Blood agent

CW blood agents are hydrogen cyanide (hydrocyanic acid, military designation AC) and cyanogen 

Chemical Warfare Agents Chemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics 

These agents interfere with the abihty of the blood to transport oxygen. Consider all blood agents as toxic at high concentrations. Exposure can lead to rapid asphyxiation and death. Symptoms can include respiratory distress, vomiting, diarrhea, vertigo, and headaches. Fresh air and respiratory therapy may help some victims. An example of a blood agent is cyanide. 

Agent Molecular Formula CAS Molecular Weight Vapor Pressure (mmHg) Volatility (mg/m ) Vapor Density Odor Lets, (mg-min/m ) ICtso (mg-min/m ) 

DP C2CI4O2 503-38-8 197.85 4.2 45,000 6.8 New-mown hay, grain, or green corn 3000 (Resting) 1600 (Resting) 

LCtjo and ICtso vary with concentration because of the high detoxification rate at which the body decomposes HCN to nontoxic compounds. At a concentration of 200 mg/m, the LCtjo is 2000. At 150 mg/m, the LCtjo is 4500. 

HCN (AC) is a colourless liquid or gas (bp 25.7 °C). Its odour of bitter almonds is not perceptible by some people, although a bitter taste in the mouth may be evident. It is produced industrially by a catalytic reaction of methane with ammonia. Its many uses include chemical and polymer production, in electroplating, and as a fumigant pesticide and rodenticide. Liquid HCN is prone to violent polymerisation and requires stabilisation when 

Cyanogen chloride, CICN (CK), is also a volatile liquid or gas (bp 13.1 C) it was used more successfully than HCN in WWI mainly due to its higher density. It is less potent than HCN as a lethal agent, but is a respiratory irritant at sub-lethal exposure concentrations and is thus more easily perceived. Cyanogen chloride is widely used in the chemical industry. HCN and cyanogen chloride are regarded as obsolete CW agents. 

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Solvents, such as carbon disulfide (CS2) and chloroform (CHC13), have been added to COX inhibiting blood agents to increase their stability in storage and increase their persistency after their release. The color, odor, and consistency of these mixtures will vary depending on the characteristics of the solvent(s) used and concentration of blood agent in the solution. 

Blood agents have also been adsorbed onto a solid carrier, such as pumice, to facilitate dispersal of the agent and increase their persistency after their release. These compositions may appear as free-flowing powders or as a coarse grit. Odors may vary from the unmodified agent. 

Cyanide blood agents are relatively unstable and tend to polymerize on standing. Polymers can be explosive. Stabilizers or solvents can be added to inhibit decomposition. Stabilizers include phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, powdered sodium pyrophosphate, and sulfur dioxide. Although cyanide blood agents react with metals, they can be stored in steel or other common containers if stabilized. 

Meat from animals that have survived exposure to COX inhibiting blood agents should be safe to consume after a short quarantine period. Milk should be quarantined until tested. 

Some COX inhibiting blood agents are flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air. Some of these agents can polymerize in their containers and explode when heated. 

With the exception of hydrogen sulfide, COX inhibiting blood agents must be stabilized or they will polymerize during storage. Some agents are slowly hydrolyzed by water to... 

This material is a precursor blood agent containing cyanide, many G-series nerve agents, and other cyanide containing agents. 

Williams, Kenneth E. Detailed Facts About Blood Agent Cyanogen Chloride (CK). Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD United States Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, 1996. 

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