War Gases in a Nutshell

By THE KERNEL HISTORY records numerous abortive attempts to utilize chemical substances as war weapons, but it is not within the scope of this article to go into such occurrences prior to the Great War, except to mention that with the exception of "Greek Fire," none of them produced important results nor challenged the supremacy of existing weapons. The first toxic gases used in the Great War were the lachryr-mators-substances having a specific action on the eyes and producing a copious flow of tears and temporary blindness. It is difficult to attach the blame for the first use of toxic gases during the Great War, for the effects of the lachrymators were so transitory that no one at the time regarded them as coming within the meaning of the agreement of the Hague Conventions, 1899 and 1907. In the low concentrations met with in the open, lachrvmation was the only effect produced. However, when used against enclosed places, such as field fortifications, deep trenches, and dug-outs, toxic concentrations could accumulate and serious casualties result. The first gas used in the War was "ethylbromacetate," and was used by the French in August, 1914. The success attained by the French police in suppressing lawless gangs with this gas undoubtedly led to its adoption by the French Army as a filling for 26 mm. rifle grenades. The great advantage of the lachrymators is the extremely low concentration required to necessitate wearing of the respirator, they are also useful for masking the presence of other toxic gases. It was noted early in the War that concentrations of the lachrymators which caused profuse lachrymation in men produced no visible effect upon horses or mules. The reason has never been explained, although the fact is well established by tests and war experience. The three principal tear gases are 1. Chloracetophenone-C.A.P. solid and non-persistent. 2. Ethyliodoacetate-K.S.K. liquid and persistent. 3. Bromo-benzyl-cyanide-B.B.C. liquid and persistent. All produce their effects on the eyes only, and in low concentrations likely to be met with in the open. The symptoms disappear on removing the victim from the gas area, and they can be relieved by irrigation of the nose and conjunctivae with warm saline solution or even warm water. The respirator gives complete protection against these gases. Nose-Irritants or Sternutators. By the summer of 1917 the respirators of all the belligerents had improved to a stage where they furnished adequate protection …