Toxic industrial agents liquids/solids

Up to now, we have examined water in its three states vapour, liquid and solid. Another state has relatively recently revealed to be of interest the supercritical state, where an assembly of water molecules is under a pressure greater than 221 bar (1 bar = 10 Pa) and a temperature higher than 374 °C. In these conditions HjO molecules still establish (weak) H-bonds. They are surprisingly most reactive and are thus candidates to be used in industry to decompose numerous polymers and hazardous chemicals (72). It may for instance rapidly hydrolyse organic molecules without any acidification (73). Supercritical water can thus act as an effective decontamination agent, itself devoid of any toxical effect. Also, its dielectric constant can be continuously varied, as may also its density or the density of H-bonds it contains, etc. How is it so Another open question for that exceptional molecule, and certainly yet a lot of work for scientists. 

Toxicity follows exposure to chemical agents dispersed as solids, liquids, aerosols, or vapor (Table 23.1). CW agents have characteristics that make them uniquely suited to warfare. In addition to their extreme toxicity, their chemical structures are simple, and the manufacturing processes for most are relatively uncomplicated and inexpensive. Cyanide and phosgene are manufactured in large quantities for use in industry and are shipped in bulk by truck or train. 

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