Chemical warfare agents prior

The properties of an ideal mass analyzer are well described, [2] but despite the tremendous improvements made, still no mass analyzer is perfect. To reach a deeper insight into the evolution of mass spectrometers the articles by Beynon, [3] Habfast and Aulinger, [4,5] Brunnee [6,7], Chapman et al. [8] and McLuckey [9] are recommended for further reading. In recent years, miniature mass analyzers have gained interest for in situ analysis, [10] e.g., in environmental [11] or biochemical applications, [12] for process monitoring, for detection of chemical warfare agents, for extraterrestrial applications, [13] and to improve Space Shuttle safety prior to launch. [14]... 

The first edition of this book, Chemical Warfare Agents Toxicity at Low Levels, was published just prior to the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. Reflecting a greater sense of urgency within the field of chemical defense since this event, research related to chemical warfare agents (CWAs) continues to expand at a remarkable pace. 

All products known to result from degradation of the evaluated chemical warfare agents listed above are summarized in the Appendix to this chapter (Tables A1-A6). These extensive tables are provided for completeness and should not be interpreted or applied as checklists of all products for which monitoring is required prior to site clearance. It bears repeating that the degradation reactions and yields are determined by site-specific conditions, and not every degradation product identified in the appendix will be present at any given CWA release site. 

Condensed phase infrared (IR) data exist for many chemical warfare agents and related compounds as this technique was routinely used prior to the advent of GC-MS. Capillary column GC-FTIR offers considerably more promise for the identification and characterization of chemical warfare agents in multiple component sample extracts and has been utilized as a complementary confirmation technique. 

The real threat to the survival of the nation and its people is the combination of chemical, biological, and radiological warfare agents used in a way which will complement one another. Chemical and biological warfare can be used in conjunction with radiological warfare. They can be used prior to or after the use of nuclear weapons and delivered by covert or by overt means—that is, by ordinary airplane, missile, or sabotage. Therefore, the individual protection developments must be capable of use, if possible, against all three hazards. 

Appendix A shows the inventory of recovered nonstockpile items that have been stored at various locations awaiting treatment and disposal, which is scheduled to be completed prior to the 2007 CWC treaty deadline using currently available NSCMP equipment. Except for the listed binary agent precursors (which postdate the period when the Army practiced burial of non-stockpile chemical warfare materiel), the tables in Appendix A exemplify the great variety of items that could be encountered during future recovery operations. 

Buried Chemical Warfare Materiel Chemical warfare materiel, which are buried on both private lands and military installations, consisting of various munitions, bombs, rockets, and containers that may have been contaminated with nerve, blister, blood, or choking agents. At some sites, chemical munitions and agents were drained into holes in the ground, covered with lime or burned in an open pit, and finally covered with earth. Based on preliminary analyses, the Army has identified potential chemical warfare materiel at 215 burial sites in 33 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, DC. The Army has determined that thirty of the 215 potential burial sites warrant no further remediation activity. This determination is based on the Army s assessment of the potential burial site, prior remedial work, or accessibility to the site. 

According to Army officials, the lack of knowledge about buried chemical warfare materiel has created considerable difficulty in selecting appropriate disposal methods. The Army has conducted various analyses, including comprehensive documentation surveys, site visits, and interviews, to identify potential burial sites. Even at well-documented sites, the actual amount, chemical agent, condition, and type of buried materiel will remain relatively unknown prior to excavation and visual... 

---