CHEMICAL WARFARE WORLD WAR I WORLD WAR I IS SEEN AS THE DAWN OF MODERN CHEMICAL WARFARE, WITH A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT CHEMICAL AGENTS BEING EMPLOYED ON A LARGE SCALE, RESULTING IN APPROXIMATELY 1,240,000 NON-FATAL CASUALTIES, AND 91,000 FATALITIES. A VARIETY OF POISONOUS GASES WERE USED THROUGHOUT THE CONFLICT, WITH EACH HAVING DIFFERING EFFECTS UPON VICTIMS.

O O

Br Cl Cl O S Cl Cl O Br O Cl Cl Cl Cl 2 Cl O Cl

TEAR GASES CHLORINE PHOSGENE & DIPHOSGENE MUSTARD GAS (ethyl bromoacetate, chloroacetone & xylyl bromide) (carbonyl dichloride & trichloromethane chloroformate) (bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide)

SMELL & APPEARANCE SMELL & APPEARANCE SMELL & APPEARANCE SMELL & APPEARANCE

Both ethyl bromoacetate and chloroacetone are Chlorine is a yellow-green gas with a strong, bleach- Phosgene is a colourless gas with a musty odour When pure, mustard gas is a colourless and odourless colourless to light yellow liquids with fruity, pungent like odour. Soldiers described its smell as ‘a distinct comparable to that of newly mown hay or grass. liquid, but it’s used as a chemical agent in impure form. odours. Xylyl bromide is a colourless liquid with a mix of pepper and pineapple’. Diphosgene is a colourless, oily liquid. These are yellow-brown in colour and have an odour pleasant, aromatic odour. resembling garlic or horseradish.

EFFECTS EFFECTS EFFECTS EFFECTS

Tear gases are what is known as ‘lachrymatory agents’ Chlorine reacts with water in the lungs, forming React with proteins in lung alveoli, causing suffocation. Powerful irritant and vesicant (blistering agent) - they irritate mucous membranes in the eyes, mouth, hydrochloric acid. It can cause coughing, vomiting, and Cause coughing, difficulty breathing and irritation that can damage the eyes, skin, & respiratory tract. throat & lungs, leading to crying, coughing, breathing irritation to the eyes at low concentrations, and rapid to the throat & eyes. Can cause delayed effects, not Causes chemical burns on contact with skin. Forms difficulties, and temporary blindness. death at concentrations of 1000 parts per million. evident for 48hrs, including fluid in the lungs & death. intermediates that react with DNA leading to cell death.

FIRST USED FIRST USED FIRST USED FIRST USED

In August 1914, the French forces Used by German forces at Ypres in In December 1915, the German On 12th July 1917, German forces used tear gas grenades against the April 1915. British forces used it for forces used phosgene against the used mustard gas against the British 1914 German army, to little effect. 1915 the first time at Loos in September. 1915 British at Ypres. 1917 at Ypres.

ESTIMATED CASUALTIES ESTIMATED CASUALTIES ESTIMATED CASUALTIES ESTIMATED CASUALTIES

These gases were used to incapacitate Chlorine was devastating as troops It’s estimated 85% of all gas-related The mortality rate of mustard gas enemies rather than to kill; symptoms >1,100 were initially unequipped to deal fatalities in World War I resulted from casualties was low, but its effects 0 commonly resolved within 30 minutes of 85% 2-3% number of fatalities in first with it. Later, gas masks limited its phosgene and disphosgene, which mortality rate of mustard were debilitating, and patients leaving the affected area. of all gas-related fatal use of chlorine at Ypres effectiveness. fatalities in WWI were both used to fill artillery shells. gas casualties required elaborate care.

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