Chemical Weapons

Chemical Weapons

Chemical Weapons (pronunciation: /ˈkɛmɪkəl ˈwɛpənz/) are a category of weapons that use chemical substances to inflict damage or harm.

Etymology

The term "Chemical Weapons" is derived from the words "chemical", which originates from the Late Latin chimicus, and "weapon", which comes from the Old Norse vápn.

Definition

Chemical Weapons are defined as any toxic chemical or its precursor that can cause death, injury, temporary incapacitation or sensory irritation through its chemical action. The term also includes any device or munition intended to cause death or harm through the release of toxic chemicals.

Types of Chemical Weapons

Chemical Weapons can be classified into several types based on their physical states, persistency, and physiological effects. These include:

• Nerve agents
• Blister agents
• Blood agents
• Choking agents
• Riot Control agents

History

The use of Chemical Weapons dates back to ancient times, but their large-scale use began during World War I. Since then, they have been used in numerous conflicts, leading to the establishment of the Chemical Weapons Convention to prohibit their use.

Effects

The effects of Chemical Weapons can range from temporary incapacitation to death, depending on the type of agent used, the concentration, and the length of exposure. They can cause damage to the eyes, skin, respiratory system, and internal organs.

Related Terms

• Chemical Warfare
• Chemical Weapons Convention
• Chemical Agent
• Biological Weapons
• Nuclear Weapons

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Chemical Weapons
• Wikipedia's article - Chemical Weapons

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