Identification of Chemical Warfare Agents (Classic Reprint) | Released: 12 Oct 2018

Excerpt from Identification of Chemical Warfare Agents

Certain visual indications may be Of help in determining the pres ence Of gas. If a bomb or shell has been dropped, the size Of the crater and area Of destruction will be almost negligible if the principal charge is a war gas rather than a high explosive. The usual gas bomb will produce no significant crater as contrasted to a crater 18 - 25 feet in diameter for a 250 kg. (550 lb.) high explosive bomb.

The presence of a cloud, smoke, or 0i mist should be regarded with suspicion. Chlorine produces a yellow or yellowish-green cloud. Phosgene or diphosgene in strong concentrations gives a white cloud. High concentrations Of the sternutators produce visible smokes. Liquid vesicants when released as a spray will give an Oily mist which can be recognized best by viewing toward a source Of light. Care should be taken not to look upward or to otherwise expose oneself to falling vapor.

Any pools, drops Of liquid, or wet 0i ground should be noted. If a spray is suspected, Observe all flat, open surfaces for the presence of dark-colored liquids indicative Of vesicants or liquid lacrimators. On dry, porous surfaces (brickwork, cement, stonework), such liquids are rapidly absorbed, leaving a dark Oily stain. On dry earth or roads, they appear as wet oily patches, while on wet surfaces, they spread and give a slightly iridescent effect similar to that produced by gasoline or Oil. These liquids rapidly penetrate wood, especially along the grain, but remain as liquid drops and splashes on painted surfaces for a considerable time. They do not penetrate metals, glass, glazed tile, etc., and remain in droplet form on green foliage and grass for some time. In water, the bulk sinks to the bottom, but a thin, somewhat iridescent film remains on the surface.

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