U/I Originator - Report on CW Agents

File: 970110_0925CW_UI_0001.txt
Page: 0001
Total Pages: 1
Subject:  U/I Originator - Report on CW Agents

 

Description 

                      Dust agents are toxic warfare agents that
have been absorbed by a fine powdery substance which acts as a
carrier for transporting the toxic material. The toxicological
efforts of CW dust agents are reported to be in no way inferior
to that of the pure CW agent. The traditional agent carriers
are activated alumina, fuller's earth, and silica. These
compounds can be ground very fine and have a high capacity to
absorb chemical compounds. The dust method is reported to be
very suitable for the creation of ground barriers, as well as
the contamination of water surfaces, water courses, and coastal
strips. Another reported advantage of this deployment method is
that it is not adversely affected by air temperature.  [b.1.
sec. 1.5.(a)]                                            

DUSTY MUSTARD, DEPENDING ON THE CARRIER, COULD SETTLE OUT OF THE AIR
ONTO/INTO THE SAND AND BE A DANGER FOR SEVERAL DAYS.


a, (U) Lewisite (L) and Mustard (H)

(U) These blister agents are likely to be used against troops
in the open and to contaminate equipment, stores, etc. Lewisite
is a rapid acting vesicant agent, while mustard's effects are
somewhat delayed. They are persistent agents active in vapor,
liquid or solid form. These agents can be used alone or in a
mixture. Thickeners can be added to modify the persistence of
these agents. The thickened agent is the preferred method for
area denial. Full protective clothing is required for
protection against blister agents. Mustard can also be used as
an impregnated dust. Lewisite and mustard can be disseminated
in aerial bombs, artillery ammunition, and mines.

b. (U) Sarin (GB), Soman (GD), and VX

 (U) These nerve agents induce their effects as a result of
inhalation or absorption through the skin or eyes. Sarin is a
non-persistent agent; Soman a persistent agent; VX is a very
persistent agent. Soman in the thickened form is a common
weapon fill; thickened VX is part of the Soviet arsenal.
Thickening which increases the agents viscosity allows more
precise placement of air re]eased liquid agent onto the target.
Current protective equipment and procedures can provide a good
degree of protection against these agents. Soman requires
pretreatment to attain significant medical protection.








c. (U)  Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN)

(U) This blood agent is highly volatile and is likely to be
used against enemy troops close to, or in contact, with
friendly forces or areas likely to be attacked, e.g., landing
zones. It is rapidly dispersed by meteorological effects and,
to be effective, must be delivered rapidly and in huge quantity
so that a high concentration is achieved at the ground level.
Multiple rocket launcher (MRL) systems are a particularly ef-
fective means of delivery. A respirator will provide adequate
protection but the present canisters have a capacity to
withstand only one heavy attack.

(U) Factors Affecting Delivery

19. (U) If the threat from chemical weapons is prolonged,
efficiency of troops will be seriously impaired by continuous
wearing of protective clothing. A considerable advantage can
thus be obtained by merely the threatened use of chemical
weapons. A successful chemical attack will be one which has
surprise and which rapidly delivers sufficient chemical agents
to a target area to be lethal. A great deal will depend on
being able to hit the target, rapidly and with sufficient
density.

20. (U) Meteorological factors must be taken into account when
planning and executing a chemical attack. It is difficult to
forecast the weather conditions at the impact area especially
for longer range delivery means such as missiles. The Soviets
would try to compensate for variations in weather conditions by
using very large amounts of chemical agent. The list below
illustrates how complex weather effects are:

a. (U) Temperature

(U) Persistent agents become less persistent in high
temperatures. For persistent nerve and blister agents, vapor
hazard increase as temperature rises. The persistency of agents
increases at low temperatures.

b. (U) Temperature Gradient

(U) Over open grassy surfaces the vertical variations in air
temperature affect air stability. On a reasonably clear night
air temperatures near the ground increase with height, and
conditions prevail which are ideal for chemical strikes. On the
other hand, on a reasonably clear day the opposite is the case.
Late evenings and early morning are particularly suitable times
for the use of chemical weapons.






c. (U) Wind

(U) Wind speed and direction influence the dispersion of
chemical agents.

d. (U) Humidity and Precipitation

(U) High humidity and precipitation have varying effects on how
chemical agents are delivered. Deep snow can completely cover
a contaminated area rendering it temporarily safe, but creating
a hidden long term hazard.


                         AGENT EFFECT ON PERSONNEL (U)

NERVE (V&G AGENTS)                                
* Symptoms: tremors, miosis, confusion, pain, convulsions.
                   weakness, prostration, death
ù Time to onset: cutaneous (VX) - - 30 minutes--1 hour        
           respiratory (GB) 30 seconds--1 minute
ù Duration of Incapacitating effect: 1--15 days

SYSTEMIC (AC)
ù Symptoms: dizziness, convulsions, anxiety, coma, asphyxia,
death
ù Time to onset: respiratory - - 30 seconds--1 minute
ù Duration of incapacitating effect: 1--2 days

 BLISTER (HD) . . 
ù Symptoms: blisters, burns, Inflammation of mucous
membranes and eyes. temporary blindness. secondary
infection/pneumonia
ù Time to onset: up to 12 hours
ù Duration of incapacitating effect: 6--60 days

CHOKING (PHOSGENE)

ù Symptoms: eye irritation, throat irritation. lung congestion,
lung collapse
ù Time to onset: 1 hour--1 day
ù Duration of incapacitating effect: several days



FACTORS FOR ANY GIVEN AGENT
AND DELIVERY MECHANISM:

ù Weather conditions
ù Terrain
ù Height, speed and method of agent dispersal

                                    

                                  UNCLASSIFIED


CW GLOSSARY

ATMOSPHERIC CONDITION - The vertical temperature gradient in an
area where chemical agents have been deployed. It is one of the
factors that contribute to the rate at which the agent cloud
diffuses during transport. The three types of atmospheric              ;~
conditions Are INVERSION, LAPSE and NEUTRAL.

INVERSION ATMOSPHERIC CONDITION - An atmospheric condition in
which the temperature INCREASE with height immediately above
the ground, thus inhibiting agent diffusion. Of the three types
of atmospheric conditions, this condition produces the MOST
EFFECTIVE chemical agent pattern on the ground

LAPSE ATMOSPHERIC CONDITION - An atmospheric condition in which
the temperature DECREASES with height immediately above the
ground, thus promoting agent diffusion. Of the three types of
atmospheric conditions, this condition produces the LEAST
EFFECTIVE chemical agent pattern on the ground.

NEUTRAL ATMOSPHERIC CONDITION -  An atmospheric condition that
is an intermediate state between inversion and lapse. This
condition represents the AVERAGE daily stability condition.

PERSISTENCY - An expression of the duration of effectiveness of
a chemical agent that is dependent on physical and chemical
properties of the agent, weather, dissemination method, and
terrain condition.

NONPERSISTENT AGENT - Agent that is dispelled from the
environment relatively quickly. Under moderate weather
conditions, this type of agent can last from a few minutes up
to 2 hours.   Hydrogen cyanide and sarin are considered
nonpersistent agents.

PERSISTENT - An agent that remains in the environment for an
extended period.   Under moderate weather conditions, this type
of agent can last from a few hours up to 2 days. Thickened
soman, sulfur mustard, mustard-lewisite mixture, and thickened
mustard - lewisite mixture are considered persistent agents.