War and medicine in a culture of peace. 3. Synopsis of chemical warfare agents
Piérard, G.E.
Revue Medicale de Liege 57(1): 49-52
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0370-629X PMID: 11899499 Document Number: 550713
A variety of chemical components can be used as warfare threats directly targeting humans. They can be classified according to their main biological effects as nerve agents, vesicants, lung damaging agents, cyanogen agents and incapacitants. Other chemical agents are water and food contaminants. Still other less aggressive compounds are mainly used to control riots. Smokes, flame materials and herbicides belong to other classes of chemical agents of the warlike armamentum exhibiting a direct effect on man.