (atomic weight = 35.453) x2= 70.91
MW= 174.89
b. Physical State. Chemical agents may exist as solids, liquids, or gases. 2 To a
certain extent the state in which an agent normally exists determines its use, duration of
effectiveness, and physiological action. It also determines the type of munitions used for its
dissemination.
c. Odor. Odor is the emanation from any substance that stimulates the olfactory
cells in the organ of smell. 3
d. Boiling Point. The boiling point is the temperature at which the vapor pressure
of a liquid equals the pressure of the gas above it. The normal boiling point is the
temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals one atmosphere (atm). At high
altitudes where the atmospheric pressure is less than one atm, water boils below 100
degrees Celsius (C) or 212 degrees Fahrenheit (F). 2
e. FP/MP. The FP is the temperature at which the solid and liquid phases of a
given substance are in equilibrium and is generally equivalent to the MP. 2
NOTE: Some liquids can be cooled well below their freezing temperatures and
still remain in a liquid state. This extended form of the liquid physical state is
called "supercooling." Supercooled liquids are unstable and can crystallize
ll-l
spontaneously. Constant agitation and/or the use of seed crystals can sometimes
prevent or reduce the amount of supercooling that occurs. However, many
chemical agents experience some degree of supercooling, especially the G agents.
Due to the potential for supercooling, freezing point values should be used with
caution. Whenever possible, MP valves should be used because they are more
thermodynamically reproducible than the FP. 4
f. Density (Liquid/Solid). The density of a chemical agent is the mass per unit
volume of the substance. Because volume varies with temperature, a specified temperature
should be given. The density of a liquid or solid is usually given as grams per milliliter
(g/ml) or grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm 3 ). 2
NOTE: Solid density can be further specified as bulk (or apparent) density or
crystalline (or true) density. Both properties describe the mass per unit volume.
Bulk density includes the volume of the voids, pores, or empty spaces between
particles, whereas crystalline density includes only the volume occupied by the
material itself. 5
g. Vapor Density. Vapor density is the ratio of the weight of a given volume of a
gaseous substance and that of the same volume of another gas measured under the same
conditions of pressure and temperature. 6 For the purpose of this manual, the other gas is
air. To calculate the vapor density, divide the MW of the compound of interest by 29 (the
average MW of air). If the vapor density is less than 1, the gas will generally rise in the air.
If the vapor density is greater than 1, the gas will generally settle on the ground.
h. VP. The VP is the pressure exerted by a vapor when a state of equilibrium exists
between the vapor and its liquid (or solid) state. It is the pressure in a closed space above a
substance when no other gas is present. The VP varies with temperature, so the
temperature should be stated. The VP increases as temperature increases. 2
i. Volatility. Volatility is the tendency of a solid or liquid material to pass into the
vapor state at a given temperature. 7 The volatility depends on vapor pressure and varies
with temperature. Volatility is expressed as milligrams of vapor per cubic meter (mg/m 3 ).
It is calculated numerically by an equation derived from the perfect gas law:
V= 16020 xMWxVP
T
Where
V = Volatility (mg/m 3 )
MW = molecular weight
VP = vapor pressure (in torr at a specified temperature)
T = Kelvin temperature (degrees C + 273.15)
j. Latent Heat of Vaporization. The latent heat of vaporization is the quantity of
energy absorbed or given off as a substance undergoes a change in state with no change in
temperature. 7 It is calculated using the following equation: 8
AHv = In 10 RBT 2
(C + 1) 2
Where
AHv = Enthalpy of vaporization (latent heat of vaporization)
T = Kelvin temperature = (degrees C + 273.15)
R = Ideal gas law constant (1.987 cal K 1 mol 1 )
B,C = Vapor pressure constants (from Antoine or Clausius Clapeyron fit)
t = Temperature in degrees C
k. Viscosity. Viscosity is resistance that a gaseous or liquid system offers to flow
when it is subjected to a shear stress. 9 The more complex the molecules in a liquid and the
stronger the intermolecular forces between them, the more difficult it is for the molecules to
move past each other and the greater the viscosity of the liquid. A fluid with a large
viscosity resists motion. Also, as temperatures increase, the viscosity of the liquid
decreases. 2 Units for viscosity are given in centipoises (cP).
1. Surface Tension. Surface tension is the force that causes the surface of a liquid
to contract, reducing its surface area to a minimum. The molecules within a liquid are
attracted equally in all directions by the cohesive forces within the liquid. However, the
molecules on the surface of a liquid are attracted only into the liquid and to either side.
This unbalanced molecular attraction tends to pull the surface molecules back into the
liquid such that the minimum number of molecules possible are on the surface. 2 Units for
surface tension are dynes per centimeter (dynes/cm).
m. Flash Point. The flash point is the temperature at which a liquid or volatile solid
gives off sufficient vapor to form an ignitable mixture near the surface of the liquid. 7
n. Decomposition Temperature. The decomposition temperature is the temperature
at which a chemical breaks down into two or more substances. 4 Because reaction rates
vary; decomposition temperature is a function of both temperature and time (some
reactions are slower than others).
11-3
o. Solubility. The solubility of a solute is the quantity that will dissolve in a given
amount of solvent to produce a saturated solution. 2
p. Hydrolysis. Hydrolysis is the reaction of a compound with water whereby
decomposition of the substance occurs. 2 New substances (hydrolysis products) form when a
compound reacts with water.
q. Half-Life of a Reaction (ti/2). This is the time required for half of the original
concentration of the limiting reactant to be consumed. 4
r. Stability in Storage. Stability in storage determines the practical usefulness of a
compound. If a compound decomposes in storage, it will have little military operational
value. The addition of stabilizers will typically slow down decomposition and
polymerization in storage.
s. Action on Metals, Plastics, Fabrics, and Paint. This item describes the action
between a given compound and different materials. Depending on their activity, some
chemicals can react with and degrade materials they contact. Chemical agent-resistant
coating (CARC) can minimize this effect.
t. Specific Heat. The specific heat is the quantity of heat required to raise the
temperature of 1 gram of a substance 1 degree C 2 (given in lieu of latent heat of
vaporization for military chemical compounds only).
3. Definitions of Toxicity-Related Terms
a. ROE. Chemical agents enter the body through the respiratory tract, skin, eyes,
and by ingestion. Any part of the respiratory tract, from the nose to the lungs, may absorb
inhaled gases and aerosols. For some agents, effects are more severe in normally sweaty
areas. The skin can also absorb vapors. The surface of the skin, eyes, and mucous
membranes can absorb droplets of liquids and solid particles. Wounds or abrasions are
probably more susceptible to absorption than the intact skin. Chemical agents can
contaminate food or drink, and therefore, the body can absorb them through the
gastrointestinal tract. Nerve agents exert their toxic effects through the skin, eyes, and
lungs. Inhalation is the usual route of exposure for blood agents. Blister agents damage
skin and other tissues that they contact, to include eyes and lungs. The choking agents
exert their effects only if inhaled. The onset and severity of signs may vary, depending
upon the ROE and dosage. 1 The ROEs have been limited to those that are likely to be
encountered in the field: vapor inhalation with eye exposure, skin exposure to vapor, and
skin exposure to liquid. The toxicity estimates given for percutaneous vapor exposure for
the nerve agents are based on bare skin exposures. The toxicity estimates for mustard
agent percutaneous vapor exposure are based on clothed skin exposures. Effective dosages
of liquid on the skin are based upon data for bare skin. 9
b. Dosage. Dosage is the amount of substance administered (or received) per
body weight. 11 In this manual, dosage is usually expressed as milligrams per kilogram
(mg/kg) of body weight for liquid agents and as milligrams-minute per meter cubed for (mg-
min/m 3 ) for vapor exposure. Dosages are given for a 70-kg man. 9
(1) Median Lethal Dosage (LD50) of Liquid Agent. The LD 50 is the amount of
liquid agent expected to kill 50 percent of a group of exposed, unprotected individuals.
(2) Median Effective Dosage (ED50) of Liquid Agent. The ED50 is the amount of
liquid agent expected to cause some defined effect (e.g., severe, such as prostration,
collapse, convulsions; mild, such as erythema) in 50 percent of a group of exposed,
unprotected individuals.
(3) Median Lethal Dosage (LCtso) of a Vapor or Aerosol. The LCtso of a
chemical agent in vapor form is the dosage that is lethal to 50 percent of exposed,
unprotected personnel for a defined MV and exposure duration.
(4) Median Effective Dosage (ECtso) of a Vapor or Aerosol. The ECtso is the
effective dosage of a chemical agent vapor that is sufficient to cause some defined effect in
50 percent of exposed, unprotected personnel for a defined MV and exposure duration.
NOTES:
1. Effective dosages can be calculated for more or less than the median dosage
(e.g., LCt25, ED84). Such calculations require knowledge of the probit (Bliss) slope
and use the probit equation. 10
2. Selected toxicity estimates are assigned provisional values. A toxicity estimate
is considered provisional based on only having limited data, but the data are
within the range of available animal data or when the agent is presumed to be
comparable in toxicity to a related agent. 10
3. Physiological Stressors. Physiological stressors include anxiety, heat, and
humidity and are likely to reduce toxicity estimates. In other words, the agent is
potentially more effective. 10
c. Modifying Factors. After exposure to a chemical agent vapor, a person may show
signs and symptoms that are less or more severe than expected. The severity of the effects
may depend upon some of the following potential variables:
(1) How long the person held his or her breath during short exposure.
(2) Speed with which he or she donned the mask.
(3) Proper fit of the mask.
(4) Whether the body absorbed the agent through the skin.
(5) Whether the agent increased the MV.
(6) MV of the person at the time of exposure.
(7) Physical exertion of the person at the time of exposure.
(8) Rate of detoxification, especially if exposure was long.
(9) Previous exposure to chemical agents and type of agent.
d. MV. The MV is the volume of air exchanged in one minute. In general, as the
MV increases, the apparent dosage decreases because more agent is inhaled into the lungs.
It is important to note that increasing respiratory rate does not necessarily increase MV
and may actually decrease it. The relationship of MV to dosage is approximately linear
over ranges of MV from 10 to 50 liters. For example, if the LCtso is given as 35 mg-min/m 3 ,
for an MV of 15 liters, it would be approximately 50 mg-min/m 3 for an MV of 10 liters and
approximately 15 mg-min/m 3 for an MV of 30 liters. 3 Where available, MV profile tables
are provided in Appendix H.
11-5
e. Exposure Duration. The official interim standards for inhalation/ocular
exposures are for a 2-minute duration; those for percutaneous vapor exposure (masked
personnel) are for a 30-minute duration. More data have become available since the
interim standards were defined, and they are also given for longer exposures, as data are
available. 10
f. Temperature. Selected agents have toxicity estimates for hot and moderate
temperatures. Hot temperatures are defined as greater than 85 degrees F. Moderate
temperatures are defined as 65 to 85 degrees F. In general, as the temperature increases,
the effective dosage decreases. The dosages for hot temperatures are about half of those for
moderate temperatures. 10
g. Endpoint (Physiological Effects). Toxicity estimates are provided for different
endpoints to include lethality, severe effects, threshold effects, and mild effects.
(1) For nerve agents, severe effects include prostration, collapse, and/or
convulsions. Some deaths will occur. Threshold effects for percutaneous vapor exposure
include slight, not necessarily significant, ChE inhibition and/or localized sweating. Mild
effects following inhalation/ocular exposure include miosis, rhinorrhea, and tight chest.
These effects can occur in the absence of measurable ChE inhibition in the blood. 10
(2) For percutaneous exposure to blister agents, severe effects include
vesication and mild effects include erythema, edema, pain, and itching — depending upon
the agent. Severe effects following ocular exposure include pain, conjunctivitis,
blepharospasm, and temporary blindness; mild effects consist of erythema and minimal
conjunctivitis. 10
h. ROD. The human body can detoxify some toxic materials. The ROD is an
important factor in determining the hazards of repeated exposure to CW agents. Many CW
agents are essentially cumulative in their effects.
i. ROA. The ROA of a chemical agent is the rate at which the body reacts to or is
affected by that agent. The rate varies widely, even between those of similar tactical or
physiological classification.
j. Concentration-Time (Ct) Profile. Dosage is a function of Ct; however, the
equation k=Ct does not describe all cases of injury from chemical agent exposure. As seen
in some Ct profile tables, a given effective dosage does not always produce a specific effect
for all duration exposures. In order to describe the effective dosages better mathematically,
the equation C n t=k is used. The exponent "n" is called the toxic load exponent (TLE). See
Figure II- 1 and II-2 (page II- 8)
(a) When the TLE value is greater than 1, effective dosages increase as the
exposure duration increases (and the exposure concentration decreases).
(b) When the TLE value is less than 1, effective dosages decrease as the
exposure duration increases (the agent is more potent following long exposures to low
concentrations than short exposures to high concentrations).
(c) When the TLE value equals 1 (Haber's Law), a given dosage (Ct) produces a
given effect — independent of concentration or exposure duration. When the Ct profile is
unknown, a default exponent value of one is used (TLE is assumed to be 1).
11-6
The effect the TLE has on the effective dosage is illustrated in the following Ct profile tables. In the
equation k-C n t, there are three possible cases for the value of the TLE(n).
Case1:TLE>1
NOTES:
• LCt 5 o/ECt 5 o increases as exposure
duration increases.
• Concentration decreases; exposure to
low levels for an extended period of time
can cause effects.
• There is no single LCt/ECt for a specific
type of exposure and endpoint.
Ct Profile (15LMV)
Exposure
Duration (min)
LCtso
(mg-min/m 3 )
Concentration
(mg/m 3 )
2
35
17.5
60
70
1.2
120
80
0.7
Ct Profile (15LMV)
Exposure
Duration (min)
LCt 50
(mg-min/m 3 )
Concentration
(mg/m 3 )
2
35
17.5
60
20
0.3
120
15
0.125
Case 2: TLE<1
NOTES:
LCt 50 /ECt 5 o decreases as exposure
duration increases.
The agent is more potent following long
exposures to low concentrations than
short exposures to high concentrations.
There is no single LCt/ECt for a specific
type of exposure and endpoint.
Case 3: TLE =1 {H aber's Law)
NOTES:
Ct Profile (15LMV)
Exposure
Duration (min)
LCtso
(mg-min/m 3 )
Concentration
(mg/m 3 )
2
35
17.5
60
35
0.5
120
35
0.3
LCt 50 /ECt 5 o remains constant as
exposure duration increases.
Concentration decreases; exposure to
low levels for an extended period of time
can cause effects.
There is a single LCt/ECt for a specific
tvDe of exposure and endDoint.
Figure ll-l. The TLE Effect on the Ct Profile
II-7
Dosage vs. Exposure Duration
O
Case 1
Case 2
Case 3
Time (minutes)
Example TLE > 1 (Case 1)
CW Agent Vapor: Dosage versus Exposure Duration
10
E
O
0.0
The graph on the left is a representation of a Ct
profile for dosage versus exposure duration. The
graph is constructed by plotting the exposure
duration (t) on the horizontal axis and the dosage
(k) on the vertical axis. In the quotation k=C n t there
are three possible cases for the value of the TLE
(n). The graph shows the three cases.
Case 1 : TLE > 1 ; LCt50/ECt50 increases as
exposure duration increases.
Case 2: TLE < 1; LCt50/ECt50 decreases as
exposure duration increases.
Case 3: TLE = 1; LCt50/ECt50 remains constant as
exposure duration increases.
This is an example of the Ct profile graphs for
dosage versus exposure duration given in
Appendix H. this is for an inhalation/ocular
vapor exposure to a CW agent.
Given:
Upper Band: LCt 16 and LCt 84 region
Line: ECt 16 (severe) [roughly LCt i]
Lower Band: ECt 16 and ECt 84 region for mild
effects
10
100
Time (minutes)
Upper Band : The endpoint is lethality. The region shows the effective dosages that would be lethal to 16-84% of 70-
kg males exposed.
Line : The endpoint is severe effects (specific symptoms depend on the type of CW agent exposure). The line gives
the effective dosages where 16 percent of 70-kg males would experience severe effects. This is roughly equivalent to
the lethal dosage for 1 percent. Severe effects can include some deaths.
Lower Band : The endpoint is mild effects (specific symptoms depend on the type of CW agent exposure). The region
shows the effective dosages that would cause mild effects in 16-84% of 70-kg males exposed.
Notice as exposure duration (time) increases, the effective dosage (LCt/ECt) increases. There is no single LCt or ECt
for an exposure; they are time-dependent.
Figure 11-2. Ct Profile for Dosage versus Exposure Duration
11-8
k. Probit Slope. Dose response curves can be used to assess from a graphical
depiction the results of an exposure to a CW agent. The dose response curve is impacted by
the concentration of the CW agent and duration of the exposure (i.e., a graphical x-axis
plot) and response (i.e., a graphical y-axis plot). The probit slope is derived from dose
response curve data and corresponds to the variability in the response of the population to
the chemical agent.
(a) A high probit slope value means that a small change in the dose will make
a large change in the number of individuals responding to the chemical agent. With very
potent agents, a small change in the dose can also make a big change in the level and
severity of the effects produced.
(b) A low probit slope value means that a relatively large change in the dose
will make for a relatively minor change in the number of individuals responding to the
given dose.
1. Degree of Confidence (DOC). 10 The DOC is an indication of the level of
confidence in each toxicity estimate and is provided to indicate uncertainty. It is a
subjective evaluation based on the quality and quantity of the underlying data and the
method(s) by which the estimate was derived. The following definitions are provided:
(1) Low. There are no primary data, and/or the data are extremely limited.
(2) Moderate. There are primary data for both humans and animals, and there
are sufficient data for mathematical modeling.
(3) High. There are ample primary data for both humans and animals, and
there is good statistical confidence in the value.
4. Choking Agents
Choking agents are CW agents that attack lung tissue, primarily causing pulmonary
edema. They cause irritation to the bronchi, trachea, larynx, pharynx, and nose. Initial
symptoms may include tears, dry throat, coughing, choking, tightness of chest, nausea,
vomiting, and headache. 1 In extreme cases, membranes swell, lungs become filled with
liquid, and death results from lack of oxygen; thus, these agents "choke" an unprotected
person. Fatalities of this type are called "dry-land drownings." Of the choking agents,
phosgene (CG) is the only one considered likely to be used in the future. 12 The protective
mask gives protection against choking agents. 1
a. CG (see Table II-2 [page 11-10]). CG is a colorless gas with an odor similar to
musty hay or rotting fruit. 13 Vapors can linger for some time in trenches and low-lying
areas under calm or light winds. 12 The severity of poisoning cannot be estimated from the
immediate symptoms, and the full effect can be delayed up to 72 hours after exposure. 14
Any activity or stress after exposure is likely to exacerbate the effects and turn a sublethal
exposure into a lethal exposure. 10 Lung damaging concentrations may not be detected by
smell. 10
11-9
Table 11-2. CG
Alternate Designations: Collongite (French); Zusatz (German); Green Cross (German); D-gas (German); Fosgeen (Dutch);
Fosgen (Polish); Fosgene (Italian); Phosgen (German); NCI-C60219
Chemical Name: Carbonyl chloride
Synonyms: Carbon oxychloride; Carbon dichloride oxide; Carbone (oxychlorure de) (French); Carbonic chloride; Carbonio
(ossiclorurodi) (Italian); Carbonylchlorid (German); Carbonyl dichloride; Chloroformy chloride; Koolstofoxychloride (Dutch)
CAS Registry Number: 75-44-5
RTECS Number: SY5600000
Physical and Chemical Properties
Structural Formula:
P
o=c
\
CI
Molecular Formula: COCb
Molecular Weight: 98.92
Physical State
Colorless gas that is readily liquefied 1
Odor
Musty hay or rotting fruit 2
Boiling Point
7.8°C 3 ' 4
FP/MP
-128°C(MP) 5
Liquid Density (g/mL)
Liquefied phosgene 1.360 @ 25°C; 1.402 @ 7.8°C; 1.420 @ 0°C 6
Vapor Density (relative to air)
3.4 (calculated)
Vapor Pressure (torr)
1.40 x 10 3 @ 25°C; 7.60 x 10 2 @ 7.8°C; 5.60 x 10 2 @ 0°C 3 ' 4
Volatility (mg/m 3 )
7.46 x 10 6 @ 25°C; 4.29 x 10 6 @ 7.8°C; 3.53 x 10 6 @ 0°C (calculated from vapor
pressure) 3|
Latent Heat of Vaporization
(kcal/mol)
5.92 @ 25 C C; 5.95 @ 7.8 C C; 5.96 @ C C (calculated from vapor pressure) 3 ' 4
Viscosity (cP)
Data not available
Viscosity of Vapor (cP)
Data not available
Surface Tension (dynes/cm)
Data not available
Flash Point
Nonflammable 1
Decomposition Temperature
Complete @ 800°C 7
Solubility
Limited in water; 8 miscible with common organic solvents, petroleum, and lubricating oil
9,10
Rate of Hydrolysis
ti/2 = 0.25 sec. @ 13 C C; does not react quickly with water vapor, but it immediately
reacts with liquid water to yield carbon dioxide and hydrochloric acid 8 ' 11
Hydrolysis Products
Hydrochloric acid and carbon dioxide 9
Stability in Storage
Stable in steel containers @ ambient temperatures for at least one year if CG is dry;
stability decreases at elevated temperatures 12
Action on Metals or Other Materials
None when CG is dry; acidic and corrosive when moist 13
Other Data
Eye toxicity
Initial effects resemble those of tear gas. 14
Inhalation toxicity
Causes pulmonary edema 15
Rate of action
Immediate to 3 hours, depending on concentration 16
Means of detection in field
M18A2CADK, MM1 17
Protection required
Protective mask 15
Decontamination
Not required in the field except in very cold climates
Use
Delayed action casualty agent 19
II-10
Table 11-2. CG (Continued)
NOTES
^Matheson Gas Data Book, 4 ed., p. 411, The Matheson Company, Inc., East Rutherford, NJ, 1966.
2 Franke, S., Manual of Military Chemistry Volume l-Chemistry of Chemical Warfare Agents, ACSI-J-3890, Chemie der
Kampfstoffe, East Berlin, April 1968, UNCLASSIFIED Technical Manual (AD849866).
3 Abercrombie, P., ECBC Notebook # NB 98-0079, p. 7 (U).
4 Germann, A.F.O. and Taylor, Q.W., "The Critical Constants and Vapor Tension of Phosgene," J. Amer. Chem. Soc, Vol. 48(5),
pp. 1154-1159, 1928.
5 Giauque, W. F., and Jones, W.M., "Carbonyl Chloride. Entropy. Heat Capacity. Vapor Pressure. Heats of Fusion and
Vaporization. Comments on Solid Sulfur Dioxide Structures," J. Amer. Chem. Soc, Vol. 70, p. 120, 1948.
6 Davies, C. N., "The Density and Thermal Expansion of Liquid Phosgene," J. Chem. Phys., Vol. 14, p. 48, 1946.
7 Bodenstein, M., and Durant, G., "Die Dissociation des Kohlenoxychlorids," Z. Physik. Chem., Vol. 61, p. 437, 1908.
8 Hall, R.W., An Investigation on the Solubility and Rate of Hydrolysis of Phosgene in Water, Porton Report 2663, Chemical
Defence Experimental Establishment, Porton, England, 19 December 1944, UNCLASSIFIED Report.
9 Atkinson, R.H., et al., "The Preparation and Physical Properties of Carbonyl Chloride," J. Chem. Soc, Vol. 117, pp. 1410-1426,
1920.
10 Baskerville, C, and Cohen, P.W., "Solvents for Phosgene," J. Ind. Eng. Chem., Vol. 13, p. 333, 1921.
^Properties of War Gases Volume III: Vomiting & Choking Gases & Lacrimators (U), ETF 1 00-41 A/ol-3, Chemical Corps Board,
Army Chemical Center, MD, December 1944, CONFIDENTIAL Report (AD1 08458).
12 Henley, F.M., Surveillance Tests on 75 MM. Steel Gas Shell Extending Over a Period of One Year, EACD 1 1 , Chemical
Warfare Service, Edgewood Arsenal, MD, June 1920, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB959731).
13 Patten, H.E., and Bouder, N.M., Chemical Properties of Phosgene, EACD 124, Chemical Warfare Service, Edgewood
Arsenal, MD, March 1923, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB955133).
14 BG Russ Zajtchuk, et al. (eds.), Textbook of Military Medicine: Medical Aspects of Chemical and Biological Warfare, Office of
the Surgeon General, 1997, Chapter 4, The Chemical Warfare Threat and the Military Healthcare Provider."
15 FM 8-285/NAVMED P-5041/AFJMAN 44-149/FMFM 11-11, Treatment of Chemical Agent Casualties and Conventional
Military Chemical Injuries, 22 December 1995.
1B NIOSH-DOD-OSHA Sponsored Chemical and Biological Respiratory Protection Workshop Report, February 2000.
17 AFMAN 10-2602 Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, and Conventional (NBCC) Defense Operations and Standards (Operations),
29 May 2003.
18 FM 8-9/NAVMED P-5059/AFJMAN 44-151, NATO Handbook on the Medical Aspects of NBC Defense Operations AMEDP-
6(B), 1 February 1996.
19 W.R. Kirner, Summary Technical Report of Division 9, NDRC Volume 1, Chemical Warfare Agents, and Related Chemical
Problems Part /-//, Office of Scientific Research and Development, Washington, DC, 1946, UNCLASSIFIED Report
(AD234270).
b. CG Toxicity Estimates (see Table II-3). Although the probit slope for CG is
unknown, it is known to be so steep that "incapacitating" or "severe effects" dosages could
include some lethality. 10
Table 11-3. CG Toxicity Estimates 10
Endpoint
Toxicity
(mg-min/m 3 )
MV(L)
Exposure
Duration
ROE
Probit
Slope
TLE
ROD
DOC
Lethality
LCt 50 : 1500 a
15
2-60 min
Inhalation/Ocular
Unknown
1 b
Probably
Insignificant
Moderate
Odor
Detection
EC 50 : 6 mg/m 3c
N/A
Few
Seconds
Inhalation
N/A
N/A
Probably
Insignificant
Low
NOTES
a Based on ECBC modeling of 10 mammalian species.
b See Appendix H for supporting toxicity profile estimates.
c Based on secondary human data and TM 3-215 (1952).
c. Diphosgene (DP) (see Table II-4 [page 11-12]). DP is a colorless liquid with an
odor similar to that of musty hay. 13 DP is not a polymer of CG, but does produce similar
physiological effects. DP is described as a respiratory irritant and a lachrymator. It is
more easily detected than CG because of its lacrimatory effects. 9 See Table II-5 (page II-
13) for DP toxicity estimates.
11-11
Table 11-4. DP
Alternate Designations: Difosgene; Superpalite (British); Perstoff (German); Surpalite(French); Green Cross (German)
Chemical Name: Trichloromethyl chloroformate
Synonyms: Trichloromethyl chlorocarbonic acid ester; Chloroformic acid trichloromethyl ester; Trichloromethyl
chlorocarbonate; Trichloromethyl carbonochloridate; Formic acid, chloro-, trichloromethyl ester; Carboncohloridic acid
trichloromethyl ester
CAS Registry Number: 503-38-8
RTECS Number: LQ7350000
Physical and Chemical Properties
Structural Formula:
II CI
/C\ 1
cr o— c— ci
I
CI
Molecular Formula: C2CI4O2
Molecular Weight: 197.83
Physical State
Colorless oily liquid 1
Odor
Musty hay 2
Boiling Point
127°C 3 ' 4
FP/MP
-57°C (MP) 2
Liquid Density (g/mL)
Munitions grade: 1 .656 @ 20°C; 1 .687 @ 0°C 2
Vapor Density (relative to air)
6.8 (calculated)
Vapor Pressure (torr)
4.41 @ 20°C; 9.14 x 10" 1 @ 0°C 3 ' 4
Volatility (mg/mL)
4.77 x 10 4 @ 20°C; 1.06 x 10 4 @ 0°C (calculated from vapor pressure) 3 ' 4
Latent Heat of Vaporization (kcal/mol)
12.2 @ 20°C; 12.8 @ C C (calculated from vapor pressure) 3 ' 4
Viscosity (cP)
Data not available
Viscosity of Vapor (cP)
Data not available
Surface Tension (dynes/cm)
Data not available
Flash Point
None 5
Decomposition Temperature
300°C to 350°C (yields two molecules of CG) 1
Solubility
Solubility in water is 44.6 g DP/L solution @ 20°C; 6 readily soluble in common
organic solvents 2
Rate of Hydrolysis
Slow @ ambient temperature and fairly rapid @ 100°C 1
Hydrolysis Products
Hydrogen chloride (HCI) and carbon dioxide 1
Stability in Storage
Unstable; converts to CG. 1
Action on Metals or Other Materials
Metals act as catalyzers in conversion to CG. 1 ' 2 Also attacks rubber, cork, 2 ' 4 and
cement. 2
Other Data
Eye toxicity
Lachrymator 7
Inhalation toxicity
Causes pulmonary edema
Rate of action
Immediate to 3 hours depending on concentration 9
Means of detection
MM1
Protection required
Protective mask
Decontamination
Not required in the field except in very cold climates. 10
Use
Delayed or immediate action casualty agent, depending on dosage rate
-12
Table 11-4. DP (Continued)
NOTES
'Hood, H.P., and Murdock, H.R., "Superpalite," J. Phys. Chem., Vol. 23, p. 498, 1919.
2 Potts, A.M., The Physical and Chemical Properties of Phosgene and Diphosgene, OEMCMR-1 14, 1945, UNCLASSIFIED
Report.
3 Abercrombie, P., ECBC Notebook* NB 98-0079, p. 34 (U).
4 Herbst, V.H., "Uber die Fluchtigkeit und Vernebelung einer Reihe organischer Stoffe," Kolloid Beihefte, Vol. 23, p. 330,
1927.
5 TM 3-215/AFM 355-7, Military Chemistry and Chemical Agents, December 1963, UNCLASSIFIED Technical Manual.
6 Carter, R.H., and Knight, H.C., Fundamental Study of Toxicity Solubilities of Certain Toxics in Water and in Olive Oil, EACD
445, Chemical Warfare Service, Edgewood Arsenal, Edgewood, MD, May 1928, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB955216).
7 Sharon Reutter, et al., Review and Recommendations for Human Toxicity Estimates for FM 3-11.9, ECBC-TR-349,
September 2003.
8 FM 8-285/NAVMED P-5041/AFJMAN 44-149/FMFM 11-11, Treatment of Chemical Agent Casualties and Conventional
Military Chemical Injuries, 22 December 1995.
9 NIOSH-DOD-OSHA Sponsored Chemical and Biological Respiratory Protection Workshop Report, February 2000.
10 FM 8-9/NAVMED P-5059/AFJMAN 44-151, NATO Handbook on the Medical Aspects of NBC Defense Operations
AMEDP-6(B), 1 February 1996.
Table II-5. DP Toxicity Estimates
10
Endpoint
Toxicity
(mg-min/m 3 )
MV(L)
Exposure
Duration
ROE
Probit
Slope
TLE
OD
DOC
Lethality
LCt 50 : 1500 a
(Provisional)
15
10-60 min
Inhalation/
Ocular
Unknown
a b,c
Unknown,
Probably
Insignificant
Low
Odor
Detection
EC 50 : 4mg/m 3d
N/A
Few
Seconds
Inhalation
N/A
N/A
N/A
Low
NOTES
a Based on recommendations for CG.
b The TLE value is assumed to be 1 because the Ct profile is unknown.
c See Appendix H for supporting toxicity profile estimates.
d Based on secondary human data.
5. Nerve Agents
Nerve agents are more toxic than other CW agents. They may cause effects within
seconds and death within minutes. 15 The nerve agents are all liquids, not nerve gas per se.
They can be absorbed through any body surface and can penetrate ordinary clothing
rapidly. 1 They are divided into the G agents and V agents. The V agents have high boiling
points, low volatility, and resultant high persistency. 12 Even though the V agents are
considered primarily a contact hazard 12 ; they are at least twice as potent as GB, and even a
minute amount of airborne material is extremely hazardous. 10 Nerve agents are
cumulative poisons. Repeated exposure to low concentrations may produce symptoms. 1
Level 4 mission-oriented protective posture (MOPP4) is required for protection. 1
a. Physiological Effect. Both the G and V agents have the same physiological
action on humans. Normally, the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) binds and
hydrolyzes the neurotransmitter ACh, which terminates the activity of ACh at the receptor
sites. Upon exposure, the nerve agents bind to AChE, making it unable to bind with ACh.
As a result, ACh is not hydrolyzed. The accumulation of ACh causes hyperactivity of the
body organs stimulated by cholineraic neruons. 15 Individuals poisoned by nerve agents
may experience symptoms in the following order:
• Miosis, runny nose, and chest tightness.
• Dim vision and headache.
• Nausea, vomiting, and cramps.
11-13
• Drooling, excessive sweating, drowsiness, and confusion.
• Difficulty breathing, twitching, jerking, and staggering.
• Convulsions and coma.
b. Miosis. When airborne vapor comes in contact with the eyes, miosis occurs as a
result of a direct local effect of the nerve agent on the eyes and can occur prior to any
inhibition of ChE in the blood. This type of exposure is frequently accompanied by
tightness of the chest and/or rhinorrhea, and any or all other symptoms can occur. In cases
of nerve agent exposure not involving vapor contact with the eyes, miosis is one of the last
effects to occur before death. 10
c. Treatment. Treatment of nerve agent poisoning includes use of atropine, 2-PAM
chloride, convulsant antidote for nerve agents (CANA), and pyridostigmine bromide (PB).
(1) Atropine binds to receptor sites blocking the excess acetylcholine caused by
nerve agent poisoning.
(2) 2-PAM CI acts by reactivating ChE inhibited by a nerve agent. 15 Prompt
treatment is essential because after the agent binds to AChE, a second reaction occurs in
which the agent loses one alkyl or alkoxy group. This phosphorylated AChE is called an
"aged" enzyme and is completely resistant to both spontaneous and oxime-medicated (2-
PAM CI) reactivation. The "aging" period varies from minutes to hours depending on the
type of agent. 16 For GD, the "aging" half-time is within 2 minutes. 17
(3) The CANA prevents and treats convulsions caused by exposure to nerve
agents in moderate to severe cases. 1
(4) PB is a pretreatment for exposure to GD. PB and AChE bind and form
what is called a carbamoylated AChE. Although PB is also an AChE inhibitor, it is unlike
nerve agents in that the interaction between PB and AChE is freely and spontaneously
reversible and it does not undergo the aging process. The carbamoylated AChE is fully
protected from attack by nerve agents. Atropine is still needed to counteract the excess
ACh and 2-PAM CI is still needed to reactivate AChE active sites that were protected by
PB. 17 PB is available to US forces in active theaters of operation (TOs). 1
d. Tabun (GA) (see Table II-6). GA was the first of the nerve agents developed by
the Germans. 15 GA is primarily an inhalation hazard. See Table II-7 (page 11-17) for GA
toxicity estimates.
Table 11-6. GA
Alternate Designations: EA 1205; Le-100 (German), T-83 (German); MCE; FM-511; T-2104 (British); TL-1578 (UCTL);
Trilon 83 (German); Gelan I (German); Taboon A
Chemical Name: Ethyl N, N-dimethylphosphoroamidocyanidate
Synonyms: Ethyl dimethylamidocyanophosphate; Dimethylaminoethoxyphosphoryl cyanide;
Dimethylaminocyanophosphoric acid ethyl ester; Cyanodimethylaminoethoxyphosphine;
Dmethylaminecyanoethoxyphosphine oxide; Ethyl dimethylaminocyanophosphonate Phosphoramidocyanidic acid, dimethyl,
ethyl ester; Dimethylamidoethoxyphosphoryl cyanide; Dimethylaminocyanphosphorsaeureaethylester (German);
Dimethylphosphoramidocyanidic acid, ethyl ester; Ethyl dimethylphosphoramidocyanidate; Ethylester-dimethylamid kyseliny
kyanfosfonove (Czech)
CAS Registry Number: 77-81-6
RTECS Number: TB4550000
II-14
Table 11-6. GA (Continued)
Physical and Chemical Properties
Structural Formula:
II / CH 3
CH 3 CH 2 — 0— P— N
CN CH 3
Molecular Formula: C5H11N2O2P
Molecular Weight: 162.13
Physical State
Colorless to brown liquid 1
Odor
Faintly fruity; none when pure 2
Boiling Point
248°C (extrapolated) 3 " 7
FP/MP
-50°C (FP) 5
Liquid Density (g/mL)
1 .0756 @ 25°C; 1 .0999 @ 0°C 3
Vapor Density (relative to air)
5.6 (calculated)
Vapor Pressure (torr)
5.70 x 10" 2 @ 25°C; 4.75 x 10" 3 @ 0°C (extrapolated) 3 " 7
Volatility (mg/m 3 )
4.97 x 10 2 @ 25°C; 4.52 x 10 1 @ C C (calculated from vapor pressure) 3 " 7
Latent Heat of Vaporization (kcal/mol)
15.5 @ 25°C; 16.7 @ C C (calculated from vapor pressure) 3 " 7
Viscosity (cP)
[email protected]°C, 4.320@ 0°C 3
Viscosity of Vapor (cP)
6.20 x 10' 3 @ 25.0°C, 5.60 x 10" 3 @ 0°C 3
Surface Tension (dynes/cm)
32.5 @ 25.0°C, 35.0 @ 0°C 3
Flash Point
78°C (closed cup) 8
Decomposition Temperature
Decomposes completely @ 150°C after about 3 to 3 1/4 hrs 9
Solubility
Solubility in water is approximately 7.2g GA/100g solution @ 20°C and 9.8g
GA/100g @ 0°C; 3 readily soluble in common organic solvents 2
Rate of Hydrolysis
ti/2 = 8.5 hrs @ 20°C and pH 7; 10 slow in water but fairly rapid with strong acids and
alkalis with self-buffering @ pH 4 to 5; 1 autocatalytic below pH 4 11
Hydrolysis Products
AC, dimethylaminocyanophosphonic acid, and other products 10
Stability in Storage
When stabilized with 5% chlorobenzene, GA can be stored in steel containers for
several years @ ambient temperatures. The degree of stability decreases @
elevated temperatures with decomposition occurring within 6 months @ 50°C and
3 months @ 65°C. 12
Action on Metals or Other Materials
Corrosion rate of steel on crude GA with 5 to 20% chlorobenzene is 0.000034
inch/month @ 65°C. 12
Other Data
Skin and eye toxicity
Eyes: very high; much greater through eyes than through skin. Skin: highly toxic,
decontamination of smallest drop of liquid agent is essential; liquid penetrates skin.
13
Inhalation Toxicity
Primarily inhalation hazard 14
Rate of action
Rapid 15
Means of detection
M8 paper, M9 paper, M256A1 CADK, M8A1 ACAA, M90 AMAD, M21 ACAA, M22
ACADA, CAM/ICAM, M272 Water Testing Kit, M18A3 CADK 16 , M18A2 CADK,
MM1, CAPDS, IPDS, AN/KAS-1 CWDD 16
Protection required
MOPP4; liquid nerve agents penetrate ordinary clothing rapidly 13
Decontamination
Flush eyes with water immediately. Use the M291 SDK to remove any liquid nerve
agent on skin or clothing. Use the M295 IEDK for individual equipment. 13 STB is
effective on equipment. Water, steam, and absorbents (earth, sawdust, ashes,
and rags) are effective for physical removal. 17 NOTE: GA may react to form CK
in bleach slurry. 18
Use
Quick-acting casualty agent
11-15
Table 11-6. GA (Continued)
NOTES
1 Witten, Benjamin, The Hydrolysis of MCE, Technical Division Memorandum Report 1121, USA Chemical Research and
Development Laboratories, Army Chemical Center, MD, August 1945, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB964102).
2 Welchman, R.M.A., Preliminary Report on the Potential Value of Nerve Gases as C.W. Agents, Porton Report No. 2747
(PR 2747), Chemical Defence Experimental Establishment, Porton, England, January 1947, UNCLASSIFIED Report.
3 Samuel, J.B., et al., Physical Properties of Standard Agents, Candidate Agents, and Related Compounds at Several
Temperatures (U), ARCSL-SP-83015, USA Armament Research and Development Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground,
MD, June 1983, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADC033491).
4 Abercrombie, P., ECBC Notebook # NB 98-0079, p. 36 (U).
5 Harris, B.L., Physical Constants of MCE, Technical Division Memorandum Report 1094, USA Chemical Research and
Development Laboratories, Army Chemical Center, MD, July 1945, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB 964103).
6 Balson, E.W., Determination of the Vapor Pressure of T 2104, A.3804/3, Military Intelligence Division, Chemical Defence
Experimental Establishment, Porton, England, April 1945, UNCLASSIFIED Report.
7 Belkin, F., and Brown, H.A., Vapor Pressure Measurements of Some Chemical Agents Using Differential Thermal Analysis,
Part III, ECTR-75032, Edgewood Arsenal, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, June 1975, UNCLASSIFIED Report
(ADA010666).
8 Walpole, J.L., Determination of the Flash Points of GA and GB, Porton Technical Paper No. 45 (PTP 45), Chemical
Defence Experimental Establishment, Porton, England, March 1948, UNCLASSIFIED Report.
9 Miller, C.E., Thermal Studies on MCE, Technical Division Memorandum Report 1132, USA Chemical Research and
Development Laboratories, Army Chemical Center, MD, September 1945, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB964104).
10 Marsh, D.J. et al., Kinetics of the Hydrolysis of Ethyl Dimethylamino Cyanophosphonate (and certain other related
compounds) in Water, Proton Technical Paper No. 85 (PTP-85), Chemical Defense Experimental Establishment, Porton,
England, December 1948, UNCLASSIFIED Report.
"Clark, D.N, Review of Reactions of Chemical Agents in Water, Final Report to USA Biomedical Research and
Development Laboratory, Battelle, Columbus, OH, January 1989, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADA2 13287).
12 Harris, B.L. and Macy, R., Storage Stability of German GA in Uncoated and Lacquered 75mm Shell at 50"C and 65"C.
Corrosion Rate of Steel by GA at 65°C, Technical Division Memorandum Report 1299, USA Chemical Research and
Development Laboratories, Army Chemical Center, MD, December 1946, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB964902).
13 FM 8-285/NAVMED P-5041/AFJMAN 44-149/FMFM 11-11, Treatment of Chemical Agent Casualties and Conventional
Military Chemical Injuries, 22 December 1995.
14 Sharon Reutter, et al., Review and Recommendations for Human Toxicity Estimates for FM 3-11.9, ECBC-TR-349,
September 2003.
^NIOSH-DOD-OSHA Sponsored Chemical and Biological Respiratory Protection Workshop Report, February 2000.
16 DOD Chemical And Biological Defense Program Annual Report to Congress, Volume I, April 2003.
17 FM 3-5/MCWP 3-37.3, NBC Decontamination, 28 July 2000.
18 W.R. Kirner, Summary Technical Report of Division 9, NDRC Volume 1, Chemical Warfare Agents, and Related Chemical
Problems Part /-//, Office of Scientific Research and Development, Washington, DC, 1946, UNCLASSIFIED Report
(AD234270).
II-16
Table II-7. GA Toxicity Estimates
•
Endpoint
Toxicity
(mg-min/m 3 )
MV(L)
Exposure
Duration
ROE
Probit
Slope
TLE
ROD
DOC
Lethality
LD 50 : 1500 mg a
N/A
N/A;
70-kg man
Percutaneous
Liquid b
5
N/A
Unknown
Low
LCt 50 : 70 a
15
2 min
Inhalation/Ocular
12
1.5 C
Some
Moderate
LCt 50 : 15,000 ad
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor e
5
1 c < f
Unknown
Low
LCt 50 : 7500 9 ' h
(Provisional)
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor 6
5
1 c < f
Unknown
Low
Severe effects,
includes deaths
ED 50 : 900 mg a
N/A
N/A;
70-kg man
Percutaneous
Liquid b
5
N/A
Unknown
Low
ECt 50 : 50 a
15
2 min
Inhalation/Ocular
10
1.5 C
Some
Moderate
ECt 50 :12,000 ad
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor 6
5
1 c < f
Unknown
Low
ECt 50 : 6000 gh
(Provisional)
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor 6
5
1 c < f
Unknown
Low
Threshold
effects (slight
ChE inhibition)
ECt 50 : 2000 ad
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor 6
5
1 c < f
Unknown
Moderate
ECt 50 : 1000 g ' h
(Provisional)
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor 6
5
1 c < f
Unknown
Moderate
Mild effects
(miosis,
rhinorrhea)
ECt 50 : 0.4 h
N/A
2 min
Inhalation/Ocular
10
1.5 C
Some
Low
NOTES
a Based on Grotte and Yang (2001).
b Bare skin.
c See Appendix H for supporting toxici
d Moderate temperatures (65-85°F).
e Assumes personnel are masked with
The TLE value is assumed 1 because
g Hot temperatures (greater than 85°F
h Based on recommendations for GB.
ty profile estimates.
eye protection and bare s
3 the Ct profile is unknown
)■
kin.
e. GA Toxicity Estimates. Note that for an inhalation/ocular expouse the TLE is
greater that 1. This means that the effective dosage increases with longer exposure
durations and the concentration of the agent decreases.
f. Sarin (GB) (see Table II-8 [page 11-18]). The Germans developed GB after they
developed GA, 15 hence the designation GB. Pure GB is odorless and colorless. 13 It is a
volatile liquid at room temperature. Unlike many other agents, for which clothing affords
some protection against a liquid agent, clothing may enhance the potency of GB liquid on
the skin. It is hypothesized that clothing retards evaporation, thereby increasing the
effective dose. 10 See Table II-9 (page 11-20) for toxicity estimates.
11-17
Table 11-8. GB
Alternate Designations: EA 1208; T-144 (German); Trilon 144 (German); Trilon 46 (German); T 46 German); TL-1618
(UCTL); T-2106 (British); MFI; IMPF; Sarin II
Chemical Name: Isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate
Synonyms: Fluorisoproopoxymethylphosphine oxide; Isopropyl methylfluorophosphate; Isopropyl
methanefluorophosphonate; Isopropoxymethylphosphoryl fluoride; Propoxyl- 2 -methylphosphoryl fluoride; Phosphonofluridic
acid, methyl-, isopropyl ester; Isopropylester kyseliny methylfluorfosfonove (Czech); O-lsopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate;
Isopropyl-methylphosphoryl fluoride; Methylphosphonofluoridic acid isopropyl ester; Methylphosphonofluoridic acid 1-
methylethyl ester; Phosphine oxide, fluoroisopropoxymethyl-; Phosphoric acid, methylfluoro-, isopropyl ester;
Methylfluorphosphorsaeureisopropylester (German)
CAS Registry Number: 107-44-8
RTECS Number: TA8400000
Physical and Chemical Properties
Structural Formula:
CH 3
II I
CH 3 — P— 0— CH
I I
F CH 3
Molecular Formula: C4H10FO2P
Molecular Weight: 140.09
Physical State
Colorless liquid 1
Odor
None when pure 2
Boiling Point
150°C (extrapolated) 3
FP/MP
-56°C (FP) 3_5
Liquid Density (g/mL)
Pure: 1.0887 @25°C; 1.1182 @ 0°C (extrapolated) 6
Munitions grade: 1.0964 @ 25°C; 1.1255 @ 0°C (extrapolated) 6
Vapor Density (relative to air)
4.8 (calculated)
Vapor Pressure (torr)
2.48 x 10° @25°C; 4.10 x10" 1 @ 0°C 3
Volatility (mg/m 3 )
1.87 x 10 4 @ 25 C C; 3.37 x 10 3 @ C C (calculated from vapor pressure) 3
Latent Heat of Vaporization
(kcal/mol)
1 1 .6 @ 25 C C; 1 1 .7 @ 0°C (calculated from vapor pressure) 3
Viscosity (cP)
1 .397 @ 25.0°C, 2.583 @ 0°C (extrapolated) 7
Viscosity of Vapor (cP)
7.19 x10" 3 @ 25. 0°C, 5.51 x10" 3 @0°C 7
Surface Tension (dynes/cm)
25.9 @ 25.0°C, 28.8 @ 0°C (extrapolated) 7
Flash Point
Nonflammable 8
Decomposition Temperature
Complete decomposition occurs within 2 1/2 hr @ 150 C C 9
Solubility
Completely miscible with water and common organic solvents 1 '
Rate of Hydrolysis
Varies with pH and temperature; at 20°C, t 1/2 = 27 min. @ pH 1 ; t 1/2 = 3 1/2 hr @ pH
2; t 1/2 = 80 hr @ pH 7; ti/ 2 = 5.4 min @ pH 1 0; and t 1/2 = 0.6 min @ pH 1 1 . 10
Hydrolysis Products
Under acidic conditions, hydrogen fluoride (HF) and isopropyl methylphosphonic acid
(IMPA) are formed which further hydrolyze to produce methylphosphonic acid (MPA)
and isopropanol. Under alkaline conditions, methylfluorophosphonic acid (MFPA)
and isopropyl alcohol are initially formed which further hydrolyze to produce MPA and
HF. 11
Stability in Storage
GB stabilized with tributylamine can be stored in steel containers for at least 5 to 10
years @ ambient temperature. At elevated temperatures up to 71 C C, storage life
decreases slightly. 12
Action on Metals or Other Materials
At 71 °C, slightly corrosive on steel, copper, brass, inconel, K-monel, and lead as well
as slight to severe amounts of corrosion on aluminum, depending on the type. 13
1-18
Table 11-8. GB (Continued)
Other Data
Skin and eye toxicity
Eyes: very high; much greater through eyes than through skin; Skin: highly toxic;
decontamination of smallest drop of liquid agent is essential; liquid penetrates skin 14
Inhalation toxicity
Most toxic route of exposure 15
Rate of action
Rapid 16
Means of detection
M8 paper, M9 paper, M256A1 CADK, M8A1 ACAA, M90 AMAD, M21 ACAA, M22
ACADA, CAM/ICAM, M272 Water Testing Kit, , CAPDS, IPDS, AN/KAS-1 CWDD,
" M18A2CADK, MM1
Protection required
MOPP4; liquid nerve agent penetrates ordinary clothing rapidly, clothing may
enhance the potency of GB liquid on the skin 15
Decontamination
Flush eyes with water immediately. Use the M291 SDK to remove any liquid nerve
agent on skin or clothing. Use the M295 IEDK for individual equipment. 14 STB is
effective on equipment. Water, steam, and absorbents (earth, sawdust, ashes, and
rags) are effective for physical removal. 1S
Use
Quick-acting casualty agent
NOTES
^ranke, S., Manual of Military Chemistry Volume I- Chemistry of Chemical Warfare Agents, ACSI-J-3890, Chemie der
Kampfstoffe, East Berlin, April 1968, UNCLASSIFIED Report (AD849866).
2 Welchman, R.M.A., Preliminary Report on the Potential Value of Nerve Gases as C.W. Agents, Porton Report No. 2747
(PR 2747), Chemical Defence Experimental Establishment, Porton, England, January 1947, UNCLASSIFIED Report.
3 Penski, Elwin C, The Properties of 2-Propyl Methylfluorophosphonate (GB) I. Vapor Pressure Data Review and Analysis,
ERDEC-TR-166, USA Chemical and Biological Defense Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, June 1994,
UNCLASSIED Report (ADB1 87225).
4 Zeffert, B.M., et al., Slow Fractional Crystallization ofGB, CRLR 2, USA Chemical and Radiological Laboratories, Army
Chemical Center, MD, April 1951, UNCLASSIFIED Report (AD498968).
5 Tannenbaum, H., and Zeffert, B.M., Crystallization ofGB, TCIR-513, USA Chemical and Radiological Laboratories, Army
Chemical Center, MD, November 1949, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADE471275).
6 Wardrop, A.W.H., and Bryant, P.J.R., Physico-Chemical Properties of Phosphorus Esters Part II: Some Constants of
Isopropyl methylfluorophosphinate (GB), Porton Technical Paper No. 278 (PTP-278), Chemical Warfare Laboratories, Army
Chemical Center, MD, March 1952, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADE481544).
7 Samuel, J.B., et al., Physical Properties of Standard Agents and Related Compounds at Several Temperatures (U),
ARCSL-SP-83015, USA Armament Research and Development Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, June 1983,
UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADC033491 ).
8 Walpole, J.L., Determination of the Flash Points ofGA and GB, Porton Technical Paper No. 45 (PTP 45), Chemical
Defence Experimental Establishment, Porton, England, March 1948, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADE481350).
9 Perry, B.J., et al., The Chemistry of the Alkylfluorophosphonites and Related Compounds, Porton Technical Paper No. 258,
Chemical Defense Experimental Establishment, Porton, England, 31 August 1951. UNCLASSIFIED Report
(ADE481528).
Epstein, J., Studies on Hydrolysis ofGB I. Effect of pH and Temperature on Hydrolysis Rates. II. Observations on
Hydrolysis ofGBin Sodium Bicarbonate Buffered Waters, MDR 132, Chemical Warfare Laboratories, Army Chemical
Center, MD, February 1948, UNCLASSIFIED Report.
11 Clark, D.N, Review of Reactions of Chemical Agents in Water, Final Report to USA Biomedical Research and
Development Laboratory, Battelle, Columbus, OH, January 1989, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADA213287).
^Comparison of GA and GB as Chemical Warfare Agents (U), CWL-SP-1 , USA Chemical Warfare Laboratories, Army
Chemical Center, MD, November 1957, UNCLASSIFIED Report.
13 Hutchcraft, A.S. Jr., et al., Special Report: Corrosion Resistance of Metals Toward Isopropyl Methylphosphonofluoridate
(GB), CRLR 510, USA Chemical and Radiological Laboratories, Army Chemical Center, MD, May 1955, UNCLASSIFIED
Report (AD474404).
14 FM 8-285/NAVMED P-5041/AFJMAN 44-149/FMFM 11-11, Treatment of Chemical Agent Casualties and Conventional
Military Chemical Injuries, 22 December 1995.
15 Sharon Reutter, et al., Rew'ew and Recommendations for Human Toxicity Estimates for FM 3-11.9, ECBC-TR-349,
September 2003.
^NIOSH-DOD-OSHA Sponsored Chemical and Biological Respiratory Protection Workshop Report, February 2000.
17 DOD Chemical And Biological Defense Program Annual Report to Congress, Volume I, April 2003.
18 FM 3-5/MCWP 3-37.3, NBC Decontamination, 28 July 2000.
II-19
g. GB Toxicity Estimates (Table II-9). Note that for an inhalation/ocular expouse
the TLE is greater than 1. This means that the effective dosage increases with longer
exposure durations and the concentration of the agent decreases.
Table 11-9. GB Toxicity Estimates 10
Endpoint
Toxicity
(mg-min/m 3 )
MV(L)
Exposure
Duration
ROE
Probit
Slope
TLE
ROD
DOC
Lethality
LD 50 : 1700 mg a
N/A
N/A; 70-kg
man
Percutaneous
Liquid b
5
N/A
Unknown
Low
LCt 50 : 35 a
15
2 min
Inhalation/
Ocular
12
1.5 d
Some
Moderate
LCt 50 : 12,000 ae
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor f
5
-| d,g
Unknown
Low
LCt 50 : 6000 hJ
(provisional)
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor f
5
-| d,g
Unknown
Low
Severe effects,
includes some
deaths
ED 50 : 1000 mg a
N/A
N/A; 70-kg
man
Percutaneous
Liquid b
5
N/A
Unknown
Low
ECt 50 : 25 a
15
2 min
Inhalation/
Ocular
12
1.5 d
Some
Moderate
ECt 50 : 8000 ae
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor f
5
-| d,g
Unknown
Low
ECt 50 : 4000 hJ
(provisional)
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor f
5
-| d,g
Unknown
Low
Threshold
effects (Slight
ChE inhibition)
ECt 50 : 1200 ae
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor f
5
1 d,g
Unknown
Moderate
ECt 50 : 600 hJ
(provisional)
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor f
5
■\ d,g
Unknown
Low
Mild effects
(miosis,
rhinorrhea)
ECt 50 : 0.4 '
N/A
2 min
Inhalation/
Ocular
10
1.5 dli
Some
Moderate
NOTES
a Based on Grotte and Yang (2001).
"Bare skin.
C LD 50 could be less with clothing.
d See Appendix H for supporting toxicity profile estir
e Moderate temperatures (65-85°F)
'Assumes personnel are masked with eye protectio
g The TLE value is assumed 1 because the concen
h Hot temperatures (greater than 85°F)
Based on Grotte and Yang (2001) and Letter (25 Iv
'Based on human data and recent rat data of Miodi
nates.
n and bare skin
ration-time prol
1ar 03).
szewski et al. (
le is unknown.
2002).
h. GD (see Table 11-10). GD is a colorless liquid when pure. 13 2 PAM CI is not as
effective for GD poisoning as it is for other nerve agents 1 because the "aging" process half-
time is within 2 minutes. 15 See Table 11-11 (page 11-23) for toxicity estimates.
11-20
Table 11-10. GD
Alternate Designations: EA 1210 (US); Zoman (USSR); T-2107 (British, UK); Trilon (German); PMFP
Chemical Name: Pinacolyl methyl phosphonofluoridate
Synonyms: 3,3-Dimethyl-n-but-2-yl methylphosphonofluoridate; 3,3-Dimethyl-2-butyl methylphosphonofluridate; 2-Butanol,
3,3-dimethyl-, methylphosphonofluoridate; Methylphosphonofluoridic acid, 3,3-dimethyl-2-butyl ester; 1,2,2-Trimethylpropyl
methyphosphonofluoridate; 1 ,2,2-Trimethylpropylester kyseliny methylfluorfosfonove (Czech); Methylphosphonofluoridic
acid 1 ,2,2-trimethylpropyl ester; Phosphonofluoridic acid, methyl-, 1,2,2-trimethylpropyl ester; Phosphine oxide, fluoromethyl
(1,2,2-trimethylpropoxy)-; Methyl pinacolyl phosphonofluoridate; Pinacolyl methylfluorophosphonate;
Fluoromethylpinacolyloxyphosphine oxide; Methyl pinacolyloxyfluorophosphine oxide; Pinacolyl methane
fluorophosphonate; Pinacoloxymethylphosphoryl fluoride; Methylfluoropinacolylphosphonite;
Methylfluorphosphorsaeurepinakolylester (German); Methyl pinacolyloxy phosphorylfluoride; Methyl pinacolyl
phosphonofluoridate; Pinacoloxymethylphosphoryl fluoride; Pinacolyl methylphosphonofluoride; Pinacolyloxy
methylphosphoryl fluoride; Pynacolyl methylfluorophosphonate
CAS Registry Number: 96-64-0
RTECS Number: TA8750000
Physical and Chemical Properties
Structural Formula:
CH 3
II I
CHo — P — 0— CH— C— CH 3
I II
F CH3 CH3
Molecular Formula: C7H16FO2P
Molecular Weight: 182.17
Physical State
Colorless liquid when pure 1
Odor
Fruity; impurities give it the odor of camphor 2 ' 3
Boiling Point
198°C (extrapolated) decomposes 4
FP/MP
-42°C (MP); 5,e generally solidifies to a noncrystalline, glasslike material 7
Liquid Density (g/mL)
1.0222 @ 25°C; 1.0456 @ 0°C (extrapolated) 7
Vapor Density (relative to air)
6.3 (calculated)
Vapor Pressure (torr)
4.01 x 10" 1 @ 25°C; 4.96 x 10" 2 @ 0°C 4
Volatility (mg/m 3 )
3.93 x 10 3 @ 25°C; 5.31 x 10 2 @ 0°C (calculated from vapor pressure) 4
Latent Heat of Vaporization
(kcal/mol)
13.2 @ 25°C; 13.8 @ 0°C (calculated from vapor pressure) 4
Viscosity (cP)
3.167 @ 25.0°C, 6.789 @ 0°C (extrapolated) 5
Viscosity of Vapor (cP)
5.90 x 10" 3 @ 25.0°C, 5.33 x 10" 3 @ 0°C 5
Surface Tension (dynes/cm)
24.5 @ 25.5°C 5
Flash Point
121°C (open cup) 5 ' 8
Decomposition Temperature
Above 150°C, 1 stabilized GD decomposes in 200 hrs @ 130°C; unstabilized GD
decomposes in 4 hrs @ 130°C 9
Solubility
Solubility of GD in water is 2.1 g GD/100g @ 20°C; 9 ' 10 3.4 g GD/100g solution @
0°C; 9 very soluble in organic solvents 1
Rate of Hydrolysis
Varies with pH; using a 0.003 molar solution of GD @ 25°C, t 1/2 = 3 hr. @ pH 2; t 1/2
= 45 hrs @ pH 6.65; ty 2 = 60 hrs @ pH 10; complete hydrolysis occurs in less than
5 min in a 5% NaOH solution 11
Hydrolysis Products
Essentially PMPA and HF 11
Stability in Storage
Relatively stable in glass for 5-1/2 months @ ambient temperature with or without a
stabilizer. 12 Stabilized GD can be stored for at least 6 months @ elevated
temperatures (71°C) in glass, steel, and aluminum containers. 13
Action on Metals or Other Materials
Corrosion rate on steel is 0.00001 inch/month @ 65 C C 14
II-21
Table 11-10. GD (Continued)
Other Data
Eyes: very high toxicity; much greater through eyes than through skin. Skin: highly toxic;
decontamination of smallest drop of liquid agent is essential; liquid penetrates skin. 15
Skin and eye toxicity
Inhalation toxicity
Most toxic route of exposure
Rate of action
Rapid
Means of detection
M8 paper, M9 paper, M256A1 CADK, M8A1 ACAA, M90 AMAD, M21 ACAA, M22
ACADA, CAM/ICAM, M272 Water Testing Kit, , CAPDS, IPDS, AN/KAS-1 CWDD,
M18A3 CADK, 16 M18A2 CADK, MM1
Protection required
MOPP4; liquid nerve agents penetrate ordinary clothing rapidly
Decontamination
Flush eyes with water immediately. Use the M291 SDK to remove any liquid nerve
agent on skin or clothing. Use the M295 IEDK for individual equipment. 15 STB is
effective on equipment. Water, steam, and absorbents (earth, sawdust, ashes, and
rags) are effective for physical removal. 19
Use
Quick-acting casualty agent
NOTES
1 Franke, S., Manual of Chemistry Volume I- Chemistry of Chemical Warfare Agents, ACSI-J-3890, Chemie der Kampfstoffe, East
Berlin, April 1968, UNCLASSIFIED Technical Manual (AD849866).
2 Welchman, R.M.A., Preliminary Report on the Potential Value of Nerve Gases as C.W. Agents, Porton Report No. 2747 (PR 2747),
Chemical Defence Experimental Establishment, Porton, England, January 1947, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADE470188).
3 TM 3-215/AFM 355-7, Military Chemistry and Chemical Agents, December 1963, UNCLASSIFIED Technical Manual
(ADA292141).
"Savage, J. J., and Fielder, D., The Vapor Pressure of Chemical Agents CD, VX, EA2223, EA 3547, EA 3580, EA 5365, and EA
5533, EC-TR-76058, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, August 1976, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB013164).
5 Samuel, J.B., et al., Physical Properties of Standard Agents, Candidate Agents, and Related Compounds at Several Temperatures
(U), ARCSL-SP-83015, USA Armament Research and Development Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, June 1983,
UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADC033491).
6 Stern, R.A., USA Chemical Research and Development Laboratories Notebook # NB 7265, p. 45 (C).
7 Zeffert, B.M., and Coulter, P.B., Physical Constants ofG-Series Compounds: Compounds EA 1210, EA 1211, EA 1212, EA 1213,
EA 1214, Technical Division Memorandum Report 1292, USA Chemical Research and Development Laboratories, Army Chemical
Center, MD, July 1947, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB964904).
"Fielder, D, USA Chemical Warfare Laboratories Notebook # NB 6695, p. 72 (C).
9 Chemical Agent Data Sheets Volume I, Edgewood Arsenal Special Report EO-SR-74001, Edgewood Arsenal, Aberdeen Proving
Ground, MD, December 1974, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB028222).
10 Witten, Benjamin, The Search for Toxic Chemical Agents (U), EATR 4210, Edgewood Arsenal Research Laboratories, MD,
November 1969, UNCLASSIFIED Report (AD507852).
"Buckles, L.C., The Hydrolysis Rate of GD, TCIR 373, Chemical Corps Technical Command, Army Chemical Center, MD, March
1947, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB966291).
"Newman, J.H., etal.,/4 Thickener for GD (U), EC-TR-77016, Edgewood Arsenal, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, April 1977,
CONFIDENTIAL Report (ADC009719).
"Grula, R.S., et al., Storage Stability of GD, GF and EA 1356 (U), CRDLR 3342, USA Chemical Research and Development
Laboratories, Edgewood Arsenal, MD, December 1965, CONFIDENTIAL Report (AD369299).
"Hormats, S., et al., Storage Stability in Steel at 65°C of Pure GD. Corrosion Rate of Steel at 65°C, TDMR 1 346, Chemical Corps
Technical Compound, Army Chemical Center, MD, March 1948, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB964759).
15 FM 8-285/NAVMED P-5041/AFJMAN 44-149/FMFM 11-11, Treatment of Chemical Agent Casualties and Conventional Military
Chemical Injuries, 22 December 1995.
16 Sharon Reutter, et al., SBCCOM Report Review and Recommendations for Human Toxicity Estimates for FM 3-11.9, ECBC-TR-
349, September 2003.
17 NIOSH-DOD-OSHA Sponsored Chemical and Biological Respiratory Protection Workshop Report, February 2000.
18 DOD Chemical And Biological Defense Program Annual Report to Congress, Volume I, April 2003.
19 FM 3-5/MCWP 3-37.3, NBC Decontamination, 28 July 2000.
11-22
i. GD Toxicity Estimates (Table 11-11). Note that for an inhalation/ocular expouse
the TLE is greater than 1. This means that the effective dosage increases with longer
exposure durations and the concentration of the agent decreases.
Table 11-11. GD Toxicity Estimates 10
Endpoint
Toxicity
(mg-min/m 3 )
MV(L)
Exposure
Duration
ROE
Probit
Slope
TLE
ROD
DOC
Lethality
LD 50 : 350 mg a
N/A
N/A; 70-kg
man
Percutaneous
Liquid b
6
N/A
Unknown
Low
LCt 50 : 35 a
15
2 min
Inhalation/
Ocular
12
1.25°
Some
Low
LCt 50 : 3000 a ' d
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor e
6
1*'
Unknown
Low
LCt 50 : 1500 gh
(provisional)
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor e
6
r 1
Unknown
Low
Severe effects,
includes some
deaths
ED 50 : 200 mg a
N/A
N/A; 70-kg
man
Percutaneous
Liquid b
6
N/A
Unknown
Low
ECt 5 „: 25 a
15
2 min
Inhalation/
Ocular
12
1.25 c
Some
Low
ECt 50 : 2000 ad
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor e
6
1*'
Unknown
Low
ECt 50 : 1000 gh
(provisional)
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor e
6
1*'
Unknown
Low
Threshold
effects
ECt 50 : 300 ad
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor e
6
1 c '<
Unknown
Low
ECt 50 : 150 gh
(provisional)
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor 6
6
1 el
Unknown
Low
Mild effects
(miosis,
rhinorrhea)
ECt 5 „: 0.2 '
N/A
2 min
Inhalation/
Ocular
10
1.4 C
Some
Low
NOTES
a Based on Grotte and Yang (2001).
b Bare skin.
"See Appendix H for supporting toxicity p
d Moderate temperatures (65-85°F).
e Assumes personnel are masked with
f The TLE value is assumed 1 because th<
g Based on recommendations for GB.
h Hot temperatures (greater than 85°F).
'Based on recommendations for GB and r
■ofile estimates.
aye protection and bare skin.
3 concentration time profile is unknown.
elative potency of GD and GB.
j. Cyclosarin (GF) (see Table 11-12 [page 11-24]). GF is a colorless and odorless
liquid when pure. 13 See Table 11-13 (page 11-26) for toxicity estimates.
11-23
Table 11-12. GF
Alternate Designations: EA 1212 (US); T-2139 (British); CMPF
Chemical Name: Cyclohexyl methylphosphonofluoridate
Synonyms: Cyclohexyloxyfluoromethylphosphine oxide; Cyclohexyl methylfluorophosphate; Phosphonofluoridic acid,
methyl-, cyclohexyl ester; Methyl cyclohexylfluorophosphonate
CAS Registry Number: 329-99-7
RTECS Number: TA 8225000
Physical and Chemical Properties
Structural Formula:
o
CH 3 — P-O^ \
Molecular Formula: C 7 H 14 F0 2 P
Molecular Weight: 180.16
h
Physical State
Colorless liquid 1
Odor
None if pure 2
Boiling Point
228°C (extrapolated) 3
FP/MP
-30 to-50°C (FP); 4 -12°C (MP); below -30°C, a metastable crystalline form of GF
is produced which slowly converts into a stable form that melts @ -12°C 5
Liquid Density (g/mL)
1.1276 @ 25°C; 1.1525 @ 0°C (extrapolated) 4
Vapor Density (relative to air)
6.2 (calculated)
Vapor Pressure (torr)
9.27 x 10' 2 @ 25°C; 9.78 x 10" 3 @ 0°C (extrapolated) 3
Volatility (mg/m 3 )
8.98 x 10 2 @ 25°C; 1.03 x 10 2 @ 0°C (calculated from vapor pressure) 3
Latent Heat of Vaporization
(kcal/mol)
14.3 @ 25°C; 14.8 @ C C (calculated from vapor pressure) 3
Flash Point
94°C 6
Viscosity (cP)
5.41 @ 25.0°C, 14.762 @ 0°C (extrapolated) 6
Viscosity of Vapor (cP)
6.15 x 10" 3 @ 25.0°C, 5.5 x 10" 3 @ 0°C 6
Surface Tension (dynes/cm)
32.3 @ 25.5°C 6
Decomposition Temperature
Completely decomposes within 2 hrs @ 150°C 7
Solubility
Solubility in water is 3.7 g GF/100g @ 20°C; 5.1 g GF/100 g @ 0°C 6
Rate of Hydrolysis
ti /2 = 42 hrs @ 25°C using a 0.003 M solution of GF in distilled water 8
Hydrolysis Products
Hydrogen fluoride and cyclohexyl methylphosphonic acid 5
Stability in Storage
Stabilized GF can be stored @ 71 C C for at least 6 months in glass containers and at
least 1 year in steel and aluminum containers. 9
Action on Metals or Other Materials
Corrosion rate on steel is 0.000053 inch/month @ 65°C 10
Other Data
Skin and eye toxicity
Eyes: very high toxicity; much greater through eyes than through skin. Skin: highly
toxic; decontamination of smallest drop of liquid agent is essential; liquid penetrates
skin 11 .
Inhalation toxicity
Most toxic route of exposure 12
Rate of action
Rapid 13
Means of detection
M8 paper, M9 paper, M256A1 CADK, M8A1 ACAA, M90 AMAD, M21 ACAA, M22
ACADA, CAM/ICAM, M272 Water Testing Kit, , CAPDS, IPDS, AN/KAS-1 CWDD
M18A3 CADK, 14 M18A2 CADK, MM1
Protection required
MOPP4; liquid nerve agents penetrate ordinary clothing rapidly 11 .
Decontamination
Flush eyes with water immediately. Use the M291 SDK to remove any liquid nerve
agent on skin or clothing. Use the M295 IEDK for individual equipment. 11 STB is
effective on equipment. Water, steam, and absorbents (earth, sawdust, ashes, and
rags) are effective for physical removal. 15
Use
Quick-acting casualty agent
II-24
Table 11-12. GF (Continued)
NOTES
''Eakle, B.F., Chemical Agent GF (U), Technical Study 69-C4, USA Desert Test Center, Fort Douglas, Utah, January 1969,
UNCLASSIFIED Report (AD509689).
2 Chemical Agent Data Sheets Vol. II, Edgewood Arsenal Special Report EO-SR-74002, USA Armament Command,
Edgewood Arsenal, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, December 1974, CONFIDENTIAL Report (AD000020).
3 Tevault, D.E., et al., Vapor Pressure of GF, TR-304S, USA ECBC, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, submitted for
publication 2 May 2003, UNCLASSIFIED Report.
4 Zeffert, B.M., and Coulter, P.B., Physical Constants ofG-Series Compounds: EA1210, EA1211, EA1212, EA1213, EA1214,
Technical Division Memorandum Report 1292), July 1947, USA Chemical Research and Development Laboratories, Army
Chemical Center, MD, July 1947, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB964904).
5 Chinn, Kenneth, S. K., Joint CB Technical Data Source Book, Volume III, G Nerve Agents, Part Three: Agents GD and GF
(U), DPG-TR-82-004, USA Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, August 1983, SECRET Report (ADC032927).
Samuel, J.B., et al., Physical Properties of Standard Agents, Candidate Agents, and Related Compounds at Several
Temperatures (U), ARCSL-SP-83015, USA Armament Research and Development Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground,
MD, June 1 983, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADC033491 ).
7 Perry, B.J., et al., The Chemistry of the Alkylfluorophosphonites and Related Compounds, Porton Technical Paper No. 258,
Chemical Defense Experimental Establishment, Porton, England, 31 August 1951, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADE481528).
8 Buckles, L.C., The Hydrolysis Rate of G Agents, TCIR 393, USA Chemical Research and Development Laboratories, Army
Chemical Center, MD, December 1947, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB966236).
9 Grula, R.S., et al., Storage Stability of GD, GF and EA 1356 (U), CRDLR 3342, USA Chemical Research and Development
Laboratories, Edgewood Arsenal, MD, December 1965, CONFIDENTIAL Report (AD369299).
10 Kaiser, W.A., Summary of Information on Agent GF, CRLR 164, USA Chemical Research and Development Laboratories,
Army Chemical Center, MD, March 1954, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB969120).
11 FM 8-285/NAVMED P-5041/AFJMAN 44-149/FMFM 11-11, Treatment of Chemical Agent Casualties and Conventional
Military Chemical Injuries, 22 December 1995.
12 Sharon Reutter, et al., Rew'ew and Recommendations for Human Toxicity Estimates for FM 3-11.9, ECBC-TR-349,
September 2003.
n NIOSH-DOD-OSHA Sponsored Chemical and Biological Respiratory Protection Workshop Report, February 2000.
14 DOD Chemical And Biological Defense Program Annual Report to Congress, Volume I, April 2003.
15 FM 3-5/MCWP 3-37.3, NBC Decontamination, 28 July 2000.
k. GF Toxicity Estimates (Table 11-13, page 11-26). Note that for an
inhalation/ocular exposure the TLE is greater than 1. This means that the effective dosage
increases with longer exposure durations and the concentration of the agent decreases.
-25
Table II-13. GF Toxicity Estimates 1 "
Endpoint
Toxicity
(mg-min/m 3 )
MV(L)
Exposure
Duration
ROE
Probit
Slope
TLE
ROD
DOC
Lethality
LD 50 : 350 mg
a
N/A
N/A; 70-kg
man
Percutaneous
Liquid"
5
N/A
Unknown
Low
LCt 50 : 35 a
15
2 min
Inhalation/
Ocular
12
1.25 c
Some
Moderate
LCt 50 : 3000 ad
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor e
5
1 c,f
Unknown
Low
LCt 50 : 1500 gh
(provisional)
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor e
5
1 c,f
Unknown
Low
Severe effects,
includes some
deaths
ED 50 : 200 mg
a
N/A
N/A; 70-kg
man
Percutaneous
Liquid"
5
N/A
Unknown
Low
ECt 50 25 a
15
2 min
Inhalation/
Ocular
12
1.25 c
Some
Moderate
ECt 50 : 2000 ad
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor e
5
1 c,f
Unknown
Low
ECt 50 1000 gh
(provisional)
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor e
5
1 c,f
Unknown
Low
Threshold
effects
ECt 50 : 300 ad
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor e
6
1 c,f
Unknown
Low
ECt 50 : 150 gh
(provisional)
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor e
6
1 c,f
Unknown
Low
Mild effects
(miosis,
rhinorrhea)
ECt 50 : 0.2'
N/A
2 min
Inhalation/
Ocular
10
1.4 c
Some
Low
NOTES
a Based on Grotte and Yang (2001).
b Bare skin.
c See Appendix H for supporting toxicity profile estimates.
"Moderate temperatures (65-85°F).
e Assumes personnel are masked with eye protection and bare skin.
f The TLE value is assumed to be 1 because the Ct profile is unknown.
g Hot temperatures (greater than 85°F).
h Based on recommendations for GB.
'Based on recommendations for GD.
1. O-ethyl methyl phosphonothiolate (VX) (see Table 11-14). VX is a colorless and
odorless liquid when pure. 13 Although VX is significantly less volatile than the other
agents, it does vaporize to some extent and is extremely potent. A significant component of
the hazard or airborne VX is percutaneous absorption of the vapor. 10 See Table 11-15 (page
11-29) for toxicity estimates.
11-26
Table 11-14. VX
Alternate Designations: EA 1701; TX60
Chemical Name: 0-Ethyl-S-(2-diisopropylaminoethyl) methyl phosphonothiolate
Synonyms: S-(2-Diisopropylaminoethyl) O-ethyl methyl phosphonothiolate; Ethyl-S-dimethylaminoethyl
methylphosphonothiolate; Phosphonothioic acid, methyl-, S-(2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl) O-ethyl ester; Ethyl S-2-
diisopropylaminoethyl methylphosphonothiolate; Ethyl-S-diisopropylaminoethyl methylthiophosphonate;
Methylphosphonothioic acid S-(2- (bis(methylethyl)amino)ethyl) O-ethyl ester; O-Ethyl-S-2-diisopropylaminoethylester
kyseliny methylthiofosfonove (Czech)
CAS Registry Number: 50782-69-9
RTECS Number: TB1 090000
Physical and Chemical Properties
Structural Formula:
II CH(CH 3 ) 2
CH 3 CH 2 — O— P— S— CH 2 CH 2 — N
CH 3 X CH(CH 3 ) 2
Molecular Formula: CnH 2 6N0 2 PS
Molecular Weight: 267.37
Physical State
Colorless liquid when pure 1
Odor
Odorless when pure 1
Boiling Point
292°C (extrapolated) 2
FP/MP
Below -51 °C and -39 to -60°C (FP) 3 " 5
Liquid Density (g/mL)
1 .0083 @ 25°C; 1 .0209 @ 0°C (extrapolated) 4
Vapor Density (relative to air)
9.2 (calculated)
Vapor Pressure (torr)
8.78 x 10" 4 @ 25°C; 4.22 x 10" 5 @ 0°C (extrapolated) 2
Volatility (mg/m 3 )
1.26 x 10 1 @ 25°C; 6.62 x 10" 1 @ C C (calculated from vapor pressure) 2
Latent Heat of Vaporization
(kcal/mol)
19.2 @ 25°C; 20.1 @ C C; (calculated from vapor pressure) 2 ' 6
Viscosity (cP)
10.041 @ 25.0°C, 37.532 @ 0°C (extrapolated) 3
Viscosity of Vapor (cP)
5.13 x 10" 3 @ 25.0°C, 4.63 x 10" 3 @ 0°C 3
Surface Tension (dynes/cm)
31.3 @ 25. 0°C, 37.7 @0°C 3
Flash Point
127°C (continuously closed cup method) 7
Decomposition Temperature
t 1/2 = 502 days @ 71 °C; t 1/2 = 41 days @ 100°C; t 1/2 = 34.5 hrs @ 150°C; t 1/2 = 10
hrs @ 1 70°C; 8 t 1/2 = 1 .6 hrs @ 200°C; t 1/2 = 4 min @ 250°C; t 1/2 = 36 sec @ 295°C 5
Solubility
Water solubility of VX is 5% @ 21 .5°C; 4 miscible with water below 9.4°C; 4 soluble
in common organic solvents 5
Rate of Hydrolysis
Hydrolysis rate of VX varies with temperature and concentration. At 22°C, ti/ 2 = 1.8
min[1.25M NaOH]; t 1/2 = 10.8 min [0.25M NaOH]; t 1/2 = 31 min. [0.10M NaOH]; t 1/2 =
3.3 hrs [0.01 M NaOH]; t 1/2 = 20.8 hrs [0.001 M NaOH]; and t 1/2 = 60 hrs [pure H 2 0] 9
Hydrolysis Products
VX hydrolyzes via three different pathways (P-S, P-O, and C-S), which vary
significantly with temperature and pH. At pH below 12, the P-O bond cleavage path
produces ethyl methylphosphonate (EMPA) and the toxic S-[2-
diisopropylaminoethyl] methylphosphonothiolate ion (EA 2192). At room
temperature EA 2192 reacts very slowly with OH" [EA 2192, t 1/2 = 7.4 days (1 .0M
NaOH)] eventually producing less toxic products. ,1 ° Using an equimolar ratio of
VX and water at elevated temperatures appears to reduce the persistency of EA
2192. 11
Stability in Storage
Relatively stable @ ambient temperature; unstabilized VX of 95% purity
decomposes at a rate of 5% a month @ 71 °C. 13 Highly purified VX is stable in both
glass and steel. 1
Action on Metals or Other Materials
Negligible on brass, steel, and aluminum; slight corrosion with copper 12
II-27
Table 11-14. VX (Continued)
Other Data
Skin and eye toxicity
Extremely toxic by skin and eye absorption 14
Inhalation toxicity
Extremely potent 15
ROA
Rapid 16
Means of detection
M8 paper, M9 paper, M256A1 CADK, M8A1 ACAA, M90 AMAD, M22 ACADA,
CAM/ICAM, M272 Water Testing Kit, CAPDS, IPDS, AN/KAS-1 CWDD, M18A3
CADK, 17 M18A2 CADK, MM1
Protection required
MOPP4; liquid nerve agents penetrate ordinary clothing rapidly 14
Decontamination
Flush eyes with water immediately. Use the M291 SDK to remove any liquid nerve
agent on skin or clothing. Use the M295 IEDK for individual equipment. 14 STB,
HTH, or household bleach are effective on equipment. Water, soaps, detergents,
steam, and absorbents (earth, sawdust, ashes, and rags) are effective for physical
Use
Quick-acting casualty agent
NOTES
1 Witten, B., The Search for Toxic Chemical Agents (U), EATR 4210, Edgewood Arsenal Research Laboratories, MD,
November 1969, UNCLASSIFIED Report (AD507852).
2 Buchanan, J.H., et al., Vapor Pressure of VX, ECBC-TR-068, USA Soldier and Biological Chemical Command, Aberdeen
Proving Ground, MD, November 1999, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADA371297).
3 Samuel, J.B., et al., Physical Properties of Standard Agents, Candidate Agents, and Related Compounds at Several
Temperatures (U), ARCSL-SP-83015, June 1983, USA Armament Research and Development Command, Aberdeen
Proving Ground, MD, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADC033491).
4 Coulter, P.B., et al., Physical Constants of Thirteen V Agents, CWLR 2346, USA Chemical Warfare Laboratories, Army
Chemical Center, MD, December 1959, UNCLASSIFIED Report (AD314520).
~ 'Chemical Agent Data Sheets Volume I, Edgewood Arsenal Special Report EO-SR-74001 , USA Armament Command,
Edgewood Arsenal, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, December 1974, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB028222).
6 Abercrombie, P., ECBC Notebook* NB 98-0079, p. 11 (U).
7 Butrow, B., ECBC Notebook # NB 97-0109 (C).
8 Rohrbaugh, D.K., et al., Studies in Support of SUPLECAM (Surveillance Program for Lethal Chemical Agents and
Munitions) II, 1. Thermal Decomposition ofVX, CRDEC-TR-88056, USA Chemical Research, Development and Engineering
Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, May 1988, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB124301).
9 Yang, Y, et al., "Hydrolysis of VX: Activation Energies and Autocatalysis," In Proceedings of the 1994 ERDEC Scientific
Conference on Chemical Biological Defense Research 15-18 Novemberl994, UNCLASSIFIED Paper (ADE479900),
ERDEC-SP-036, pp. 375-382, USA Edgewood Research, Development and Engineering Center, Aberdeen Proving
Ground, MD, May 1996, UNCLASSFIED Report (ADA313080).
10 Yang, Y., etal., "Perhydrolysis of Nerve Agent VX," J. Org. Chem, Vol. 58, p. 6965, 1993.
11 Yang, Y., et al., "Hydrolysis of VX with Equimolar Water at Elevated Temperatures: Activation Parameters of VX, CV and
EA 2192," In Proceedings of the 1996 ERDEC Scientific Conference on Chemical Biological Defense Research 19-22
Novemberl996, UNCLASSIFIED Paper (ADE487572), ERDEC-SP-048, pp. 599-605, USA Edgewood Research,
Development and Engineering Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, October 1997, UNCLASSFIED Report
(ADA334105).
Eckhaus, S.R., et al., Resistance of Various Materials of Construction in Contact with Transester Process^ CWL Technical
Memorandum 31-73, USA Chemical Research and Development Laboratories, Army Chemical Center, MD, February 1959,
UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB963125).
13 Salamon, M.K., Agent VX, CWL Special Publication 4-10, USA Chemical Warfare Laboratories, Army Chemical Center,
MD, June 1959, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADE471 109).
14 FM 8-285/NAVMED P-5041/AFJMAN 44-149/FMFM 11-11, Treatment of Chemical Agent Casualties and Conventional
Military Chemical Injuries, 22 December 1995.
15 Sharon Reutter, et al., Review and Recommendations for Human Toxicity Estimates for FM 3-11.9, ECBC-TR-349,
September 2003.
1B NIOSH-DOD-OSHA Sponsored Chemical and Biological Respiratory Protection Workshop Report, February 2000.
17 DOD Chemical And Biological Defense Program Annual Report to Congress, Volume I, April 2003.
18 FM 3-5/MCWP 3-37.3, NBC Decontamination, 28 July 2000.
m. VX Toxicity Estimates (see Table 11-15). VX is unlike the G agents in that the Ct
profile for vapor inhalation appears to obey Haber's Law. However, some data indicates
that the TLE may be less than one. If it does obey the toxic load principle (C n t = k) where
the TLE (n) is less than one, it means that the ECtso does not increase with longer
exposures at lower concentrations; in fact, it may actually decrease. 9
11-28
Table II-15. VX Toxicity Estimates 10
Endpoint
Toxicity
(mg-min/m 3 )
MV(L)
Exposure
Duration
ROE
Probit
Slope
TLE
ROD
DOC
Lethality
LD 50 : 5mg a
N/A
N/A; 70-kg
man
Percutaneous
Liquid"
6
N/A
Unknown
Low
LCt 50 : 15 a
15
2-360 min
Inhalation/
Ocular
6
1 c
Little, if any
Low d
LCt 50 : 150 ae
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor f
6
1 eg
Little, if any
Low
LCt 50 : 75 M
(Provisional)
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor f
5
1 eg
Little, if any
Low
Severe effects,
includes some
deaths
ED 50 : 2mg a
N/A
N/A; 70-kg
man
Percutaneous
Liquid"
6
N/A
Unknown
Low
ECt 50 : 10 a
15
2-360 min
Inhalation/
Ocular
6
1 c
Little, if
any
Low d
ECt 50 : 25 ae
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor f
6
1 c,g
Unknown
Moderate
ECt 50 : 12 hJ
(Provisional)
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor f
6
1 c,g
Unknown
Low
Threshold effects
(Slight ChE
inhibition)
ECt 50 : 10 a ' 9
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor'
6
1 c,g
Unknown
Moderate
ECt 50 : 5 hJ
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor f
6
1 c,g
Unknown
Low
Mild effects
(miosis,
rhinorrhea)
ECt 50 : 0.1 a
N/A
2-360 min
Inhalation/
Ocular
4
1 c,g,j
Some
Low
NOTES
a Based on Grotte and Yang (2001).
b Bare skin.
c See Appendix H for supporting toxicity profile estimates.
d LCt 50 /ECt 50 could be less.
e Moderate temperatures (65-85°F).
'Assumes personnel are masked with eye protection and bare skin.
9 The TLE value is assumed to be 1 because the Ct profile is unknown.
h Hot temperatures (greater than 85°F).
'Based on recommendations for GB and Cummings and Craig (1965).
'Estimates should be revised as new data becomes available; human estimate for miosis may go down.
n. Vx (see Table 11-16) [page 11-30]. Another V agent of interest is V x , called "V sub
x". Information on this agent is limited. Based upon percutaneous liquid exposure, it
appears to be less potent than VX. However, it is decidedly more potent than the G agents.
It is also noted that it is more volatile than VX, so its potential airborne hazard is greater
than that for VX. 10 See Table 11-17 (page 11-31) for toxicity estimates.
11-29
Table 11-16. Vx
Alternate Designations: EA 1699; EDMM; Medemo
Chemical Name: O-ethyl S-(2-dimethylaminoethyl) methylphosphonothiolate
Synonyms: Phosphonothioic acid, methyl-, S-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl] O-ethyl ester; 0-Aethyl-S-(2-dimethylaminoaethyl)-
methylphosphonothioat (German); S-2- Dimethylaminoethyl-O-ethylester kyseliny methylthiofosfonove (Czech); O-Ethyl-S-
(dimethylaminoethyl)-methylphosphonothioate
CAS Registry No: 20820-80-8
RTECS Number: 51366-09-7
Physical and Chemical Properties
Structural Formula:
II / CH 3
CH 3 CH 2 — 0— P— S— CH 2 CH 2 — N
CH 3 NCH 3
Molecular Formula: C 7 H 18 N0 2 PS
Molecular Weight: 211.26
Physical State
Liquid 1
Odor
Odorless 2
Boiling Point
256°C (extrapolated) 3 ' 4
FP/MP
Data not available
Liquid Density (g/mL)
1 .060 @ 25°C; 1 .0820 @ 0°C (extrapolated) 1
Vapor Density (relative to air)
7.3 (calculated)
Vapor Pressure (torr)
6.73 x 10" 3 @ 25°C; 5.7 x 10" 4 @ 0°C (extrapolated) 3 ' 4
Volatility (mg/m 3 )
7.64 x 10 1 @ 25°C; 7.02 @ 0°C (calculated from vapor pressure) 3 ' 4
Latent Heat of Vaporization (kcal/mol)
16.0 @ 25°C; 16.1 @ C C (calculated from vapor pressure) 3 ' 4
Viscosity (cP)
5.628 @ 25.0°C, 15.335 @ 0°C (extrapolated) 3
Viscosity of Vapor (cP)
5.56 x 1 0" 3 @ 25.0°C, 5.02 x 1 0" 3 @ 0°C 3
Surface Tension (dynes/cm)
31 .4 @ 25.0°C, 33.7 @ 0°C (extrapolated) 3
Flash Point
Data not available
Decomposition Temperature
Data not available
Solubility
Soluble in organic solvents; slightly soluble in water (source unidentified)
Rate of Hydrolysis
The rate coefficient for 7.8 x 10" 3 hr" 1 (based on a nonlinear least square fit) 5
Hydrolysis Products
Ethanol and the toxic product compound S-(2-dialkylamino-ethyl)
methylphosphonothioic acid that is very stable in neutral water
Stability in Storage
Data not available
Action on Metals or Other Materials
Data not available
Other Data
Skin and eye toxicity
Extremely toxic by skin and eye absorption
Inhalation Toxicity
Extremely potent
Rate of action
Rapid 8
Means of detection
M8 paper, M9 paper, M8A1, IPDS, CAM/ICAM, M18A2 CADK, MM1 7
Protection required
MOPP4; liquid nerve agents penetrate ordinary clothing rapidly 6
Decontamination
Flush eyes with water immediately. Use the M291 SDK to remove any liquid nerve
agent on skin or clothing. Use the M295 IEDK for individual equipment. 5 STB,
HTH, or household bleach is effective on equipment. Water, soaps, detergents,
steam, and absorbents (earth, sawdust, ashes, and rags) are effective for physical
removal. 10
Use
Quick-acting casualty agent
11-30
Table 11-16. Vx (Continued)
NOTES
Coulter, P.B., et al., Physical Constants of Thirteen V Agents (U), CWLR 2346, USA Chemical Warfare Laboratories, Army
Chemical Center, MD, December 1959, UNCLASSIFIED Report (AD314520).
2 TM 3-215/AFM, Military Chemistry and Chemical Agents, Washington DC, December 1963, UNCLASSIFIED Technical
Manual (ADA 292141).
3 Samuel, J.B., et al., Physical Properties of Standard Agents, Candidate Agents, and Related Compounds at Several
Temperatures (U), ARCSL-SP-83015, June 1983, USA Armament Research and Development Command, Aberdeen
Proving Ground, MD, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADC033491).
4 Newman, J.H., Edgewood Arsenal Notebook* NB 9298, p. 64 (U).
5 Szafraniec, L.J., et al., On the Stoichiometry of Phosphonothiolate Ester Hydrolysis, CRDEC-TR-212, USA Chemical
Research Developments Engineering Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, July 1990, UNCLASSIFIED Report
(ADA225952).
6 FM 8-285/NAVMED P-5041/AFJMAN 44-149/FMFM 11-11, Treatment of Chemical Agent Casualties and Conventional
Military Chemical Injuries, 22 December 1995.
7 Sharon Reutter, et al., Review and Recommendations for Human Toxicity Estimates for FM 3-1 1 .9, ECBC-TR-349,
September 2003.
s NIOSH-DOD-OSHA Sponsored Chemical and Biological Respiratory Protection Workshop Report, February 2000.
9 DOD Chemical And Biological Defense Program Annual Report to Congress, Volume I, April 2003.
10 FM 3-5/MCWP 3-37.3, NBC Decontamination, 28 July 2000.
Table II-17. Vx Toxicity Estimates
10
Endpoint
Toxicity
(mg-min/m 3 )
MV(L)
Exposure
Duration
ROE
Probit
Slope
TLE
ROD
DOC
N/A
No toxicity estimates
are recommended at
this time because data
are lacking.
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Unknow
n
N/A
6. Blood Agents
Blood agents include AC, CK, and SA. The cyanogen blood agents AC and CK affect
the bodily functions by inactivating the cytochrome oxidase system. 18 This poisoning
prevents cell respiration and the normal transfer of oxygen from the blood to body tissues. 18
SA causes hemolysis of the red blood cells. 19 Cyanogen agents are highly volatile and,
therefore, nonpersistent. 20 Exposure at high concentrations causes effects within seconds
and death within minutes in unprotected personnel. 18 The protective mask with fresh
filters gives adequate protection against field concentrations. 1 After exposure to AC and
CK, filters should be changed. 12 See FM 3-11.4 for filter change criteria.
a. AC (see Table 11-18 [page 11-32]). Pure AC is a nonpersistent, colorless liquid
that is highly volatile. It has a faint odor, similar to bitter almonds, that sometimes cannot
be detected even in lethal concentrations. 12 Inhalation of small amounts causes giddiness,
headache and faintness, confusion, palpitation and pain in the chest and region of the
heart, difficulty breathing, and ultimately unconsciousness. 10 Inhalation of high
concentrations can initially cause breathing that is deeper and more rapid than is normal
at rest, followed closely by a loss of consciousness. This progresses to respiratory arrest,
cessation of cardiac activity, and death. 18 Exposure to AC causes an increase in respiration
within a few seconds; a casualty may not be able to hold his breath. The pink color of the
casualty's skin suggests AC poisoning. 1 See Table 11-19 (page 11-33) for toxicity estimates.
11-31
Table 11-18. AC
Alternate Designations: Cyclone (Russian); Cyclone B; Cyclon; Prussic acid, Forestite (French); Aero Liquid HCN
Chemical Name: Hydrogen cyanide
Synonyms: Hydrocyanic acid; Acide cyanhydrique (French); Acido cianidrico (Italian); Blausaeure (German); Blauwzuur
(Dutch); Carbon hydride nitride (chn); Cyaanwaterstof (Dutch); Cyanwasserstoff (German); Cyjanowodor (Polish); Evercyn;
Formic anammonide; Formonitrile
CAS Registry Number: 74-90-8
RTECS Number: MW6825000
Physical and Chemical Properties
Structural Formula:
Molecular Formula: HCN
Molecular Weight: 27.03
H— C N
Physical State
Colorless liquid 1
Odor
Bitter almonds or peach kernels 2 '
Boiling Point
25.5°C 4 < 1
FP/BP
-13.3°C(MP) 1
Liquid Density (g/mL)
0.6797 @ 25°C; 0.7162 @ 0°C 5
Vapor Density (relative to air)
0.93 (calculated)
Vapor Pressure (torr)
7.60 x 10 2 @ 25.5°C; 7.46 x 10 2 @ 25.0°C; 2.65 x 10 2 @ 0°C 4 ' 1
Volatility (mg/m 3 )
1 . 1 x 1 6 @ 25.5°C; 1 .08 x 1 6 @ 25.0°C; 4.20 x 1 5 @ 0°C (calculated from vapor
pressure) 4?
Latent Heat of Vaporization
(kcal/mol)
6.72 @ 25.5°C; 6.72 @ 25.0°C; 6.71 @ 0°C (calculated from vapor pressure) 4 ' 1
Viscosity (cP)
Data not available
Viscosity of Vapor (cP)
Data not available
Surface Tension (dynes/cm)
Data not available
Flash Point
-18 C C (closed cup); 3 frequently ignites when explosively disseminated 6
Decomposition Temperature
Above 65.5 C C when stabilized; 6 forms explosive polymer on standing; 2 ' 3 stabilized
material can be stored up to 65°C 6
Solubility
Miscible with water and common organic solvents including alcohol and ether 7
Rate of Hydrolysis
Slow under acidic conditions; rapid with traces of base or basic salts 8
Hydrolysis Products
Ammonia, formic acid (HCOOH), and amorphous brown solids 9
Stability in Storage
Pure AC is unstable in storage; forms explosive polymer on long standing; 2 ' 6 with
the use of a stabilizer such as phosphoric acid, sulfur dioxide, or powdered copper,
AC may be stored in metal containers for long periods of time @ temperatures up to
65°C 2 ' 3 ' 6
Action on Metals or Other Materials
Corrodes iron, cast iron, chromium steel, and lead 2
Other Data
Skin and eye toxicity
None
Inhalation toxicity
Can cause death within minutes. 10
Rate of action
Rapid 11
Means of detection
M256A1 CADK, M272 water testing kit, M18A2 CADK, 12 M18A3, MMI
Protection required
Protective mask with fresh filter; MOPP 4 when exposed to or handling liquid AC 13
Decontamination
Move to fresh air; none required under field conditions 14
Use
Quick-acting casualty agent
II-32
Table 11-18. AC (Continued)
NOTES
1 Giauque, W.F. and Ruehrwein, R.A., "The Entropy of Hydrogen Cyanide. Heat Capacity, Heat of Vaporization and Vapor
Pressure. Hydrogen Bond Polymerization of the Gas in Chains of Indefinite Length." J. Am. Chem. Soc, Vol. 61, p. 2626,
1939.
2 Franke, S., Manual of Military Chemistry Volume I- Chemistry of Chemical Warfare Agents, ACSI-J-3890, Chemie der
Kampfstoffe, East Berlin, April 1968, UNCLASSIFIED Report (AD849866).
3 Lewis, R.J., Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, 10th ed., Vol. 3, p. 1992, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New
York, NY, 2001.
4 Abercrombie, P., ECBC Notebook* NB 98-0079, p. 16 (U).
5 Coates, J.E., and Davies, R.H., "Studies on Hydrogen Cyanide. Part XVIII. Some Physical Properties of Anhydrous
Hydrogen Cyanide," J. Chem. Soc, p. 1194, 1950.
6 W.R. Kirner, Summary Technical Report of Division 9, NDRC Volume 1, Chemical Warfare Agents, and Related Chemical
Problems Part /-//, Chapter 2, p. 7, Office of Scientific Research and Development, Washington, DC, 1946, UNCLASSIFIED
Report (AD234270).
7 The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals, 1 3th ed., p. 857, Merck & Company, Inc.,
Whitehouse Station, NJ, 2001.
8 Properties of War Gases Vol. II: Blood and Nettle Gases (U), ETF 1 00-41 A/ol-2, Chemical Corps Board, Army Chemical
Center, Maryland, December 1956, CONFIDENTIAL Report (AD108457).
9 Clark, D.N, Review of Reactions of Chemical Agents in Water, Final Report to USA Biomedical Research and Development
Laboratory, Battelle, Columbus, OH, January 1989, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADA213287).
10 BG Russ Zajtchuk et al. (eds), Textbook of Military Medicine: Medical Aspects of Chemical and Biological Warfare, Office
of the Surgeon General, 1997, Chap. 10, "Cyanide Poisoning."
"NIOSH-DOD-OSHA Sponsored Chemical and Biological Respiratory Protection Workshop Report, February 2000.
12 AFMAN 1 0-2602, Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, and Conventional (NBCC) Defense Operations and Standards
(Operations), 29 May 2003.
"FM 8-285/NAVMED P-5041/AFJMAN 44-149/FMFM 11-11, Treatment of Chemical Agent Casualties and Conventional
Military Chemical Injuries, 22 December 1995.
14 FM 8-9/NAVMED P-5059/AFJMAN 44-151, NATO Handbook on the Medical Aspects of NBC Defense Operations
AMEDP-6(B), 1 February 1996.
b. AC Toxicity Estimates (Table 11-19). Note that for an inhalation/ocular expouse
the TLE is greater than 1. This means that the effective dosage increases with longer
exposure durations and the concentration of the agent decreases. No toxicity effects for
severe effects is recommended. The existing estimate is not supported by the available
data.
Table 11-19. AC Toxicity Estimates
10
Endpoint
Toxicity
(mg-min/m 3 )
MV(L)
Exposure
Duration
ROE
Probit
Slope
TLE
ROD
DOC
Lethality
LCt 50 : 2860 a
(Provisional)
15
2 min
Inhalation/
Ocular
10
1.85 b
Some
Low
Severe effects
ECt 50 : NR
N/A
N/A
Inhalation/
Ocular
Unknown
Unknown
Some
N/A
Threshold/odor
(odor detection)
EC 50 : 34 mg/m 3 c
N/A
Seconds
Inhalation/
Ocular
Unknown
N/A
N/A
Low
NOTES
a Based on McNamara (1976).
b See Appendix H for supporting toxicity profile estimates.
c Based on TM 3-215 (1952) and secondary human data.
c. CK (see Table 11-20 [page 11-34]). CK is a colorless gas with an irritating odor. 13
It is nonpersistent and is used as a quick-acting casualty agent. 20 It is readily detectable by
its immediate lacrimatory effect and its irritant effect on the nasal passage. 20 At high
concentrations CK produces effects similar to AC. 10 However, in occasional instances, lung
irritation can lead to pulmonary edema. 20 See Table 11-21 (page 11-35) for CK toxicity
estimates.
11-33
Table 11-20. CK
Alternate Designations: Mauguinite (French); CC; Klortsian
Chemical Name: Cyanogen chloride
Synonyms: Chlorcyan; Chlorine cyanide; Chlorocyan; Chlorocyanide; Chlorocyanogen; Chlorure de cyanogene (French)
CAS Registry Number: 506-77-4
RTECS Number: GT2275000
Physical and Chemical Properties
Structural Formula:
Molecular Formula: CNCI
Molecular Weight: 61.47
CI C N
Physical State
Colorless gas 1
Odor
Lacrimatory and irritating 2
Boiling Point
1 2. 8°C (calculated) 35
FP/MP
-6.9°C (FP) 5
Liquid Density (g/mL)
1.202 @ 10°C; 1.222 @0°C 4
Vapor Density (relative to air)
2.1 (calculated)
Vapor Pressure (torr)
7.60 x 10 2 @ 12.8X; 6.80 x 10 2 @ 10°C; 4.48 x 10 2 @ 0°C 3 " 5
Volatility (mg/m 3 )
2.62x10 6 @ 12.8°C;2.37x10 6 @ 10°C; 1.62 x 10 6 @ 0°C (calculated from vapor
pressure) 3 " 5
Latent Heat of Vaporization
(kcal/mol)
6.40 @ 12.8°C; 6.41 @ 10°C; 6.44 @ 0°C calculated from vapor pressure) 3 " 5
Viscosity (cP)
Data not available
Viscosity of Vapor (cP)
Data not available
Surface Tension (dynes/cm)
Data not available
Flash Point
Nonflammable 2
Decomposition Temperature
Approximately 149°C 6
Solubility
Solubility of liquefied CK in water is 71.4 g/L @ 20°C, 7 soluble in common organic
solvents, sulfur mustard, and AC 1
Rate of Hydrolysis
The hydrolysis rate of CK with tap water is Ua = 180 hrs @ ambient temperature and
pH7 8
Hydrolysis Products
Hydrogen chloride and cyanic acid (CNOH) 9
Stability in Storage
CK is stable in glass containers for long periods of time even @ elevated
temperatures. Stable in steel containers for at least 1 year @ ambient temperature,
but only about 9 weeks @ 60°C, after which time the gas begins to polymerize with
formation of the corrosive solid, cyanuric chloride. Impurities have a tendency to
promote explosive polymerization. 10,2 When stabilized using 5% anhydrous,
powdered sodium pyrophosphate, munitions grade CK with a water content of less
than 0.5% can be stored in most common metals for extended periods of time @
temperatures up to 100°C. 2
Action on Metals or Other Materials
None if CK is dry; slowly polymerizes when stored unstabilized in steel and other
common metals @ elevated temperatures (see stability in storage section) 2
Other Data
Skin and eye toxicity
Irritation to eyes similar to RCAs
Inhalation toxicity
Can cause death within minutes 11
Rate of action
Rapid 12
Means of detection
M256A1 CADK, M272 water testing kit, M18A2 CADK, M18A3 CADK, MMI 13
Protection required
Protective mask with fresh filters 14
Decontamination
Move to fresh air; none required under field conditions 15
Use
Quick-acting casualty agent
II-34
Table 11-20. CK (Continued)
NOTES
^ranke, S., Manual of Military Chemistry Volume I - Chemistry of Chemical Warfare Agents , ACSI-J-3890, Chemie der
Kampfstoffe, East Berlin, April 1968, UNCLASSIFIED Report (AD849866).
2 W.R. Kirner, Summary Technical Report of Division 9, NDRC Volume 1, Chemical Warfare Agents, and Related Chemical
Problems Part l-ll, Chapter 2, Office of Scientific Research and Development, Washington, DC, 1946, UNCLASSIFIED
Report (AD234270).
3 Abercrombie, P., ECBC Notebook* NB 98-0079, p. 16 (U).
4 Cook, R.P., and Robinson, P.L., "Certain Physical Properties of Cyanogen and its Halides," J. Chem. Soc, p. 1001, 1935.
5 Douglas, D.E., and Winkler, C.A., "The Preparation, Purification, Physical Properties and Hydrolysis of Cyanogen Chloride,"
Ca. J. Research, Vol. 25B, p. 381, 1947.
6 Brooks, Marguerite E, et al., Incineration/Pyrolysis of Several Agents and Related Chemical Materials Contained in
Identification Sets, ARCSL-TR-79040, October 1979, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB042888).
7 Carter, R.H., and Knight, H.C., Fundamental Study of Toxicity: Solubility of Certain Toxics in Water and in Olive Oil, EACD
445, Chemical Warfare Service, Edgewood Arsenal, MD, May 1928, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB955216).
8 Price, C.C., et al., "Hydrolysis and Chlorinolysis of Cyanogen Chloride", J. Amer. Chem. Soc, Vol. 69, p. 1640, 1947.
9 Edwards, J.O., and Sauer, M., Chemical Reactivity of Cyanogen Chloride in Aqueous Solution, Quarterly Status Report
(March through May 1972), Report No. Ill, DAAA15-71-C-0478-QSR 3, USA Chemical Laboratories, Edgewood Arsenal,
MD, February 1973, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADA090556).
10 Henley, F.M., Surveillance Tests on 75 mm Steel Gas Shell Extending Over a Period of One Year, EACD 1 1 , Chemical
Warfare Service, Edgewood Arsenal, MD, June 1920, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB959731).
11 BG Russ Zajtchuk et al. (eds), Textbook of Military Medicine: Medical Aspects of Chemical and Biological Warfare, Office
of the Surgeon General, 1997, Chap. 10, "Cyanide Poisoning."
™NIOSH-DOD-OSHA Sponsored Chemical and Biological Respiratory Protection Workshop Report, February 2000.
13 AFMAN 1 0-2602, Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, and Conventional (NBCC) Defense Operations and Standards
(Operations), 29 May 2003.
"FM 8-285/NAVMED P-5041/AFJMAN 44-149/FMFM 11-11, Treatment of Chemical Agent Casualties and Conventional
Military Chemical Injuries, 22 December 1995.
15 FM 8-9/NAVMED P-5059/AFJMAN 44-151, NATO Handbook on the Medical Aspects of NBC Defense Operations
AMEDP-6(B), 1 February 1996.
d. CK Toxicity Estimates (Table 11-21). Note that for an inhalation/ocular expouse
the TLE is greater than 1. This means that the effective dosage increases with longer
exposure durations and the concentration of the agent decreases. No toxicity estimates for
lethal and severe effects are recommended. The existing estimates are not supported by
the available data.
Table 11-21. CK Toxicity Estimates
10
Endpoint
Toxicity
(mg-min/m 3 )
MV(L)
Exposure
Duration
ROE
Probit
Slope
TLE
ROD
DOC
Lethality
LCt 50 : NR
N/A
N/A
Inhalation/
Ocular
Unknown
More than 1
Probably
Insignificant
N/A
Severe effects
ECt 50 : NR
N/A
N/A
Inhalation/
Ocular
Unknown
More than 1
Probably
Insignificant
N/A
Threshold
(odor
detection,
tearing)
EC 50 : 12mg/m 3a
N/A
Few
Seconds
Inhalation/
Ocular
N/A
N/A
N/A
Low
NOTES
a Based on human data and TM 3-215 (1952).
e. SA (see Table 11-22 [page 11-36]). SA is a colorless gas with a disagreeable,
garlic-like odor. 13 Symptoms from inhalation exposure include abdominal pain, confusion,
dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, vomiting, and weakness. Severe exposure
damages blood, causing anemia and kidney damage. 19 Exposure from liquid can cause
frostbite. 19 See Table 11-23 (page 11-37) for toxicity estimates.
11-35
Table 11-22. SA
Alternate Designations: Arthur
Chemical Name: Arsenic trihydride
Synonyms: Hydrogen arsenide, Arseniuretted hydrogen; Arsenic hydride; Arsenous hydride; Arsenowodor (Polish);
Aresenwasserstoff (German)
CAS Registry Number: 7784-42-1
RTECS Number: CG6475000
Physical and Chemical Properties
Structural Formula:
H— As— H
I
H
Molecular Formula: AsH 3
Molecular Weight: 77.95
Physical State
Colorless gas 1
Odor
Disagreeable, garlic-like 1
Boiling Point
-62.2°C (extrapolated) 2
FP/MP
-116°C(MP) 2
Liquid Density (g/mL)
1 .667 @ -75°C; 1 .734 @ -1 00°C 2
Vapor Density (relative to air)
2.7 (calculated)
Vapor Pressure (torr)
4.00 x 10 2 @ -75°C and 8.69 x 10 1 @ -100°C 2
Volatility (mg/m 3 )
2.55 x 10 6 @ -75°C and 6.27 x 10 5 @ -100°C (calculated from vapor pressure) 2
Latent Heat of Vaporization (kcal/mol)
4.17 (calculated from Clausius Clapeyron equation which assumes constant heat
of vaporization as a function of temperature) 2
Viscosity (cP)
Data not available
Viscosity of Vapor (cP)
Data not available
Surface Tension (dynes/cm)
Data not available
Flash Point
Flammable; forms explosive mixtures with air 3
Decomposition Temperature
300°C 1
Solubility
Solubility of SA in water is 0.028 g/100 g @ 20°C, 4 soluble in alkalis, halogen
alkanes, hydrocarbons, and benzene 3 '
Rate of Hydrolysis
Rapid in the presence of light. 1 Slow, in the absence of light and air @ 15.5°C and
pH - 7; 32% of SA is hydrolyzed within 5 hrs and about 66% within 24 hrs 5
Hydrolysis Products
SA hydrolyzes to produce shiny black arsenic, which is also highly toxic 1
Stability in Storage
Unstable in most metal containers; metals catalyze decomposition; 6 on exposure
to light, moist SA decomposes quickly, depositing shiny black arsenic 1
Action on Metals or Other Materials
Corrosive to most metals 6
Other Data
Skin and eye toxicity
Exposure to liquid causes frostbite 7
Inhalation toxicity
Acute toxicity is high 7
Rate of action
1-24 hours (dependent on concentration and exposure duration) 7
Means of detection
MM1
Protection required
Protective mask with fresh filter; MOPP4 when exposed to or handling liquid SA 7
Decontamination
Move to fresh air; none required under field conditions 8
Use
Delayed-action casualty agent
II-36
Table 11-22. SA (Continued)
NOTES
''The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals, 13th ed., p. 138, Merck & Company, Inc.,
Whitehouse Station, NJ, 2001.
2 Johnson, W. and Pechukas, A., "Hydrogen Compounds of Arsenic. I. Preparation of Arsine in Liquid Ammonia Some
Physical Properties of Arsine," J. Am. Chem. Soc, Vol. 59, p. 2065, 1937.
3 Franke, S., Manual of Chemistry Volume I- Chemistry of Chemical Warfare Agents, ACSI-J-3890, Chemie der Kampfstoffe,
East Berlin, April 1968, UNCLASSIFIED Technical Manual (AD849866).
4 Lewis, R.J., Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, 10th ed., Vol. 2, p. 309, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New
York, NY, 2001.
5 Properties of War Gases Volume II: Blood and Nettle Gases (U), ETF 100-41/Vol-2, Chemical Corps Board, Army
Chemical Center, Maryland, December 1956, CONFIDENTIAL Report (AD1 08457).
6 TM 3-21 5/AFM 355-7, Military Chemistry and Chemical Agents, Departments of the Army and the Air Force, Washington
DC, December 1963, UNCLASSIFIED Technical Manual (ADA292141).
7 L. Fishbein and S. Czerczak, "Concise International Chemical Assessment Document 47: Arsine: Human Health Aspects,"
WHO, 2002.
8 FM 8-9/NAVMED P-5059/AFJMAN 44-151 , NATO Handbook on the Medical Aspects of NBC Defense Operations
AMEDP-6(B), 1 February 1996.
Table II-23. SA Toxicity Estimates
1U
Endpoint
Toxicity
(mg-min/m 3 )
MV(L)
Exposure
Duration
ROE
Probit Slope
TLE
ROD
DOC
Lethality
LCt 50 : 7500 a
(Provisional)
15
2 min
Inhalation/Ocular
Not Calculated
1.4 b
Some
Low
NOTES
a Based on modeling of 6 species.
b See Appendix H for supporting toxicity profile estimates.
7. Blister Agents (Vesicants)
Blister agents are used to produce casualties, to degrade fighting efficiency, and to
restrict use of terrain and equipment. 1 Blister agents are CW agents that act on the eyes,
mucous membranes, lungs, skin, and blood-forming organs. 12 The most toxic route of
exposure is inhalation/ocular. 10 The severity of a blister agent burn relates directly to the
concentration of the agent, the duration of contact with the skin, 1 and the location on the
body. Most blister agents are insidious in action except for lewisite (L) and phosgene oxime
(CX), which cause immediate pain on contact. Assume MOPP4 whenever liquid or
vaporized agents are known to be present. 1 Decontaminate within 1 or 2 minutes after
exposure to help prevent or decrease tissue damage. 21 The blister agents are divided into
three groups: mustards, arsenicals, and urticants.
a. Mustards. This group of agents includes the sulfur mustards (H and HD) and
the nitrogen mustards (HN-1, HN-2, and HN-3). Because of their physical properties,
mustards are persistent under cool conditions; however, evaporation increases as the
temperature increases. 21 It is possible to increase their persistency even more by
dissolving them in thickeners. 12
(1) Distilled Mustard (HD) (see Table 11-24 [page 11-38]). HD is a pale yellow
to dark brown oily liquid with a garlic-like odor. 13 The eyes and respiratory tract are the
most sensitive target organs. 10 The latency period for ocular effects is shorter than that for
pulmonary effects, and acutely, ocular effects are more debilitating. 10 Both mustard vapor
and liquid rapidly penetrate the skin. Warm, moist areas with thin skin (perineum,
external genitalia, underarms, inside elbow, and neck) are much more sensitive. 21 Sweaty
skin absorbs more mustard than dry skin. With an increase in temperature (>85 degrees F)
and humidity, the effective dosages decrease and are about half of those for temperatures
from 65 to 75 degrees F. 10 Mild symptoms caused from vapor exposure include tearing,
11-37
itchy, burning, gritty feeling in the eyes, rhinorrhea, sneezing, hoarseness, hacking cough,
and erythema. Severe symptoms include marked lid edema, possible corneal damage,
severe pain in the eyes, productive cough, dyspnea, and vesication. 21 Repeated exposures
can cause an increase in sensitivity. 21 See Table 11-25 (page 11-40) for toxicity estimates.
Table 11-24. HD
Alternate Designations: EA 1033; HS; G.34; M.O; Kampstoff "Lost"; Mustard HD; Mustard gas; Mustard Sulfur; Mustard
vapor; S-Lost; Schewefel-lost; S mustard; Sulfur mustard gas; Sulfur mustard; Sulphur mustard; Sulphur mustard gas;
Yellow Cross liquid; Y; Yperite (French & German)
Chemical Name: Bis (2-chloroethyl) sulfide
Synonyms: 2, 2'-dichloroethyl sulfide; 1, 1'-Thiobis(2-chloroethane); B- B '-dichlorodiethyl sulphide; B ,B'-
dichloroethylsulfide di - (2-chloro-ethyl) sulfide; Sulfide, bis (2-chloroethyl); Bis (beta-chloroethyl)sulfide; Bis (2-
chloroethyljsulfide; Bis (2-chloroethyl) sulphide; 1-Chloro-2-(beta-chloroethylthio)ethane; 2,2'-Dichlorodiethyl sulfide; Di-2-
chloroethyl sulfide; beta.beta'-Dichloroethyl sulfide; beta.beta-Dichlor-ethyl-sulphide; 2,2'-Dichloroethyl sulphide; Gelbkreuz
(Czech); 1 , 1 '-Thiobis(2-chloroethane)
CAS Registry Number: 505-60-2
RTECS Number: WQ0900000
Physical and Chemical Properties
Structural Formula:
CI-CH2-CH2-S-CH2-CH2-CI
Molecular Formula: C 4 H 8 CI 2 S
Molecular Weight: 159.07
Physical State
Pale yellow to dark brown oily liquid; 1 colorless when pure '
Odor
Garlic-like 1,3 or horseradish 3
Boiling Point
218°C (extrapolated); at atmospheric pressure HD starts to decompose below the
boiling point
FP/MP
14.45°C(FP) 2
Solid Density (g/mL)
1.372 @0°C; 1.333 @ 10°C 5
Liquid Density (g/mL)
1.2685 @25°C 6
Vapor Density (relative to air)
5.5 (calculated)
Vapor Pressure (torr)
1.06x10" 1 @25°C 4
Volatility (mg/m 3 )
9.06 x 10 2 @ 25°C (calculated from vapor pressure) 4
Latent Heat of Vaporization
(kcal/mol)
15.0 @ 25°C (calculated from vapor pressure) 4
Viscosity (cP)
3.951 @ 25.0°C, 7.746 @ 0°C (extrapolated) 7
Viscosity of Vapor (cP)
6.65 x 10" 3 @ 25.0°C, 6.00 x 10" 3 @ 0°C 7
Surface Tension (dynes/cm)
42.5 @ 25.0°C, 45.9 @ 0°C 7
Flash Point
105°C 5
Decomposition Temperature
180°C 8
Solubility
HD is practically insoluble in water; solubility of HD in distilled water is 0.92g
HD/1 OOg solution at 22°C. HD is freely soluble in fats and oils, gasoline, kerosene,
most organic solvents, and CW agents. 5
Rate of Hydrolysis
t-i/2 = 5 min @ 25°C via a S n 1 mechanism; 9 t-i/ 2 = 60 min @ 25°C in salt water. 10
HD on or under water undergoes hydrolysis only if dissolved. The rate of HD
hydrolysis is controlled by the rate of mass transfer and is very slow. 11
Hydrolysis Products
Hydrogen chloride, thiodiglycol, and sulfonium ion aggregates — one of which is also
highly toxic 11
Stability in Storage
A small amount of degradation occurs when stored in steel ton containers for over
50 years. 12 This degradation appears to be caused by the formation of solid
deposits "heels" comprised of a six-membered ring cyclic sulfonium ion {1-(2-
chloroethyl) -1,4-dithianium chloride}, HD, and Fe, which were detected at the
bottom of the containers. 13
Action on Metals or Other Materials
Very little when pure. 3 The corrosion rate of HD on steel is 0.0001 inch/month @
65°C using munitions grade HD. 14
II-38
Table 11-24. HD (Continued)
Other Data
Skin and eye toxicity
Eyes are very susceptible to low concentrations; incapacitating effects by skin
absorption require higher concentrations. 15
Inhalation toxicity
Most toxic route of exposure 16
Rate of action
Delayed — hours to days 17
Means of detection
M8 paper, M9 paper, M256A1CADK, M90 AMAD, M21 ACAA, M22 ACADA,
CAM/ICAM, M272 water testing kit, M18A3 CADK 18 , MM1, M18A2CADK
Protection required
MOPP4 whenever liquid or vaporized agents are present 15
Decontamination
Flush eyes with water immediately. Use the M291 SDK to remove any liquid nerve
agent on skin or clothing. Use the M295 IEDK for individual equipment. 15 HTH or
household bleach is effective on equipment. Water, soaps, detergents, steam, and
absorbents (earth, sawdust, ashes, and rags) are effective for physical removal.
STB does not effectively decontaminate mustard if it has solidified at low
temperatures. 19
Use
Delayed-action casualty agent
NOTES
n Franke, S., Manual of Chemistry Volume l-Chemistry of Chemical Warfare Agents, ACSI-J-3890, Chemie der Kampfstoffe,
East Berlin, April 1968, UNCLASSIFIED Technical Manual (AD849866).
2 Felsing, W.A., et al., "The Melting Point of Mustard Gas," J. Amer.Chem. Soc, Vol. 70, p. 1966, 1948.
3 Kibler, A.L., Data on Chemical Warfare, Technical Division Memorandum Report 456, Chemical Warfare Center, Edgewood
Arsenal, MD, November 1942, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB969725).
4 Penski, E.C., Properties of Di-(2-Chloroethyl) Sulfide I. Vapor Pressure Data Review and Analysis, ERDEC-TR-043, USA
Edgewood Research, Development and Engineering Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, April 1993, UNCLASSIFIED
Report (ADA 267059).
5 Buckles, M.F., CW Vesicants: Selected Values for the Physical Properties of H, T, and Q (U), Special Report CRLR 542,
Chemical Corps Chemical and Radiological Laboratories, Army chemical Center, MD, May 1956, UNCLASSIFIED Report
(AD1 08272).
6 Moelwyn-Hughes, E.A., and Owens, R., The Surface Tension, The Molecular Surface Energy and the Parachor of Toxic
Compounds and of Certain Chlorides Used in Their Manufacture, Part XV of the Thermal Decomposition of the Secondary
Alkylfluorophosphonites, Sutton Oak Report 544, Sutton Oak, England, September 1941, UNCLASSIFIED Report.
7 Samuel, J.B., et al., Physical Properties of Standard Agents, Candidate Agents, and Related Compounds at Several
Temperatures (U), ARCSL-SP-83015, USA Armament Research and Development Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground,
MD, June 1983, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADC033491).
8 Williams, A.H., "The Thermal Decomposition of 2:2'-Dichlorodiethyl Sulphide,," J. Chem. Soc, p. 318, 1947.
9 Bartlett, P.D., and Swain, C.G., "Kinetics of Hydrolysis and Displacement Reactions of B-B'-(Dichlorodiethyl Sulfide
(Mustard Gas) and of B-Chloro-B'-hyroxidediethyl Sulfide (Mustard Chlorohydrin)," J. Chem. Soc, Vol. 71, p. 1406, 1949.
lo Brookfield, K.J., et al., The Kinetics of the Hydrolysis of Vesicants Part ll-2:2'-Dichlorodiethylsulphide (H), SO/R/576,
Military Intelligence Division, Great Britain, March 1942, UNCLASSIFIED Report.
11 Yang, Y., et al., "Decontamination of Chemical Warfare Agents," Chem. Rev., Vol. 92, p. 1729, 1992.
12 Abercrombie, P.L., and Butrow, A.B., Selected Physical Properties of Ton Container HD (Mustard) and VX, ERDEC-TR-
450, USA Edgewood Research, Development, and Engineering Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, July 1998,
UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADA350462).
13 Yang, Y., et al., "Characterization of HD Heels and the Degradation of HD in Ton Containers," In Proceedings of the 1996
ERDEC Scientifiec Conference on Chemical and Biological Defense Research 19-22 November 1996, UNCLASSIFIED
Paper, ERDEC-SP-048, pp 353-360, USA Edgewood Research, Development and Engineering Center, Aberdeen Proving
Ground, MD, October 1997, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADA334105).
14 Harris, B.L., et al., Corrosion by Vesicants: Rate of Corrosion of Steel and Other Metals by H, HQ, HN-3, HN-1 and L.
Mostly at 65°C, Technical Division Memorandum Report 1031, USA Chemical Research and Development Laboratories,
Army Chemical Center, MD, April 1945, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB963161).
15 FM 8-285/NAVMED P-5041/AFJMAN 44-149/FMFM 11-11, Treatment of Chemical Agent Casualties and Conventional
Military Chemical Injuries, 22 December 1995.
16 Sharon Reutter, et al., Review and Recommendations for Human Toxicity Estimates for FM 3-11.9, ECBC-TR-349,
September 2003.
17 NIOSH-DOD-OSHA Sponsored Chemical and Biological Respiratory Protection Workshop Report, February 2000.
18 DOD Chemical And Biological Defense Program Annual Report to Congress, Volume I, April 2003.
19 FM 3-5/MCWP 3-37.3, NBC Decontamination, 28 July 2000.
II-39
Table 11-25. HD Toxicity Estimates 1 "
Endpoint
Toxicity
(mg-min/m 3 )
MV(L)
Exposure
Duration
ROE
Probit
Slope
TLE
ROD
DOC
Lethality
LD 50 : 1400 mg a
N/A
N/A; 70-kg
man
Percutaneous
Liquid b
7
N/A
Little, if
any
Low
LCt 50 : 1000 c
15
2 min
Inhalation/
Ocular
6
1.5 d
Some
Low
LCto 10,000 ae
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor f
7
1 d.g
Unknown
Low h
LCt 50 : 5000 lj
(Provisional)
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor '
7
-| d,g
Unknown
Low
Severe
effects
(vesication)
ED 50 : 600 mg a
N/A
N/A;
70-kg man
Percutaneous
Liquid b
3
N/A
Little, if
any
Low
ECt 50 : 500 ek
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor '
3
-| d,g,l
Little, if
any
Moderate
ECt 50 : 200 ik
N/A
30-360 min
Percutaneous
Vapor '
3
1 d,g,l
Little, if
any
Moderate h
Severe
effects (eyes)
ECt 50 : 75 m
N/A
2-360 min
Ocular
3
1 d
Little, if
any
High
Mild effects
(erythema,
itching, some
pain)
ECt 50 : 50 ae
N/A
30 min
Percutaneous
Vapor '
3
1 d
Little, if
any
Moderate
ECt 50 : 25 a ''
N/A
30 min
Percutaneous
Vapor '
3
1 d
Little, if
any
Moderate
Mild effects
(eyes)
ECt 50 : 25 a
N/A
2-360 min
Ocular
3
1 d
Some
High
Odor
detection
EC 50 : 0.6-1 mg/m 3n
N/A
Few
seconds
Inhalation
N/A
N/A
Probably
insignificant
High
NOTES
a Based on Grotte and Yang (2001).
b Bare skin.
c Based on Grotte and Yang (2001) and Sommerville (2002).
d See Appendix H for supporting toxicity profile estimates.
9 Moderate temperatures (65-85°F).
'Assumes personnel are masked with eye protection and clothed skin.
g The TLE value is assumed to be 1 because the Ct profile is unknown.
True human LCtso/ECtso values could be lower.
'Hot temperatures (greater than 85°F).
'Based on temperature factor given in Grotte and Yang (2001 ) and analysis of lethal data for GB percutaneous vapor
exposure.
k Based on Grotte and Yang (2001 ) and Letter (Dec 2001 ).
'Based on human data.
m Based on re-analysis of human data.
"Based on primary human data.
(2) Levinstein Mustard (H). Levinstein mustard is the original mustard (gas)
of World War I vintage. It contains H and about 30 percent impurities. Properties of H are
essentially the same as those for HD. The effective dosages of H and HD have been
demonstrated to be quite comparable. 10 This manual does not differentiate between H and
HD.
(3) Nitrogen Mustard (HN-1) (see Table 11-26). HN-1 is a colorless liquid when
pure with a faint, fishy or soapy odor. 13 It is used as a delayed-action casualty agent. The
most prevalent symptoms in men inadvertently exposed to HN-1 vapor were conjunctivitis,
laryngitis, bronchitis, hoarseness, coughing, elevated temperature, nausea, and vomiting.
In this accidental exposure, the fact that these men, with all the knowledge available at
their command as to precautions, protection against, and physical and chemical properties
11-40
of HN-1, were severely affected without knowledge of their exposure, serves to further
emphasize the insidious nature of this agent. 10 See Table 11-27 (page 11-43) for HN-1
toxicity estimates.
Table 11-26. HN-1
Alternate Designations: Ethyl S; NH-Lost; NOR nitrogen mustard; Nitrogen mustard gas-1; NSC 10873; TL 329; TL 1149
Chemical Name: 2,2'-Dichlorotriethylamine
Synonyms: Bis (2-chloroethyl)ethylamine; Ethylbis(2-chloroethyl)amine; N-ethyl, bis (B -chloroethyl)amine Ethylbis (beta-
chloroethyl)amine
CAS Registry Number: 538-07-8
RTECS Number: YE1225000
Physical and Chemical Properties
Structural Formula:
CH2CH2CI
CH 3 CH 2 — N^
CH2CH2CI
Molecular Formula: C 6 Hi3CI 2 N
Molecular Weight: 170.08
Physical State
Dark oily liquid; 1 colorless when pure ■
Odor
Faint, fishy or soapy 3
Boiling Point
192°C (extrapolated); 4,2 at atmospheric pressure HN-1 decomposes below the boiling
point 5
FP/MP
-34.2°C(MP) 2
Liquid Density (g/mL)
1 .086 @ 25°C; 1 .1 10 @ 0°C (extrapolated) 2
Vapor Density (relative to air)
5.9 (calculated)
Vapor Pressure (torr)
2.44 x 10" 1 @ 25°C; 3.32 x 10" 2 @ 0°C (extrapolated) 4 ' 2
Volatility (mg/m 3 )
2.23 x 10 3 @ 25°C; 3.31 x 10 2 @ 0°C (calculated from vapor pressure) 4 ' 2
Latent Heat of Vaporization
(kcal/mol)
13.0 @ 25°C; 12.9 @ 0°C (calculated from vapor pressure) 4 ' 2
Viscosity (cP)
Data not available
Viscosity of Vapor (cP)
Data not available
Surface Tension (dynes/cm)
Data not available
Flash Point
Data not available; flashing has occurred on static detonation 3
Decomposition Temperature
For HN-1 • HCI, 12.7% is destroyed @ 149°C and @ 426°C >99% is destroyed. 5
Solubility
Solubility in water is approximately 4 g HN-1/L solution @ ambient temperature.
Miscible with common organic solvents.
Rate of Hydrolysis
t-1/2 = 1 .3 min @ 25°C in aqueous solution 3
Hydrolysis Products
Complete hydrolysis yields the following: hydrochloric acid and ethyl diethanolamine,
CH3CH2N(CH 2 CH 2 OH)2. 1 The process involves a complex series of reactions, with
formation of the hydrochloride, cyclic imonium salts, a dimer, etc. 6
Stability in Storage
Polymerizes with the formation of solid deposits, when stored in steel containers; this
amount is slight @ ambient temperature, but increases @ temperatures above 50°C.
Action on Metals or Other Materials
Corrosion of HN-1 on steel @ 65°C is 1 x 10" 5 to 5 x 10" 5 inch/month 8
Other Data
Skin and eye toxicity
Eyes are very susceptible to low concentration; incapacitating effects by skin absorption
require higher concentrations. 9
Inhalation toxicity
Most toxic route of exposure 10
Rate of action
Delayed: 12 hours or longer 11
Means of detection
M8 paper, M9 paper, M256A1 CADK, CAM/ICAM, MM1 12
Protection required
MOPP4 whenever liquid or vapor is present 9
II-41
Table 11-26. HN-1 (Continued)
Decontamination
Liquid on eyes and skin requires immediate decontamination. 9 HTH, household bleach
is effective on equipment. Water, soaps, detergents, steam, and absorbents (earth,
sawdust, ashes, and rags) are effective for physical removal. STB does not effectively
decontaminate mustard if it has solidified at low temperatures. 13
Use
Delayed-action casualty agent
NOTES
1 Cheicante, R.L., et al., "Investigation for the Determination of Nitrogen Mustard and Related Compounds in Air by Gas
Chromatography Using Solid Sorbent Collection and Thermal Desorption," In Proceedings of the 1998 ERDEC Scientific
Conference on Chemical and Biological Defense Research 17-20 November 1998, UNCLASSFIED Paper (ADE491775),
ERDEC-SP-004, pp 781-792, USA ECBC, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, July 1999, UNCLASSFIED Report (ADA375171).
2 Dawson, T., A Memorandum Report New Compounds 2,2' Dichlorotriethylamine, Technical Division Memorandum Report 552,
USA Chemical Research and Development Laboratories, Army Chemical Center, MD, February 1943, UNCLASSFIED Report
(ADB960467).
3 W.R. Kirner, Summary Technical Report of Division 9, NDRC Volume 1, Chemical Warfare Agents, and Related Chemical
Problems Part /-//, Chapter 6, p. 59, Office of Scientific Research and Development, Washington, DC, 1946, UNCLASSIFIED
Report (AD234270).
4 Abercrombie, P., ECBC Notebook # NB 98-0079, p. 24 (U).
5 Brooks, M. E. and Parker, G.A., et al., Incineration/Pyrolysis of Several Agents and Related Chemical Materials Contained in
Identification Sets, ARCSL-TR-79040, October 1979, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB042888).
6 W.R. Kirner, Summary Technical Report of Division 9, NDRC Volume 1, Chemical Warfare Agents, and Related Chemical
Problems Part /-//, Chapter 19, p. 389, Office of Scientific Research and Development, Washington, DC, 1946, UNCLASSIFIED
Report (AD234270).
7 Harris, B.L., et al., Thickened Vesicants: Storage Stability of Unthickened and Thickened Nitrogen Mustards and Their Mixtures
with Levinstein Mustard, Technical Division Memorandum Report 706, USA Chemical Research and Development
Laboratories, Army Chemical Center, MD, July 1943, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB962153).
8 Harris, B.L. andMacy, R., Corrosion by Vesicants: Rate of Corrosion of Steel and Other Metals by H, HQ, HN-3, HN-1, and L,
Mostly at 65°C, Technical Division Memorandum Report 1031, USA Chemical Research and Development Laboratories, Army
Chemical Center, MD, April 1945, UNCLASSIFIED Report (ADB963161).
9 FM 8-285/NAVMED P-5041/AFJMAN 44-149/FMFM 11-11, Treatment of Chemical Agent Casualties and Conventional Military
Chemical Injuries, 22 December 1995.
10 Sharon Reutter, et al., Review and Recommendations for Human Toxicity Estimates for FM 3-11.9, ECBC-TR-349,
September 2003.
11 NIOSH-DOD-OSHA Sponsored Chemical and Biological Respiratory Protection Workshop Report, February 2000.
12 DOD Chemical and Biological Defense Program Annual Report to Congress, Volume I, April 2003.
13 FM 3-5/MCWP 3-37.3, NBC Decontamination, 28 July 2000.
1 1 -42
Table 11-27. HN-1 Toxicity Estimates
10
Endpoint
Toxicity
(mg-min/m 3 ) a
MV(L)
Exposure
Duration
ROE
Probit
Slope
TLE
ROD
DOC
Lethality
LD 50 : 1400 mg
N/A
N/A; 70-
kg man
Percutaneous Liquid b
Unknown
N/A
Unknown
Low
LCt 5 o: 1000
15
2 min
Inhalation/Ocular
Unknown
a c,d
Unknown
Low
LCt 50 : 10,000 e
N/A
30 min
Percutaneous Vapor
Unknown
a c,d
Unknown
Low
LCt 50 : 5000 9
N/A
30 min
Percutaneous Vapor
Unknown
a c,d
Unknown
Low
Severe
effects
(vesication)
ED 50 : 600 mg
N/A
N/A; 70-
kg man
Percutaneous Liquid
Unknown
N/A
Unknown
Low
ECt 50 : 500 e
N/A
30 min
Percutaneous Vapor
Unknown
a c,d
Unknown
Low
ECt 50 : 200 9
N/A
30 min
Percutaneous Vapor
Unknown
a c,d
Unknown
Low
Severe
effects
(eyes)
ECt 5 : 75
N/A
2 min
Ocular
Unknown
a c,d
Unknown
Low
Mild effects
(pain,
erythema,
itching)
ECt 50 : 50 e
N/A
30 min
Percutaneous Vapor
Unknown
a c,d
Unknown
Low
ECt 50 : 25 9
N/A
30 min
Percutaneous Vapor
Unknown
a c,d
Unknown
Low
Mild effects
(eyes)
ECt 50 : 25
N/A
2 min
Ocular
Unknown
a c,d
Unknown
Low
NOTES
a AII toxicity values given are provisional and based on recommendations for H/HD.
b Bare skin.
c See Appendix H for supporting toxicity profile estimate.
d The TLE value is assumed to be 1 because the Ct profile is unknown.
e Moderate temperatures (65-85°F).
'Assumes personnel are masked with eye protection.
9 Hot temperatures (greater than 85°F).
(4) Nitrogen mustard (HN-2) (see Table 11-28). HN-2 is a colorless liquid when
pure, and it has a fishy or soapy odor. 13 HN-2 is irritating to the eyes. 20 For other
symptoms, see discussions of HN-1. See Table 11-29 (page 11-45) for HN-2 toxicity
estimates.
Table 11-28. HN-2
Alternate Designations: Dichloren; N-methyl-Lost (German); Mustine; Mustargen; Mutagen; Nitrogen mustard; NSC 762; S;
TL 146; T-1024; ENT-25294; MBA
Chemical Name: Bis-(2-chloroethyl)methylamine
Synonyms: 2,2'-Dichloro-N-methyldiethylamine; N, N-bis(2-chloroethyl)methylamine, N-methyl, bis((3 chloroethyl)amine;
Bis(beta-chloroethyl)methylamine; Chloramine; Chlorethazine; Chlormethine; 2-Chloro-N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-
methylethanamine; beta, beta'-Dichlorodiethyl-N-methylamine; 2,2'-Dichlorodiethyl-methylamine; Di(2-
chloroethyl)methylamine; N,N-Di(chloroethyl)methylamine; Ethanamine, 2-chloro-N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-methyl-;
Mechlorethamine; Mecloretamina (Italian); Methylbis(beta-chloroethyl)amine; Methylbis(2-chloroethyl)amine; N-Methyl-bis-
chloraethylamin (German); N-Methyl-bis(beta-chloroethyl)amine; N-Methyl-bis(2-chloroethyl)amine; N-Methyl-2,2'-
dichlorodiethylamine; Methyldi(2-chloroethyl)amine
CAS Registry Number: 51-75-2
RTECS Number: IA750000
II-43
Table 11-28. HN-2 (Continued)
Physical and Chemical Properties
Structural Formula:
CH2CH2CI
CH 3 — ISL
Molecular Formula: C 5 HnCI 2 N CH CH CI
Molecular Weight: 156.05 2 2
Physical State
Colorless liquid when pure 1
Odor
Fishy or soapy 2
Boiling Point
177°C (extrapolated); 3,2,4 at atmospheric pressure, HN-2 decomposes below its
boiling point 5
FP/MP
-70°C(FP) 2
Liquid Density (g/mL)
1.1 18 @ 25°C; 1.1425 @ 0°C (extrapolated) 34
Vapor Density (relative to air)
5.4 (calculated)
Vapor Pressure (torr)
4.16 x 10" 1 @ 25°C; 5.70 x 10" 2 @ 0°C (extrapolated) 32,4
Volatility (mg/m 3 )
3.49 x 10 3 @ 25°C; 5.22 x 10 2 @ 0°C (calculated from vapor pressure) 32,4
Latent Heat of Vaporization
(kcal/mol)
12.9 @ 25°C; 12.8 @ 0°C (calculated from vapor pressure) 32,4
Viscosity (cP)
Data not available
Viscosity of Vapor (cP)
Data not available
Surface Tension (dynes/cm)
Data not available
Flash Point
Data not available
Decomposition Temperature
Decomposes before boiling point is reached; instability of HN-2 is associated with its
tendency to polymerize or condense; the reactions involved could generate enough
heat to cause an explosion. 5
Solubility
Solubility in water is approximately 13 g HN-2/L solution @ ambient temperature.
Miscible with common organic solvents. 2
Rate of Hydrolysis
t-1/2 = 4 min @ 25°C in an aqueous solution. Slow except where alkali is present;
dimerizes fairly rapidly in water. 2
Hydrolysis Products
The process involves a complex series of reactions, with formation of the
hydrochloride, cyclic imonium salts, a dimer, etc. 6
Stability in Storage
Not stable; dimerizes on storage and deposits crystalline dimers 2
Action on Metals or Other Materials
None on steel and brass 2
Other Data
Skin and eye toxicity
Eyes are very susceptible to low concentration; incapacitating effects by skin
absorption require higher concentrations 7
Inhalation toxicity
Most toxic route of exposure 8
Rate of action
Delayed: 12 hrs or longer 9
Means of detection
M8 paper, M9 paper, M256A1 CADK, CAM/ICAM, MM1 10
Protection required
MOPP4 whenever liquid or vapor is present 7
Decontamination
Liquid on eyes and skin requires immediate decontamination. 7 HTH or household
bleac
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