Poisoning substances (OM) - poisonous chemical compounds designed to kill people.

Poisoning substances are among the means of mass destruction. As a military weapon, OMs have been known since ancient times. They were widely used during the First World War, causing significant losses among the personnel of the warring armies. In 1925, in Geneva, on the initiative of the League of Nations, a treaty was drawn up prohibiting the use of chemical weapons. However, some countries (including the United States) have not ratified this treaty.

OM continuously improved. During the Second World War, the Germans obtained the most effective organic phosphorus compounds (FOW) of the “herd” type. In foreign armies there are also other military units.

The means of using OM are artillery shells, missiles and mines, air bombs mounted on airplanes, spillage devices and special devices for the formation of aerosols (generators, checkers). Gaseous and aerosol OM contaminate the air, and droplet-liquid contaminate tens and hundreds of square kilometers. A chemical cloud, while maintaining an effective concentration of OM, can move in the direction of the wind over long distances.

From a tactical point of view, toxic substances are divided into persistent and unstable. Persistent remain active on the ground for days and hours, unstable - tens of minutes. The most common classification of OM - clinical - distinguishes the following groups of OM: 1) nerve-paralytic (herd, sarin, soman, phosphorylthiocholines); 2) generally toxic (hydrocyanic acid, chlorocyan, carbon monoxide, arsenic hydrogen, phosphorous hydrogen); 3) asphyxiating agents (chlorine, phosgene, diphosgene, chloropicrin in high concentrations); 4) skin-boils (mustard gas, trichlorotriethylamine, lewisite, phosgenoxime); 5) tear (bromobenzyl cyanide, chloroacetophenone, chloropicrin in small concentrations); 6) irritating upper respiratory tract (diphenylchloroarsin, diphenylcyanarsine, adamsite, capsaicin and its derivatives).

The foreign press discusses the combat significance of the new OM. The cipher CS indicates the irritant OM: it causes lacrimation, irritation of the upper respiratory tract, and in high concentrations, and vomiting. Psychotomimetics - OMs such as lysergic acid diethylamide - cause visual and auditory hallucinations, temporary or euphoria, persecution mania and panic mood, depersonalization and other symptoms resembling schizophrenia; duration of action - up to 12 hours.

As substances acting on crops, 2,4-D-derivatives of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid are called. These OM cause intensive growth of individual plant sections and its death due to a sharp violation of metabolic processes.

The stability and behavior of toxic substances in the environment depend on their physicochemical properties, as well as on the meteorological and topographic conditions of the area. Of the physicochemical properties of OM, the most important are the melting and boiling points (which determines the aggregate state of OM), volatility, chemical activity in the processes of hydrolysis, oxidation, and reduction, as well as resistance to detonation. Particular attention is paid to methods for creating an aerosol cloud, which allows the conversion of low-boiling liquids and solid products into finely divided particles. At the same time, they proceed from the greatest stability in the atmosphere of particles with a diameter of 10 -6 -10 -4 cm and maximum toxic effectiveness (by inhalation) of particles of 10 -5 cm, since smaller particles are partially ejected upon exhalation, while larger ones penetrate the lungs worse. An aerosol cloud can consist not only of solid particles (smoke), but also of liquid particles - in the form of fog and so-called drizzles, which are especially dangerous when exposed to exposed parts of the body. The high toxicity of modern OM makes it possible to create life-threatening concentrations in an aerosol cloud that is almost invisible to the eye. The meteorological factors (air temperature, wind, rain) determine the stability of the concentration of OM in the air. Ravines, ravines, vegetation, terrain development with multi-storey buildings and some others contribute to stagnation of organic matter.

Toxicological analysis of the action of OM includes the determination of their incorporation into the body, their distribution and transformation (detoxification, interaction with enzymes) in the body and excretory pathways. The main ways of OM entry into the body are the respiratory tract and skin integuments. Tear agents act on the eyes. OM can also enter the digestive tract, for example, with food contaminated with OM and water.

The strength and nature of the toxic effects of toxic substances depend primarily on the amount of OM received in the body. In relation to OM acting on the respiratory system and eyes, this amount is expressed in concentrations; under the action of OM on the skin and digestive organs - in doses.

The concentration of OM is called their relative content per unit volume of air; it is expressed: a) in mg of OM per 1 liter of air (mg / l) or in g per cubic meter (g / m 3); b) in volumetric ratios (the volume of organic matter vapor is taken in the same units as the volume of contaminated air) - per 100 volume units (in percent), per 1000 or 1 000 000. The formulas are used to convert weight concentrations to volume ones and vice versa:

where X is the weight concentration of OM in mg / l, V is the volume concentration of OM in cm 3 / l, M-gram molecule. Calculations using these formulas refer to 0 ° and 760 mm pressure.

The dose of OM when acting on the skin is expressed in m per 1 cm 2 skin (mg / cm 2) or in mg per 1 kg of body weight (mg / kg). The latter designation is also used with the action of OM per os or parenteral route. When the area is infected, the density of infection in g per square meter of surface (g / m 2) is taken into account. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the time of action of OM, during which it accumulates in the body or the summation of its effects. Therefore, the time in minutes is added to the concentration numerical designation.

Depending on the strength and nature of the toxic effect, toxic (damaging) and fatal are distinguished among OM concentrations. The latter cause death in cases of acute intoxication. In experimental practice, they are differentiated into: a) conditionally fatal, causing death of 50% of experimental animals (SD50); b) minimally fatal, causing death, 75% of experimental animals (SD75); c) absolutely fatal, causing the death of 100% of animals (SD100). The concentration of irritating OM (tear and irritating the upper respiratory tract) is divided into: a) minimally irritating (threshold), at which the onset of OM is observed; b) minimally intolerable, which cannot be tolerated without protective equipment.

On the practical side, in characterizing the toxic effect of OM, attention should be paid to: a) the selectivity of the action, taking into account the different routes of entry of the toxic substance into the body and the symptoms of the lesion; b) the rate of occurrence of the first signs of damage, distinguishing between fast-acting agents when the action is manifested in the first minutes after contact (tear-containing agents, FOV, hydrocyanic acid), and delayed-action agents, when the first symptoms of the disease appear after a latent period lasting for hours (mustard gas) ; c) the speed of recovery, since the timing of recovery can be very different - from several minutes or hours (tear, irritating upper respiratory tract) to weeks and months (FOV, mustard gas).

In combat conditions, it is necessary to deal mainly with acute forms of lesions, which are conditionally divided into mild, moderate and severe.

When diagnosing, it is important to find out from the anamnesis the contact time with OM, the conditions under which the lesion occurred, the external signs of OM, the symptoms of the lesion, whether the affected person used protective equipment. The massive nature of the lesions is particularly important diagnostic value. The diagnosis is made based on the complaints of the victim, objective data from a clinical trial and their differential analysis (see table).

With the help of chemical analysis, poisonous substances can be detected on the clothes of the victim and in rinses from the skin. A biochemical blood test reveals specific changes - inhibition of cholinesterase (with FOV), the presence of carboxyhemoglobin (with CO).

An autopsy study distinguishes changes that occur in cases of lightning death (occurring from a few minutes to 1-2 hours), in the acute period (in the first 3 days), in the subacute period (from 4 to 10 days) and in the long term ( after 10 days). Disorders that are most specific for OM are observed in the acute period. In the differential diagnosis, it is necessary to keep in mind similar changes in some infectious diseases (ornithosis, melioidosis, influenza, measles, plague, tularemia, glanders, anthrax, brucellosis). Autopsy should be done in protective clothing and rubber gloves, and contaminated materials should be degassed.

Prevention is achieved by the use of a gas mask (see), protective clothing (see) and the use of collective protective equipment.

Treatment consists in sequentially carrying out the following activities. 1. Prevention of further release of OM into the body. To do this, a special treatment of the exposed parts of the body is carried out (see Degassing, Sanitary treatment) and uniforms with the help of degassers of an individual anti-chemical package (see). The affected person is put on a working gas mask (normal or special - for head and neck injuries), removed from the infected atmosphere, and the stomach is washed (with oral damage). 2. Introduction of antidotes OM (see). There are very active antidotes against hydrocyanic acid, FOV, arsenic OM. 3. Treatment with symptomatic agents.

Urgent treatment measures are: special treatment of exposed parts of the body and clothing of the victim (degassing of toxic substances), antidote therapy, gastric lavage with oral damage.

When prescribing those affected for evacuation (see Step-by-step treatment), it must be remembered that non-transportable ones include: a) those affected by severe organophosphorus, b) who are in a life-threatening condition, c) affected by OS with pulmonary edema. See also Medical assistance (in the field), Medical Civil Defense Service, Sanitary protection.

Poisoning substances are poisonous chemical compounds that serve to defeat the enemy’s living forces during the war. They have a number of physical and chemical properties, due to which, in a combat situation, they can be in a liquid, aerosol or vapor state and are the basis of chemical mass destruction). OM penetrate into various open spaces, shelters or structures and infect living organisms that are there, maintaining their effect for a certain period of time after their use.

Combat toxic substances penetrate the human body in several ways: through the skin, respiratory or digestive organs, mucous membranes. In this case, the degree and nature of the lesion depends on the pathways of penetration into the body, the rate of distribution along it and excretion from it, as well as on the modes of action of toxic substances and individual characteristics of the human body.

To date, there is no definite classification of these substances. The most significant are:

1. Physiological classification (by its effect on the body). This includes unstable poisonous substances, persistent and poisonous smoky substances.

a) unstable OM - able to infect the atmosphere, they form a cloud of vapor that spreads through and dissipates quite quickly.

b) persistent OM - liquid substances that create a cloud that is infected with an aerosol. Some of the chemicals are deposited in the form of dew on nearby territory.

c) smoky OM - are used in the form of various fumes and consist of

2. Tactical classification (on the behavior on the ground). This includes fatal poisoning agents that incapacitate for a certain time period and irritate OM.

a) lethal action - serve to eliminate living organisms.

b) incapacitating - serve to create a mental disorder in people.

c) irritating substances - serve to exhaust people.

Also, by the nature of the effect on the human body, there are:

1. Nervous toxic substances (sarin, VX, soman) - contain phosphorus, therefore they are highly toxic. They have the ability to accumulate and affect the human nervous system with any method of getting into the body. These are colorless, odorless liquids that dissolve well in natural solvents, but least of all in water.

2. Poisonous OM (phosphine, arsine, hydrocyanic acid) - disrupt the respiration of tissues, stopping their oxidative processes. These substances enter the body through the respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract.

3. Choking substances (chloropicrin, diphosgene and phosgene) - affect the lung tissue and upper respiratory tract through causing suffocation and death.

4. Irritating toxic substances (CS, dibenzoxazepine, chloroacetophenone) - contributes to irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory system and eyes. Used in the form of aerosols, causing burns, respiratory paralysis, and death.

5. Skin-booster OM (lewisitis, mustard gas) - enters the body through the skin and mucous membrane, causing poisoning and the formation of ulcers in places of contact with the skin.

6. Psychogenic substances (OB, BZ) - cause psychoses and physical disorders by interrupting the neuromuscular transmission of impulses.

7. Toxins (botulinum, staphylococcal enteroxin) - cause central nervous system paralysis, vomiting, poisoning of the body.

Thus, to date, almost all types of toxic substances have been studied. All of them are capable of affecting the human body, causing its poisoning. For timely protection, it is important to quickly detect OM, establish its type and concentration. Only then can high results be achieved in the provision of medical assistance to victims of hostilities.

It will soon be 100 years since the first chlorine gas balloon attack in April 1915. Over the years, the toxicity of toxic substances compared with chlorine used at that time has increased by about 1900 times.

The variety of poisonous substances used for armament, which differ from each other in physicochemical properties and the state of aggregation, the nature of the toxic effect and levels of toxicity, significantly complicates the creation of means of chemical defense, especially antidote drugs, indication systems, and warning systems.

Gas masks and skin protection kits, even the latest ones, have an adverse effect on people, depriving them of normal mobility due to the burdensome effect of gas masks and skin protection, causing intolerable heat loads, limiting the visibility and other perceptions necessary to control combat means and communication with each other. Due to the need for degassing of contaminated equipment and personnel, in some cases, the withdrawal of troops from the battle is required. There is no doubt that the modern chemical is a formidable weapon and, especially when used against troops and civilians who do not have the proper means of chemical defense, a significant combat effect can be achieved.

Chlorine, phosgene, mustard gas and other originally used gases can be called toxic substances of the 1st World War. Organophosphorus poisonous substances can rightfully be called chemical weapons of World War II. And the point is not so much that their discovery and development fell on the years of this war and the first post-war years. It was in the years of the last World War that they could most fully display their damaging properties, toxic substances of nerve-paralytic action. For their effective use, vulnerable targets were evident - the positions of troops saturated with openly disposed manpower. In those years, several thousand people concentrated on front-breakthrough areas on each square kilometer, and moreover, they did not have full-fledged anti-chemical protection. For the use of chemical shells and bombs, there were the necessary combat groups of artillery and aviation.

The entry into the arsenals of armaments of organophosphorus toxic substances of nerve-paralytic action marked the climax in the development of chemical weapons. A further increase in its combat power does not occur and is not predicted in the future. Obtaining new toxic substances that would be superior in toxicity to modern lethal toxic substances and at the same time possess optimal physical and chemical properties (liquid state, moderate volatility, the ability to inflict damage when exposed through the skin, the ability to be absorbed into porous materials and paints and etc.) is excluded. This conclusion is supported by the experience of developing chemical weapons over the past sixty years. Even the binary ammunition created in the 70s was equipped with sarin and other toxic substances obtained about 30 years ago.

Over the past decade, radical changes have occurred in weapons systems. The combat qualities of conventional weapons have risen sharply, primarily due to the introduction of high-precision weapons that can inflict damage on individual objects and even find the required objects of destruction among others thanks to "intelligent" control and guidance systems.

This, as well as the end of the Cold War and the extremely negative public attitude towards chemical warfare agents, led to the conclusion in 1993 of the international Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, which entered into force on April 29, 1997.

It turned out to be interested in the elimination of chemical weapons, as it is not strange for the country where the largest stockpiles of toxic substances were accumulated. The likelihood of a "big war" was minimized, in these conditions, nuclear weapons as a means of deterrence became quite enough. The withdrawal of toxic substances beyond international law has become beneficial for countries with nuclear arsenals, since chemical weapons were considered by many odious regimes as “an atomic bomb for the poor.”

INCAPASITANTS

The Convention did not include substances used by “law enforcement agencies” for “riot control”.
Incapacitants include a large group of physiologically active substances with different types of toxic effects. In contrast to lethal substances, incapacitating doses of incapacitants are hundreds or more times lower than their lethal doses. Therefore, if these substances are used for military or police purposes, fatalities can be avoided. Incapacitants include irritants and dysregulators. Irritants were used during the First World War, but they have not lost their significance until now.

In the early 1950s, a technology was developed at the British Chemical Research Center in Porton Down for the production of a new irritant who received the CS code. Since 1961, it has been in service with the American army. Later it entered the arsenal of the army and police of several other countries.

Substance CS was used in large quantities during the Vietnam War. In terms of its irritating effect, CS is significantly superior to the irritants of World War I - adamsite (DM) and chloroacetophenone (CN). It is widely used by the police and in civilian self-defense facilities.

Among the townsfolk there is a widespread opinion about the "harmlessness" of this substance. However, this is far from the case, in case of poisoning in large doses or with prolonged exposure, the onset of serious harm to health, up to a burn of the respiratory tract, is possible.

Eye contact can lead to severe burns to the cornea with partial or complete loss of vision. A number of researchers have noted in people who have repeatedly come under the action of “tear gas” a sharp decrease in immunity.

In 1962, the irritating substance CR was obtained in Switzerland, 10 times more effective than CS. It was adopted by the army and police of Great Britain and the USA.

At elevated concentrations, its smoke causes intolerable irritation of the respiratory system and eyes, as well as the skin of the whole body. In a vapor or aerosol state, CR has a powerful tear effect in combination with a nettle, burning effect. A few seconds after contact with an atmosphere containing vapors and an aerosol of CR, an intolerable burning sensation of the eyes, mouth and nose, as well as lacrimation, blurred vision, irritation of the upper respiratory tract and burning of the skin.

If drops of a solution of CR substance get on the skin, a sharp pain in the skin is noted, which persists for several hours. Compared to other synthetic irritants, CR creates a more pronounced discomfort for the victims.

Irritants were not included in chemical weapons by their definition given in the text of the 1993 chemical convention. The convention merely calls on its participants not to use these chemicals in the course of hostilities.

In fact, with the help of the latest irritants and other substances that are temporarily excreted, which are not prohibited, overcoming the gas mask can be achieved in the near future, when the breakthrough of the agent through the gas mask and the respiratory tract irritation caused by it will make it impossible to continue to be in the gas mask due to violation of the regime breathing, due to which the victim will be forced to remove the gas mask from his face and expose himself to the destructive effect of hundreds of thousands of times higher concentrations of irritant in the surrounding atmosphere re.

According to a set of properties, irritants can be of interest as substances for the exhaustion of the enemy’s manpower. Under the conditions of the chemical convention, they can be further developed, since their development is not prohibited. On the other hand, in the current state of the system of means for the chemical defense of troops, the task of destroying manpower may not be feasible, and therefore, the task of not destroying, but of immobilizing the enemy’s manpower, which can by no means only be used with lethal toxic agents, will come to the fore.

In the 1950s, there was a fascination with the idea of \u200b\u200ba "bloodless war" among supporters of the buildup of chemical weapons. The development of new substances intended to temporarily disable a significant part of the enemy troops and population was carried out. Some of these substances are capable of incapacitating people by sending them into a world of dreams, complete depression or senseless euphoria. ” It, therefore, was about the use of substances that cause mental disorders, violating the normal perception of the affected world and even depriving people of reason.

The described effect is possessed by the natural substance of the hallucinogenic effect of LSD, but it is not available for production in significant quantities. In the UK, USA and Czechoslovakia, field tests of the action of LSD on military personnel were conducted in order to determine the effect of this substance on the ability of those participating in the experiment to perform combat missions. The effect of LSD was very similar to the effects of intoxication.

After an organized search for substances of a similar effect on the psyche, in the United States a choice was made in favor of a substance under the code BZ. It was in service with the American army and was used in an experimental version in Vietnam.

Under normal conditions, BZ is solid and fairly stable. It was intended for use in the form of smoke generated by the combustion of a pyrotechnic mixture containing BZ.
Intoxication of people with BZ is characterized by severe mental depression and disorientation in the environment. Toxic effects develop gradually, reaching a maximum after 30-60 minutes. The first symptoms of a lesion are heart palpitations, dizziness, muscle weakness, dilated pupils. After about half an hour, there is a weakening of attention and memory, a decrease in reaction to external stimuli, a loss of orientation, psychomotor agitation, periodically replaced by hallucinations. After 1-4 hours, severe tachycardia, vomiting, confusion, loss of contact with the outside world are noted. Subsequently, outbreaks of anger, the commission of acts inappropriate to circumstances, and impaired consciousness with partial or complete loss of memory are possible. The state of poisoning lasts up to 4-5 days, and residual mental disorders can persist up to 2-3 weeks.

BZ Field Ammunition Tests at Edgewood Field, USA

There are still doubts about how predictable the behavior of the enemy after exposure to substances of psychochemical action, and whether the enemy will fight more boldly and aggressively. In any case, the BZ substance was withdrawn from the arsenal of the US Army, and in other armies, it did not come to its adoption.

EMETICS

Synthetic substances and toxins form a group of emetics with a strong emetic effect. Among synthetic emetics, derivatives of apomorphine, aminotetralin and some polycyclic nitrogen-containing compounds may pose a threat to military use. The most famous natural emetic is staphylococcal enterotoxin B.

The military use of natural emetics is associated with the likelihood of fatalities to people with poor health, which can be avoided by using synthetic emetics. Synthetic and natural emetics are capable of inducing vomiting and other symptoms of damage in various ways of their entry into the body, including inhalation. In victims, irrepressible vomiting begins, accompanied by diarrhea. In this state, people can not perform certain tasks or combat missions. Due to the release of vomit, those affected by emetics are forced to drop a gas mask regardless of whether the damaging agent is contained or absent in the surrounding atmosphere.

Bioregulators

Recently, publications have appeared regarding the prospects of creating biochemical or hormonal weapons, which are based on the use of endogenous bioregulators. According to experts, up to 10 thousand bioregulators of various chemical nature and functional purpose are functioning in the warm-blooded organism. Under the control of bioregulators are mental state, mood and emotions, sensation and perception, mental abilities, body temperature and blood pressure, tissue growth and regeneration, etc. With an imbalance of bioregulators, disorders occur that lead to loss of working capacity and health and even death.
Bioregulators are not subject to the prohibition of both chemical and biological conventions. Research, as well as the production of bioregulators and their analogues in the interests of health, can be used to cover the work on the creation of biochemical weapons bypassing the conventions.

DRUG ANALGETICS

The group of narcotic analgesics is formed by derivatives of morphine and fentanyl, which have a immobilizing effect. The advantage of substances with a morphine-like action is their high activity, safety during use, as well as the rapidly onset and sustained effect of disabling. In the 70-80s, artificially synthesized substances of this group were obtained with an extremely high “shock” effect. Carfentanil, sufentanil, alfentanil and lofentanil have been synthesized, which are of interest as potential toxic substances.

Carfentanil is one of the most active substances from the entire group of fentanyl derivatives studied. It manifests its activity in various ways of its entry into the body, including the inhalation of vapors or aerosol. As a result of one-minute inhalation of vapors of carfentanil, immobilization occurs with loss of consciousness.

Narcotic analgesics are in service with special services. The case of their use during a special operation related to the terrorist attack on October 26, 2002 at Dubrovka in Moscow, also referred to as the Nord-Ost, was widely publicized.

During the assault on the hostage building held by Chechen fighters, a narcotic analgesic was used. The main justification for the need to use gas during the special operation to free the hostages is the presence of terrorists with weapons and explosive devices, in the event of which all hostages could die. The drug launched into the building did not affect everyone for several reasons: some of the hostages remained conscious, and some of the terrorists continued to shoot for 20 minutes, but the explosion did not happen and all the terrorists were eventually neutralized.

Of the 916 people taken hostage, according to official figures, 130 people died as a result of exposure to OM. The exact composition of the gas used by the security forces during the assault remains unknown. Specialists from the laboratory of scientific and technological foundations of safety in Salisbury (UK) believe that the aerosol consisted of two analgesics - carfentanil and remifentanil. According to an official statement from the FSB, a special formulation based on fentanyl derivatives was used in Dubrovka. Officially, the main cause of death of a large number of hostages is called "exacerbation of chronic diseases."

It is worth noting that according to the disabling action, the most active of narcotic analgesics in terms of their level of action achieve the effect of nerve agents. They are quite capable, if necessary, to replace non-conventional OM.

With a sudden application, when the enemy is taken by surprise, the effect of narcotic analgesics can be overwhelming. Even in small doses, the effect of the substance is knocking out - a living force that has been attacked after a few minutes loses its ability to resist. In case of an overdose, death occurs, which apparently happened to those who died in the Nord-Ost.

According to the disabling action, the most active of narcotic analgesics reach the level of toxic substances of a nerve agent.

Disabling doses of the most active known incapacitants and non-lethal toxic substances

The list of drugs of various actions that can be used as chemical warfare agents is constantly growing, as a product of a “side” research process when creating various medicines and plant protection products (this is exactly how nerve agents were discovered in Germany in the 1930s). The work in this area in state secret laboratories has never stopped and, most likely, will not stop. There is a high probability of creating new poisons that are not subject to the provisions of the 1993 chemical convention.

This can serve as an incentive to switch the scientific teams of military departments and industry from the direction of the development and production of lethal toxic agents to the search and creation of new types of chemical weapons bypassing the convention.

According to the materials:
http://rudocs.exdat.com/docs/index-19796.html
http://mirmystic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f\u003d8&t\u003d2695&mobile\u003dmobile
ALEXANDROV V.A., EMELYANOV V.I. Toxic substances. Moscow, Military Publishing House, 1990

Life safety essay on the topic:

"Classification of toxic substances by actions on the human body"

Made by:

Student M1-2 group

Ramirez Kinones Pavel Orlandovich

Table of contents

Introduction

A wide variety of poisonous substances (OM) according to the classes of chemical compounds, properties and military purpose, of course, necessitates their classification. It is almost impossible to create a single, universal classification of organic matter, and this is not necessary. Specialists of various profiles base the classification on the most characteristic properties and features of OM from the point of view of this profile; therefore, a classification compiled, for example, by medical service specialists, is unacceptable for specialists developing means and methods for the destruction of OM or the operational-tactical basis for the use of chemical weapons.
Over a relatively short history of chemical weapons, there has been and still is a division of chemical weapons according to various criteria. Attempts are known to classify all OM as active chemical functional groups, by persistence and volatility, by means of useability and toxicity, by the methods of degassing and treating the diseased, by the pathological reactions of the organism caused by OM. At present, the so-called physiological and tactical classifications of OM are most widely used.
In this course work we will consider the essence and principles of the classification of the effects of toxic substances on the human body.

1. The concept of toxic substances and their classification

1.1 Concept
Toxic substances? (S) - toxic chemical compounds designed to defeat enemy personnel during hostilities. May enter the body throughrespiratory system , skin and digestive tract. The combat properties (combat effectiveness) of OM are determined by their toxicity (due to the ability to inhibit enzymes or interact with receptors), physicochemical properties (volatility, solubility, resistance to hydrolysis, etc.), the ability to penetrate warm-blooded bio-barriers and overcome protective equipment.
1.2 Tactical classification

The elasticity of saturated vapors (volatility) to:

unstable (phosgene, hydrocyanic acid);

persistent (mustard gas, lewisite, VX);
toxic smoke (adamsite, chloroacetophenone).

By the nature of the impact on manpower:

fatal (sarin, mustard gas);
temporarily incapacitating personnel (chloroacetophenone, quinuclidyl-3-benzylate);
irritating: (adamsite, Cs, Cr, chloroacetophenone);
training: (chloropicrin);

By the speed of the onset of the damaging effect:

high-speed - do not have a period of covert action (sarin, soman, AC, Ch, Cs, CR);
slow acting - have a period of latent action (mustard gas, VX, Phosgen, BZ, Louisite, Adamsit);

nerve agents (organophosphorus compounds): sarin, soman, herd, VX;
common toxic agents:hydrocyanic acid; chlorocyan;
blistering skin agents:mustard gas nitrogen mustardlewisite;
Agents irritating the upper respiratory tract orsternites: adamsite, diphenylchloroarsin, diphenyl cyanarsine;
asphyxiating agents: phosgene, diphosgene;
irritating to the shell of the eyes orlacrimatants: chloropicrin, chloroacetophenone, dibenzoxazepine, o-chlorobenzalmalondinitrile, bromobenzyl cyanide;
psychochemical agents:quinuclidyl-3-benzylate.

2. The effects of toxic substances on the human body
2.1 Toxic substances nerve agents

Currently, military experts are considering nerve agents as the most promising for use as lethal agents. This group of toxic substances includes extremely highly toxic organophosphorus compounds - sarin, soman, V-gases. causing damage to the nervous system, they have a pronounced general toxic effect.
  A characteristic property of organophosphorus OM is their cumulative effect, which is especially pronounced upon repeated exposure on the first day after initial contact. The cumulative effect is the accumulation of poison in the body and the changes caused by it.

Signs of damage by various toxic substances of nerve-paralytic action are largely similar. The differences are in the severity of some symptoms.
In easily affected patients, there is a narrowing of the pupils (miosis), accommodation spasm, accompanied by a sharp weakening of vision at dusk and with artificial lighting, eye pain, salivation, separation of mucus from the nose, a feeling of heaviness in the chest. In case of damage through the skin and digestive tract, pupil narrowing is often absent, as it is caused by local action or by the entry of large doses of OM into the general bloodstream.
With a moderate lesion, a sharp shortness of breath develops due to narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi, cyanotic coloration of the mucous membranes and skin. There is a violation of coordination of movements (shaky gait), often vomiting, frequent urination, diarrhea. Signs of mild lesion are more pronounced.
With a severe lesion, clinical-tonic convulsions of paroxysmal character occur, severe shortness of breath. Foamy sputum (saliva) is released from the mouth. The skin and mucous membranes acquire a pronounced bluish color. In more severe cases, loss of consciousness and respiratory arrest occurs.
V-gases (VX) are highly toxic nerve agents. They are non-volatile yellowish liquids, odorless, not irritating. V-gases dissolve well in organic solvents (gasoline, kerosene, hydrochloric oil, dichloroethane and others) and are poorly soluble in water; infect stagnant water bodies for several months; easily absorbed in rubber, wood, paints and varnishes.
V-gases can be used in the artillery chemical shells of the barrel and rocket artillery, in chemical aerial bombs, spill-out aviation devices and chemical land mines.
  At the time of application, V-gases are in the form of small drops (drizzle) and fog (aerosol).
  From the infected area, V-gases, together with dust, can pass into the air and get into the respiratory tract, as well as on the skin of people and cause fatal injuries.
  Skin contact with v-gases in an amount significantly less than one drop causes fatal damage to humans. To protect against V-gases, it is necessary to wear a gas mask and skin protection equipment (OP-1 combined-arms protective coat, protective stockings and gloves).
  In armaments and military equipment, V-gases are degassed with freshly prepared degassing solution No. 1, as well as with aqueous solutions of the DTV-GK Dvetreti-basic calcium hypochlorite salt and SF-2U (SF-2) deactivating powder. Uniforms that are on personnel and contaminated with toxic substances are degassed by an individual anti-chemical package.
  V-gas vapors are detected using chemical reconnaissance devices (indicator tube with a red ring and a dot), as well as by means of chemical laboratories,
Zarin (GV) is a colorless volatile liquid (technical yellow sarin) with a boiling point of about 150 ° C. It freezes at a temperature of about minus 40 ° C. Zarin is highly soluble in water and organic solvents. It is easily sorbed (delayed) on uniforms. It decomposes very slowly and can infect stagnant water bodies for a period of about a month. It is quickly destroyed by aqueous solutions of alkalis, ammonia water. The skin and uniforms are degassed with an individual anti-chemical package. Degassing of weapons and equipment is not required. Protection against sarin is a gas mask.
  Zarin is a fast-acting poisonous substance of a nerve agent. The concentration of sarin vapor in the air is 0.0005 milligrams per liter when inhaled for 2 minutes. causes constriction of the pupils (miosis) and shortness of breath (retrosternal effect), and a concentration of 0.06 milligrams per liter - for 2 minutes. is deadly. At the time of use, sarin is generally in a state of steam, but droplets are possible at the points of rupture of chemical munitions.
  Zarin can be used in chemical rockets, artillery chemical shells of the barrel and rocket artillery, in chemical aircraft bombs and chemical land mines.
It is detected using chemical reconnaissance devices (indicator tube with a red ring and a dot), automatic gas detectors GSP-1M, GSP-11 and means of chemical laboratories.
When assisting in the defeat of OS of a nerve agent, it is necessary:
- give a pill of the antidote from AI-2 (nest No. 2);
- immediately put on a gas mask (replace defective); when there are poisonous substances in the aerosol cloud, when tiny droplets of OM get on the face, first they treat the face skin with the liquid of an individual anti-chemical package (PPI), then put on a gas mask;
  - carry out a partial sanitary treatment of exposed skin and partial degassing of clothing with an IPP liquid and a bag of PHC; according to indications artificial respiration;
- urgently evacuate those affected from the focus of chemical infection.

2.2 Toxic substances of skin-boiling action

Mustard gas belongs to the group of toxic substances of a skin-boiling effect. Mustard has a damaging effect both in the drip-liquid and in the vaporous state.
Mustard (ND, N) can be used in purified form (distilled) and in the form of a technical product (technical). Distilled and technical mustards are oily liquids from light yellow to dark brown in color with the smell of garlic or mustard.
  Mustard boils at a temperature of 217 ° C, and freezes in the temperature range from minus 4 ° C to minus 14.5 ° C.
  Mustard is slightly soluble in water, but soluble in organic
solvents (gasoline, kerosene, benzene, solar oil, dichloroethane, etc.). Water mustard decomposes slowly and can for a long time (up to 2 months) infect leaking ponds.
  Mustard gas causes local inflammatory changes, and also has a generally toxic effect. At the time of contact with OV, pain or other unpleasant sensations are absent. After a few hours of a latent period (2 to 3 hours with drip-liquid OM), redness, slight swelling appear on the skin, itching and burning are felt. After 18-24 hours, bubbles form along the edge of the redness in the form of a necklace, then the bubbles merge into large bubbles filled with a clear liquid that constantly becomes cloudy. In severe cases, superficial ulcers form at the site of the blisters, and after the infection is attached, deep ulcers that do not heal for a long time.
Under the influence of mustard vapor on the eyes after 2 - 5 hours after the lesion, there is a sensation of light burning and a foreign body (sand) in the eyes. There is lacrimation, redness and swelling of the mucous membranes. In severe cases, these signs are more pronounced. Almost simultaneously with irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, hoarseness of the voice, a feeling of sore throat, soreness behind the sternum, runny nose, dry cough, chest pain, nausea, general weakness occur.
  The general toxic effect of mustard gas is manifested by headache, dizziness, nausea, fever, general depression, apathy, drowsiness.
  Armaments and equipment infected with mustard gas are degassed by degassing solution No. 1, aqueous solutions of DTS-HA or decontaminating powder SF-2U (SF-2). On the ground and engineering structures, mustard gas is degassed with bleach and DTS-GK. On the skin and uniforms, mustard gas is degassed with an individual anti-chemical package.
  At the time of use, the mustard gas is in a state of vapor, fog and drops of various sizes.
  To protect against mustard gas, use a gas mask and skin protection products (combined arms protective cap OP-1, protective stockings and gloves).
  The smallest dose of mustard gas, causing damage to the skin, is about 0.01 milligrams per 1 square centimeter of exposed skin. A lethal dose in contact with exposed skin of a person is about 4-5 grams. The concentration of mustard vapor in the air is 0.3 milligrams per liter for 2 minutes. is deadly.
  Mustard gas can be used in chemical artillery shells of the barrel and rocket artillery, in chemical mines, chemical aerial bombs, chemical land mines, as well as using airborne pouring devices. It is also possible to use mustard gas from thermal aerosol (fog) generators.
Mustard is detected by chemical reconnaissance devices (indicator tube with a yellow ring) and
  means of chemical laboratories.
First aid for a mustard infection: immediately put on a gas mask on the affected person; they perform partial sanitary treatment of exposed skin and partial degassing of clothing with an IPP liquid and a bag of PHC; then all the injured are taken (taken out) to uninfected territory to the preserved hospitals or first aid units.
If OM enters the stomach with food or water, induce vomiting in the affected person as soon as possible, give him activated charcoal and rinse the stomach as soon as possible. To do this, give the affected person drink 3 5 glasses of water, and then cause vomiting. So repeat 5 6 times. Then re-give the adsorbent (activated carbon).

2.3 toxic substances asphyxiating

Penetrate when inhaled which affects the upper respiratory tract and lung tissue. The main representatives of phosgene and diphosgene.
Difosgen is a colorless oily liquid with the smell of fresh hay, boiling point 128 ° C, freezing minus 57 ° C.
  According to military experts, at present phosgene cannot be considered as an effective means of chemical warfare, since it has low toxicity (30 times less than the toxicity of sarin), a latent period of action, and smell.
Phosgene (SS) is a colorless gas with the smell of fresh hay, liquefied at a temperature of 8 ° C. Phosgene freezes at a temperature of about minus 100.0 ° C.
At the time of use, phosgene is in a state of steam and does not infect uniforms, weapons and equipment.
  Phosgene vapor is 3.5 times heavier than air. Phosgene is slightly soluble in organic solvents. Water, aqueous solutions of alkalis, ammonia water easily destroy phosgene (ammonia water can be used to degass phosgene in enclosed spaces). Protection against phosgene is a gas mask.
  Phosgene has a choking effect with a latent period of 4-6 hours. Fatal concentrations of phosgene vapor in the air are 3.0 milligrams per liter when breathing for 2 minutes. Phosgene has cumulative properties (you can get a fatal injury with prolonged inhalation of air containing low concentrations of phosgene vapor). Air containing phosgene vapors can stagnate in ravines, hollows, lowlands, as well as in forests and settlements.
  The first signs of suffocation-induced OM damage are a sweetish taste in the mouth, a feeling of soreness in the throat, coughing, dizziness, and general weakness. there may also be nausea, vomiting, pain in the stomach. damage to the mucous membranes of the eyes is not pronounced.
After leaving the contaminated area, the effects of the lesion disappear, a latent period of action sets in, lasting 6-8 hours. However, even at this time, with hypothermia and muscle tension, cyanosis and shortness of breath appear. Then, pulmonary edema, shortness of breath, cough, profuse sputum production, headache, fever occur and develop. Sometimes there is a more severe form of poisoning, complete respiratory distress, cardiac decline and death.
  Phosgene can be used in aviation chemical bombs and mines.
  Phosgene is detected by chemical intelligence devices (indicator tube with three green rings) and automatic gas detectors GSP-1M, GSP-11.
First aid. A gas mask is immediately put on the affected person and it is necessarily removed (carried out) from the focus of chemical infection, regardless of the severity of the condition. Independent movement of the affected person leads to a sharp deterioration in the course of poisoning, the development of pulmonary edema and death. in the cool season, the affected should be warmly covered and, if possible, warm. After removal from the focus of chemical infection, all affected must be given complete rest and ease breathing by unfastening their collars and clothing, and if possible, remove it.
In case of defeat by asphyxiating agents, artificial respiration cannot be done (due to the presence of pulmonary edema). In case of complete respiratory arrest, artificial respiration is performed until natural recovery.

2.4 Poisoning substances of general toxic effect

Poisoning substances of general toxic effect - a group of high-speed volatile OM (hydrocyanic acid, chlorocyanine, carbon monoxide, arsenic and phosphorous hydrogen), which damage the blood and nervous system. The most toxic are hydrocyanic acid and chlorocyanine.
Hydrocyanic acid (AS) is a colorless, easily mobile and volatile liquid with the smell of almonds. The boiling point of hydrocyanic acid is 26.1 ° C, the freezing temperature is minus 13.9 ° C. At the time of use, hydrocyanic acid is in the form of steam.
   Its vapors are lighter than air and in the field do not infect uniforms, weapons and equipment. Protection against hydrocyanic acid is a gas mask.
Hydrocyanic acid is highly soluble in water and infects stagnant water bodies for several days. When affected by hydrocyanic acid, tissues lose their ability to absorb oxygen. In this regard, with a decrease in the blood oxygen content, oxygen starvation develops.
In case of damage with hydrocyanic acid, the smell of bitter almonds is felt, a bitter metallic taste in the mouth, then there is a feeling of numbness of the oral mucosa, throat irritation, nausea, headache, dizziness, weakness. There is a bright pink color of the mucous membranes and skin, dilated pupils, bulging eyeballs, shortness of breath, cramps. Depression, a sense of fear and loss of consciousness are noted. Then comes a loss of sensation, muscle relaxation, a sharp violation of breathing and cardiac activity. The pulse is frequent, weak, arrhythmic. The breath is rare, superficial, uneven. Late breathing stops when the heart is still working.
  In terms of toxicity, hydrocyanic acid is significantly inferior to toxic agents of a nerve agent. The concentration of hydrocyanic acid vapors in the air of 0.8-1.0 milligrams per liter when inhaled for 2 minutes is fatal. Hydrocyanic acid can be used in aviation chemical bombs. Hydrocyanic acid is detected by chemical reconnaissance devices (indicator tube with three green rings) and automatic gas detectors GSP-1M, GSP-11.
The first medical aid for a lesion with hydrocyanic acid is to put on a gas mask, give an antidote for inhalation, and evacuate from the source of infection to a hospital or an OPM. To give an antidote, you should crush the ampoule in which it is contained and lay it under a gas mask. With a sharp weakening or cessation of breathing, artificial respiration is made and the antidote is inhaled again.

2.5 Poisoning substances of psychogenic action

Poisoning substances of a psychogenic effect - a group of OM, causing temporary psychoses due to a violation of chemical regulation in the central nervous system. Representatives of such OM are substances of the LSD type (lezergic acid diethylamide) and Bi-Zet. These are colorless crystalline substances, poorly soluble in water, used in an aerosol state. When ingested, they can cause movement disorder, impaired vision and hearing, hallucinations, mental disorders or completely change the normal picture of human behavior; a state of psychosis similar to that observed in patients with schizophrenia.
Bi-Zed (CC) - a crystalline substance of white color, odorless, withboiling point 320 ° С. Bead is melted at a temperature of about 165 ° C. Water is very slowly destroyed. It is destroyed by alcohol solutions of alkalis. Bead is degassed with a solution of the dvetrethbasic salt of calcium hypochlorite DTSTK.
Bized acts on the nervous system, causing mental disturbances, headache, blurred vision, drowsiness, fever and hallucinations. The action begins to manifest itself at a concentration of Beezed in the air of about 0.1 milligrams per liter after 0.5 hours and lasts 2-3 days.
  At the time of use, the Bi-Zed is in the form of an aerosol (smoke). The gas mask serves as protection against the bead.
  Bead can be used in chemical aviation cassettes and toxic smoke bombs. It is possible to use Bi-Zed using thermal aerosol generators.

2.6 Toxic substances irritating

Irritant poisonous substances - a group of OM, acting on the mucous membranes of the eyes (lacrimators, for example
  chloroacetophenone) and the upper respiratory tract (sternites, such as adamsite). The most effective agents are those with irritating combined effects such as C-Es and C-Er.
Chloracetophenone (CN) is a crystalline substance of white or light brown color with a pungent odor reminiscent of the smell of cherry blossoms. Chloracetophenone boils at a temperature of about 250 ° C, and melts at temperatures of about 60 ° C. Chloracetophenone is practically insoluble in water, but soluble in organic solvents. Water and aqueous solutions of alkalis do not decompose.
Chloracetophenone can be used with poisonous smoke bombs, chemical hand grenades and mechanical aerosol generators. At the time of use, it is in the air in the form of an aerosol (smoke).
  Gas mask serves as protection against chloroacetophenone. Chloracetophenone has a tear effect. Its concentration is 0.0001 milligrams per liter of air for 2 minutes. already irritating, and a concentration of 0.002 milligrams per liter of air for 2 minutes. is intolerable. Chloracetophenone is detected by means of chemical laboratories.
  Chloracetophenone, as well as other toxic substances of an irritating effect, can be stored on uniforms and equipment, creating conditions under which it will take a long time to be in gas masks. Degassing of uniforms and equipment contaminated with chloroacetophenone and other irritant 0B can be carried out by cleaning and airing them.
CIS (SS) is a crystalline substance of white or light yellow color, darkening when heated. C.E. boils at a temperature of about 315 ° C, and melts at a temperature of 95 ° C. CIS is very moderately soluble in water and well soluble in organic solvents. It is removed from the surface of the body and technique by rinsing with large amounts of water.
  CS has a strong irritating effect on the eyes and upper respiratory tract, causing lacrimation, burning in the nose, larynx and lungs, and nausea. According to the irritating effect of Cu-ES, it is 10-20 times stronger than chloroacetophenone. CIS can be used with chemical hand grenades. It is possible to use CS with aerosol generators. Detected by the means of chemical laboratories.
Adamsite (DM) - a non-volatile crystalline substance of yellow-green color, boiling at temperatures above 40 ° C
  Adamsite melts at a temperature of about 195 ° C. It does not dissolve in water, it dissolves well in acetone, and when heated, in other organic solvents. Oxidizing agents decompose adamsite into substances that do not act on the respiratory tract.
  Adamsite is irritating to the respiratory tract. Its concentration is 0.0002 milligrams per liter of air for 2 minutes. it already causes irritation, and the concentration is 0.01 milligrams per liter of air for 2 minutes. is intolerable.
  Adamsite can be used with chemical hand grenades and mechanical aerosol generators. At the time of use it is in the form of smoke. Protection from it is a gas mask. Adamsite is detected by chemical laboratories.

Conclusion
Poisoning substances from the point of view of their action on the human body are of nerve-paralytic effect, skin-boiling effect, asphyxiating effect, general toxic effect, irritating effect, and psychogenic effect.
Extremely toxic organophosphorus compounds, such as sarin, soman, and V-gases, belong to the group of toxic substances of nerve action. causing damage to the nervous system, they have a pronounced general toxic effect.
  Mustard gas belongs to the group of toxic substances of a skin-boiling effect. Mustard has a damaging effect, both in the drip-liquid and in the vaporous state. Mustard gas causes local inflammatory changes, and also has a common toxic effect. At the time of contact with OV, pain and other unpleasant sensations are absent.
  etc.................

Poison gas is a toxic chemical substance that causes intoxication of the body and damage to internal organs and systems. Gets through the respiratory system, skin, gastrointestinal tract.

List of toxic gases depending on their toxicological effects:

1. Nervous - carbon monoxide, sarin.
2. Abdominal cutaneous - lewisite, mustard gas.
3. Choking agents - phosgene, diphosgene, chlorine.
4. Tear - bromobenzyl cyanide, chloroacetophenone.
5. The common effect is hydrocyanic acid, chlorocyanine.
6. Annoying - Adamsite, CR, CS.
7. Psychotomimetic - BZ, LSD-25.

Consider the most dangerous gases, the mechanism of their destruction, signs of poisoning in humans.

Zarin

Zarin is a toxic liquid substance that at a temperature of 20 ° C it evaporates quickly and has a nerve-paralytic effect on the human body. In a state of gas, it is colorless and odorless, most dangerous when inhaled.

Symptoms occur immediately upon exposure to the respiratory tract. The first signs of poisoning are shortness of breath, narrowing of the pupil.

Clinical manifestations:

• irritation of the nasal mucosa, liquid discharge;
• salivation, vomiting;
• compression in the chest;
• shortness of breath, blue skin;
• spasm of the bronchi and increased formation of mucus in them;
• pulmonary edema;
• severe cramping and abdominal pain.

When high concentration sarin vapor enters the body severe brain damage occurs in 1-2 minutes. A person cannot control the physiological functions of the body - involuntary bowel movements and urination. Convulsions, convulsions appear. A coma develops with subsequent cardiac arrest.

Mustard gas

Mustard gas is mustard gas. This is a chemical compound of a skin-boiling effect. In liquid form, the substance has a mustard smell. It enters the body in two ways - by airborne droplets and by contact of the liquid with the skin. Tends to accumulate. Signs of poisoning appear in 2-8 hours.

Symptoms of gas intoxication by inhalation:

• damage to the mucous membrane of the eyes;
• lacrimation, photophobia, sensation of sand in the eyes;
• dryness and burning in the nose, then swelling of the nasopharynx with purulent discharge;
• laryngitis, tracheitis;
• bronchitis.

If liquid gets into your eyes, it will cause blindness. In severe cases of mustard gas poisoning, pneumonia develops, death occurs on the 3-4th day from asphyxiation.

Symptoms of gas poisoning in contact with skin - redness, followed by the formation of vesicles containing serous fluid, skin lesions, ulcers, necrosis. Gas destroys cell membranes, disrupts carbohydrate metabolism, partially destroys DNA and RNA.

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Lewisite

Lewisite is the strongest poisonous substance, the vapors of which are able to penetrate through a chemical protection suit and gas mask. It is a brown liquid, has a pungent odor. Gas refers to skin-narcotics. It acts on the body instantly and does not have a latent period.

Symptoms of gas poisoning with damage to the skin develop within 5 minutes:

• pain and burning in the place of contact;
• inflammatory changes;
• painful redness;
• the formation of bubbles, they quickly open;
• the appearance of erosion, heal for several weeks;
• in severe cases, when large concentrations of lewisite are ingested, deep ulcers form.

Symptoms of inhalation of gas:

• damage to the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, trachea, bronchi;
• fluid from the nose;
• sneezing, coughing;
• headache;
• nausea, vomiting;
• loss of voice;
• chest pressure, shortness of breath.

Eye mucosa highly sensitive to poison gas. It turns red, the eyelids swell, lacrimation intensifies. A person experiences a burning sensation in his eyes. If liquid lewisite enters the gastrointestinal tract, the patient begins to profuse salivation and vomiting. Sharp abdominal pains join. Internal organs are affected, blood pressure drops sharply.

Hydrogen sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas with a pungent smell of rotten eggs. In high concentrations, the substance is very toxic. After inhalation, symptoms of general intoxication develop - headache, dizziness, weakness. Hydrogen sulfide is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and acts on the central nervous system.

Signs of gas poisoning:

• metallic taste in the mouth;
• paralysis of the nerve responsible for the sense of smell, so the victim immediately ceases to smell any odors;
• damage to the respiratory tract, pulmonary edema;
• severe cramps;
• coma.

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a colorless poisonous substance, lighter than air. Once in the body through the respiratory tract, it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and binds to hemoglobin. So the transportation of oxygen to all cells is blocked, oxygen starvation sets in, cell respiration stops.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• dizziness and headache;
• rapid breathing and palpitations, shortness of breath;
• noise in ears;
• visual impairment, flickering in the eyes;
• redness of the skin;
• nausea, vomiting.

In severe poisoning, convulsions are observed. The symptoms preceding the coma are increasing - a drop in blood pressure, a sharp weakness, loss of consciousness. In the absence of medical care, death occurs after 1 hour.

Phosgene

Phosgene is a colorless gas, characterized by the smell of fresh hay. The substance is dangerous if inhaled. the first signs of intoxication appear after 4-8 hours. At high concentrations, death occurs after 3 seconds. Gas entering the lungs destroys them, causing instant edema.

Symptoms at different stages of poisoning:

1. Pulmonary edema begins to develop in the latent period, when the victim does not suspect poisoning. The first signals from the body - a sweet, sugary taste in the mouth, nausea. Sometimes there is vomiting. A person feels a sore throat, itching and burning in the nasopharynx. A cough reflex occurs, breathing and pulse are disturbed.
2. After a latent period, the condition of the victim deteriorates sharply. A strong cough appears, a person begins to suffocate. The skin and lips turn blue.
3. Stage of progressive deterioration - strong pressure in the chest leading to suffocation, respiratory rate increases 70 per minute (norm 18). In the lungs, a lot of fluid and mucus is formed due to the decomposition of the alveoli. Man spits up sputum with blood. Breathing becomes impossible. 50% of the BCC (circulating blood volume) passes into the lungs, and increases them. The weight of one lung can be 2.5 kg (normal 500-600 g).

In severe cases, death after 10-15 minutes. In case of moderate gas poisoning, a fatal outcome occurs after 2-3 days. Recovery can occur 2-3 weeks after poisoning, but this is rare due to infection.

Hydrocyanic acid

Hydrocyanic acid is a colorless, light and mobile liquid with a pronounced odor. It blocks the chain of oxygen movement through the tissues, causing tissue hypoxia. Gas affects the nervous system, disrupting the innervation of organs.

Symptoms of poisoning from the breath:

• dyspnea;
• at the beginning of the development of the clinical picture, frequent breathing;
• with severe intoxication - respiratory depression and its stop.

Signs of the heart:

• slow heartbeats;
• increase in blood pressure;
• vasospasm;
• as symptoms increase - pressure drop, increased heart rate, acute cardiovascular failure, cardiac arrest.

Poisonous gases are powerful fast-acting substances. In order to save a person, emergency resuscitation measures are needed.. With a favorable outcome, the victim needs long-term rehabilitation treatment.