Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search
File: 950811_22tr2149_170.txt
Filename:22tr2149.170
*********************************************
This document is a captured Iraqi military record.
It is provided in its original form to include Iraqi
classification markings (i.e. Top Secret, Secret, etc.).
These classification markings are NOT U.S. Government markings.
*********************************************
Session to show officers methods to protect troops from chemical weapons:
For the period 8/4 until 8/10/1990 at the headquarters of
the Chemical Company - Seventh Corps
Qorat Al-Golan * Gawaria
Subject: Introduction to toxic chemical agents
Important definitions
Toxic Chemical Agent: A solid, liquid, or gas chemical substance that causes by its
chemical properties, losses (which affect the functions of the
body)
Concentration: A certain amount of a toxic chemical agent in a certain amount of
air. It is measured in milligrams / liter (mg/liter) or milligram for each
cubic meter (mg/ m3)
Contamination Degree: A certain amount of a toxic chemical agent on a certain
surface of the ground or various places. It is measured in
mg/cm2 or g/m2
Prevention: TroopsÕ protection at an appropriate time from any sudden attack by the
enemy with toxic chemical agents, biological agents, nuclear weapons, or
[illegible] agents in order to prevent or reduce the effect of these weapons.
Decontamination: The process of removing any contamination or reducing it to the
normal level. The detailed method is the one that occurs with the
minimum effort and materials within a certain time frame that is
determined by the mobilization position
Dose: The toxic amount of the chemical agent. It is the amount of the toxic chemical
agent that causes certain physiological effects to the body, a severe
illness, or leads to death. It takes effect when it enters the body.
Medium lethal dose through the respiratory system:
It causes the death of 50% of the individuals or test animals for a certain period of time
though the respiratory system. Its symbol is LST 50 and is measured in mg min/liter
Medium lethal dose through the digestive system, absorption or injection
It causes death to 50% of the individuals (test animals) through skin absorption or
injection, or the digestive system. Its symbol is LD50 and is measured in mg/kg of the
bodyÕs weight.
Medium disabling dose through the respiratory system:
It is the dose that renders 50% of the individuals incapable of performing their activities
through the respiratory system. It is measured in mg mn/liter
Medium disabling dose through the digestive system, absorption, or injection
It is the dose that renders 50% of the individuals incapable of performing their activities
through the digestive system, absorption, or injection. It is measured in Mg/kg of the
bodyÕs weight.
Duration: It is the period during which the toxic chemical agent retains its toxic
properties. It depend on physiological aspects of the agent, weather
conditions, surface of the ground, and method of use.
Characteristics of the toxic chemical agents:
1- They affect health. They do not contaminate a wide surface of the ground but
contaminate a large amount of air which moves with the wind to reach long distances.
2- They affects living beings only.
3- They can cause losses to persons who are living in unconditioned residences or
shelters.
4- Their toxic effect lingers for a long period which depends on the type of the agent
used, ground, and weather conditions (temperature, air)
5- They need special protective measures.
6-They greatly affect individuals and lead to their weakness.
Subject: Classification of the toxic chemical agents
1- By application
- Lethal chemical agents:
Agents that have serious effects and cause death when used in lethal concentrations.
- Disabling agents
They cause physiological or / and psychological effects and render individuals
incapable of concentrating on performing their entrusted activities.
- Disturbing agents
They have effects when used in high concentrations
- Training materials
They are used for training purposes and have characteristics that resemble those of the
toxic chemical agents Training materials may be not used with [illegible]
decontamination [illegible] prevention.
2- By duration
- Immobile toxic chemical agents / they do not diffuse
They are agents that retain the toxic effects for hours or days such as Mustard,
Mustard Nitrogen etc.
- Mobile toxic chemical agents / they diffuse
They are agents that retain their toxic level for minutes or hours such as Phosgene and
Hydrogen Cyanate
3- By physiological effect:
Lethal Toxic Chemical agents
1- Nerve agents
2- Bubbling agents
3- Blood Agents with general effect
4- Penetrating agents
Non lethal toxic chemical agents
1- Tear agents
2-Vomiting agents
3- Psychological effect agents
4- By physiology
Lethal toxic chemical agents
1- Nerve agents
2- Bubbling agents
3. General effect agents
4- Choking agents
Non lethal toxic chemical agents
1- Tear agents
2- Vomiting agents
3- Psychological effect agents
8/4/1990
Subject: Nerve Agents
They include Sarin, Suman, Tabun, and VX
Biological symptoms of nerve agents:
1- Pinpoint eye pupils which lead to weak vision especially in bad conditions
2- Difficulty in breathing because of muscle shrinkage in the lungs
3- Increase in nasal discharges and salivation
4- Excessive cold sweat
5- Pain in the forehead
6- Increase in heart beats
7- Diarrhea caused by intestine shrinkage
8- In severe cases, they cause [illegible]
9- Death when heart beats and breathing stop in high concentrations
Prevention
It occurs by using the following protective gear:
a. Protective mask
b. Protective clothing for the body like protective cloak and gloves
c. Conditioned shelters
d.
First aid measures for nerve agents
1- Wear a protective mask
2- Inject Atropine shot
3- Perform artificial respiration
4- Inject a second Atropine shot 10 minutes of the first is injected if the patientÕs
condition did not improve
5- Disinfect the contaminated part of the body with the small container in the
decontamination tools in case of exposure to Sarin, Suman, Tabun, and the large
container when exposed to the VX agent
6- Evacuate the victim to the nearest decontaminated area and the nearest medical
facility.
Bubbling agents
Symptoms:
1- The skin: When the skin is exposed to drops of a mustard liquid, the penetration
period is 2 to 3 minutes on the external part of the skin. Then, they
penetrate another layer of the skin within 7 minutes and they are totally
absorbed by the skin in 20 to 30 minutes. The symptoms do not appear
during this period but only after 2 to 6 hours of incubation. Sometimes
they remain for up to 12 hours depending on the contamination level on
the surface of the skin and the skin condition. Then, the following
symptoms appear:
a. The contaminated part becomes red.
b. Painful irritation
c. Small bubbles appear
d. The size of the small bubbles increases and the bubbles are more dense.
They remain for 3 to 4 days during which they are exposed to
inflammations.
The healing period lasts one to two or more months. Most of infected area is covered
with brown spots.
2- The eyes: When exposed mustard smoke, the following symptoms appear: (Red eyes)
1- Red eyes
2- A feeling that there is sand in the eyes
3- Lack of
4- Severe allergy to light
5- Tear tissues inflammations
They are accompanied by [illegible]. The above symptoms appear depending on the
agentÕs concentration and exposure period.
When exposed
If the eyes are directly exposed to mustard drops, this leads to a permanent loss of
vision.
3- The respiratory system
In case mustard gas is inhaled, the respiratory system becomes red and the following
symptoms appear within 4 to 6 hours:
1- Dry mouth
2- Chest pains
3- Breathing difficulty
4- Gradual loss of voice
5- Respiratory tract inflammation
6- In high concentrations, they lead to death
4- The digestive system: The effect of mustard on the digestive system is more serious
than the effect of the [illegible]. The symptoms are the following:
1- Inflammation of the internal tissues of the digestive system, the pharynx, the stomach
and the intestines)
2- Decrease in strength and headaches
Prevention:
Protective gear number 1 is used: protective mask, cloak, foot gear, and gloves for the
protection from bubbling agents.
8/4/1990
First aid measures
The skin: When mustard drops fall on the skin, the following measures are taken:
1- Wear a protective mask
2- Remove the drops with the gauze cloth in the decontamination and first aid tools.
3- Disinfect the contaminated area in the large container
4- After decontamination, [illegible] the cloth in the solution on the contaminated area
for less than 5 minutes
The eyes
Eyes are washed with a 2% solution Sodium Bicarbonate, 0.2 % of Monochloramine, or
use a large quantity of water.
The respiratory system:
1- Wear a protective mask
2- Evacuate the contaminated area
3- Gargle with 2% solution of Sodium Bicarbonate
4- Perform artificial respiration
The digestive system:
1- Perform artificial respiration
2- Evacuate the person to the nearest medical point.
General effect agents:
They include the following components:
Hydrogen Cyanate + Cyanogen Chloride + Phosphate + Arsine
Symptoms
1- A feeling of burn and a taste in the mouth
2- Strange feeling in throat
3- Nausea
4- Vomit
5- Headaches and general weakness
6- Breathing difficulty
7- Death because of the heart failure
Prevention
Only a protective mask is used for protection. Also note a special [illegible] to protect
from Carbon monoxide and [illegible].
First aid measures
1- Wear a protective mask
2- The infected is given [illegible] while wearing a mask in case [illegible]
3- Evacuate the contaminated area and perform artificial respiration
4- [illegible] the infected when necessary
5- Give oxygen at the medical facilities.
Remark: 2% solution of Sodium Bicarbonate is used to wash eyes when exposed.
8/4/1990
Choking agents
Biological symptoms - Phosgene -Diphosgene - Triphosgene
When inhaling air that is contaminated with phosgene, the victim feels some irritation in
the respiratory system, a strange taste in the mouth, a slight dizziness in the head, and a
general weakness.
[illegible] to put an end to the phosgene exposure [illegible] the mentioned symptoms
and the incubation period starts, ranges between 4 and 5 hours, develops when the
pulmonary tissues are exposed. The following symptoms appear:
1- Accelerated breathing
2- Intense coughing that is accompanied by nasal discharges that may sometimes
contain blood
3- Headache and dizziness that are accompanied by chest pains
4- Excessive heart beats, a general weakness, and breathing difficulty
5- Cyanosis on the skin of the face, ears, and hands.
6- In extreme cases, death during the first two days. In high dosages, [illegible]
incubation period and symptoms appear as soon as the victim is [illegible]
Prevention
Wear a protective mask because the agents affect the respiratory system.
First aid measures
1- Wear a protective mask
2- Isolate the victim from the contaminated area
3- Provide the necessary rest to the victim
4- Facilitate the breathing process by removing the equipment
5- Give the victim a hot drink and provide oxygen through breathing
6- Move the victim to the nearest medical facility
Remark: It is prohibit to perform the artificial respiration.
8/5/1990
Subject: Protective mask / How to put on and take off
Choosing the size of the mask
Protective mask: Military equipment that is used to protect the respiratory and
digestive systems, the face, and eyes from the effects of chemical
weapons
How to choose the size of the mask
The size is chosen by measuring the size of the head in two phases:
First phase: Take the measurement of the head starting from the chin area to the highest
point of the head.
Second phase: Measure the front part of the head from the ears going through the
forehead to the other ear
If the total of the head measurement is:
Less than 92 number zero
92 - 92.5 number 1
95.5 - 99 number 2
99 - 102.5 number 3
102.5 and above number 4
As to the Yugoslavian mask 95 and below number 1 M
95 - 102.5 number 2 S
102.5 and above number 3 [D]
Packing the mask
a. The [illegible] is put in its place in the [illegible]. It place should be [illegible] towards
the [illegible]
b. The face cover is held in the right hand then folded in the left hand to cover the
glasses
c. The nozzle is held with the left hand in [illegible] then put in the case which pull the
face cover which must take some space in the lower [illegible]
Wearing and removing the protective mask
a. Stop breathing and close eyes
b. Lift the head cover and put it between the [illegible] and then backwards.
c. Pull the face cover and hold it with the hands.
d. Put the lower part of the face cover between the [illegible] then pull the fingers above
and wear the head part so the face cover or the vision glass become in front of the eyes
e. Make a strong sigh and open eyes then continue breathing normally.
Removing the mask
1 - The protective mask is taken off by using remove mask
a. The weapon is hung on the shoulder or between legs.
b. Remove the head cover with left hand and hold the face cover [illegible] with the right
hand slightly pull forward and above, then remove the mask
c. Return head cover to its place
d. Face cover is turned and wiped from inside with a clean gauze cloth. It is then soaked
and dried.
e. Give mask [illegible] leave mask [illegible] in the case
Subject: Decontamination an first aid gear
Bulgarian and Yugoslavian
Bulgarian gear: Plastic box which consists of a metal nail to pierce the plastic containers
Purpose of the gear:
a- to perform an immediate decontamination operation to contaminated persons and
machines
2- to assist victims of nerve agents
3- to reduce the effect of exposure to scaring and smoke agents
4- to reducing the effects of radiation
5- to be used when exposed to toxic chemical agents or nerve agents symptoms appear
without warning
Contents of the gear:
a. Small container: Is used for nerve agents (Sarin, Suman) and contains Sodium
Bicarbonate.
b. Large container: Is used to decontaminate from bubbling agents and nerve agent
VX. It contains 80% alcohol 6% [illegible] Chloride and
[illegible]
c. 4 [illegible] tubes: 2 contain 20% Chloroform, 4% alcohol, 3 to 5 [illegible] and
two [illegible]
d. Atropine injection shot: used in nerve agents and are [illegible] Sulfate
e. [illegible] pills to remove radiation
f. 4 to 6 pieces of gauze cloth
g. wood pieces
Yugoslavian decontamination and first aid tools
Contents: they are:
a. A plastic container which contains a white detergent to disinfect the skin and the
face
b. A plastic container that contains 2 [illegible] pills
c. A plastic container that contains two Atropine shots
e. A plastic container that contains 10 grams of Sodium Bicarbonate
f. 4 cotton bandages to apply and remove the detergent when disinfecting the face and
the skin.
g. Paper napkins to remove the drops of a toxic chemical agent
h. Wire to pull out the tools
Nuclear weapons
Their Effects: 1 - they are self destructive or they are destroyed when an
explosion occurs such as the blast or what is know as the blast
wave , the effect of the heat, and heat radiations
2- they may remain for a period after the explosion like the various
nuclear radiations
3-
Measures that are taken by a unit during a chemical attack
1- Warn unit members immediately and make sure that the warning reaches all unit
members
2- Wear protective gear
3- Identify the attacked area
4- Inform the higher headquarters and other sub-units
5- Submit reports and samples to the higher headquarters
6- Perform partial decontamination operation
7- Do not remove protective equipment before making sure that the area is
decontaminated.
Protection from the effects of the shock, the blast wave and the heat radiation
1- During the explosion of a nuclear bomb, a soldier who is uncovered must take a main
protective measure through a reaction represented by the action of lying on the ground
with his face to the ground and his eyes closed. It is better that this action is taken in a
trench and very quickly
2- During a shock wave and a heat radiation, the protective measure is to create and
prepare the protective locations (such as digging trenches and building shelters) by
using the protective nature of the ground (by using caves, valleys, etc.)
3. Simple measures are taken against fires and the necessary material is provided to
extinguish a fire such as water, sand, earth, fire extinguishing equipment.
4. The protective mask (the face part) provides the face with a protection from heat
radiation and the individual protective equipment are provided such as light and thick
protective cloaks, protective foot gear, protective gloves, skin protection at the same
level.
8/6/1990
Subject Individual decontamination gear
Description and use
Decontamination levels:
First level: Decontamination occurs in the battlefield. The fighter decontaminates
himself with the decontamination and first aid tools
Second level: In the non chemical units, individual decontamination equipment are used
such as ADK1, DK4, RDB4
Third level: Occurs in the chemical units to open full decontamination chemical
stations
8/7/1990
Subject: Principals of using smoke
Smoke: small particles stuck in the air that look like aerosols that absorbed each of
the main light radiations and infra red radiations
Rules for using smoke
1- The target should not be in the location of smoke clouds
2- Hide all the signs that point to the target and are useful to the enemy to determine the
target
3- The surface of the cloud must be adequate to the surface of the target such as the
size or the surface of the cloud must be from 3 to 5 times as much as the surface of the
target.
In important targets, they are between 10 to 15 times. In serious targets, the length of
the [illegible] should be from 1 time to twice the length of the target.
4- Provide a 10 % reserve of the means to generate smoke.
5- Provide good means of communication
6- Generate a [illegible] of 3 to 3 and hide the target at an angle of 360 degrees from all
the [illegible]
7- Take into consideration the weather conditions when using smoke
7/8/1990
Chemical corps of the seventh division
Purpose for using smoke
a. Smoke [illegible] in large areas. They include:
1- Air [illegible]
2- Hide the artillery location which includes the flash
3- Prepare the battle locations
4- Administrative locations
5- Locations for the mobilization of the troops and the vehicles
6- Troops transportation and [illegible]
7- Passage location for rivers and bridges
b. Small smoke [illegible. They are used:
1- to evacuate the victims
2- to evacuate the bases
3- to [illegible] the [illegible] points
4- to evacuate the equipment that are out of order
5- Areas and roads of the [illegible]
Methods of generating smoke
1- The methods used in the chemical corps include:
a. Smoke containers and they are three types:
First: Small: Weight 3 kg, Period to generate smoke 5 to 7 minutes, length of the
smoke cloud that is generated 50 to 70 m, and width
30 to 35m
Second: Medium Weight 7 to 7.5 Kg, Period to generate smoke 14 to 16
minutes, Length of the smoke cloud generated 70 to 100 m,
and width 40 - 50 m
Third: Large Weight 40 to 41 kg, Period to generate smoke 15 - to 17 minutes, length of
the smoke cloud 125 to 150m, and width 80 to 90 meters
b. Colored smoke containers
Smoke generating period: 30 seconds. They are used for signaling.
c. Mechanical smoke generators
Smoke generating period:
d. Smoke generating vehicles
e. Smoke missiles
Methods used in various divisions
a. Smoke grenades
b. Artillery mortar shells
c. Aircraft smoke bombs
d. Smoke generating equipment for [illegible] and tanks
Incendiary and protective materials and mixtures
a. Thermit and electron: A mixture of [illegible] oxide that has the color of [illegible]. It is
very effective when it burns since its temperature increases to about 3000 degrees. This
temperature is sufficient to break the tanks, barracks, and metal equipment. The
[illegible] reaches 2 cm. Its effect is limited to the [illegible] area only. It also burns
without air.
As to electron, it is a mixture of magnesium, aluminum and other metals. The
temperature increases during the burning period to about 2800 C degrees. Thermit may
be distinguished in the field by observing colorless smoke or a mixture of Thermit that is
characterized by an integrated ball with white smokeless flames. If [illegible], remove
with earth and do not use water to extinguish it because it explodes and causes serious
effects on the area.
8/7/1990
b. White and yellow [illegible]
It is a solid transparent material that resembles wax. Its temperature decreases during
the burning period to about 900 to 1200 C degrees. It causes serious and severe burns
when it falls on the skin.
If it penetrates the blood or the digestive system, it has a strong toxic effect and causes
[illegible] in the [illegible] and may lead to forest burning during the summer. It may be
[illegible] in the field [illegible] and has a bright yellow color with thick white smoke.
c. Napalm
Napalm is considered among the main substances of the incendiary materials that are
prepared. Napalm is a [illegible] material. It is used to [illegible] fires with fuel since the
substance gives a certain viscosity to fuel and it burns slowly. The temperature reaches
[illegible] military missions from 1000 to 2000 C degrees. It gives a thick black smoke
and a red flame and may be extinguished with the fire extinguisher or the process of
reserving [illegible].
Methods for using incendiary substances and mixtures
a. They are widely used by both air and ground forces and exits in the [illegible] of most
armies [illegible] with small charges 2kg to 250 kg for the largest. The small bombs of
Thermit [illegible] and more concentrated including 2kg bombs
b. Small incendiary bombs which weigh less than 2 kg are used within large envelops
and containers that fit an amount that ranges from 6 to 150 [illegible]. They can be seen
at a wide distance from a valley since they form many metal pits.
c. There are also tanks that may contain from 300 to 600 liters of Napalm of various
weights that range from 200 to 1500 pounds. The incendiary mixture which contains
these mixtures causes a fire pit with a surface of [illegible] 45 m and a burning period
that ranges from 5 to 10 minutes.
Preventive measures if incendiary substances
a. When fighting the enemyÕs flight, the best way of protection among the incendiary
substances that are used by the air force since the aircraftÕs altitude does not exceed
600 m. Otherwise, Napalm would not hit the targets.
b. All units that are on the locations, the mobilization areas, or the headquarters have to
assemble all the missions, equipment, and weapons that may burn and keep them in
shelters. They also have to have the means to extinguish fires and be ready to
extinguish all fires everywhere.
c. The ground that is equipped with barriers and trenches [illegible] in defending
[illegible] in battles since one small hole provides protection from a nearby fire or was
only [illegible]
d. Prevent Napalm from falling through the holes of the surveillance area in the
locations and trenches. Easy to open and return covers may be used.
e. Entries to shelters and trenches must be covered with [illegible] at the angles
[illegible]. They are covered with earth and boards. The angles of [illegible] napalm must
be [illegible].
f. Shelters and trenches must be at an average of less than 1 m2
g. The anti [illegible] suits for [illegible] are used [illegible] unusable substances
h. Flame bombs do not affect the enemy [illegible]
Methods to extinguish incendiary substances
1. The protective cloak, coats, various covers, plastic sheets, and protective equipment
are used to protect the skin from burns since these substances [illegible] napalm
directly [illegible] to protect the face, eyes [illegible] protection [illegible] long
[illegible].
2. Napalm may be extinguished in holes or the ground with earth and sand. Therefore,
the various methods must be prepared. Fire units empty [illegible] incendiary napalm
such as water and sand to [illegible from other many materials
3. Do not use water to extinguish napalm since it leads to expanding the incendiary
effects of napalm and therefore increase the scope of fires.
4. It is very difficult to extinguish the incendiary Thermit and electron. It is prohibited to
pour water on them in [illegible] quantities since it increases the fire because water
[illegible] to incendiary substances such as oxygen and hydrogen
5. It is preferable to extinguish Thermit and electron by covering with water or sand to
prevent the expansion of incendiary substances but this does not lead to extinguishing
it totally but water should be poured abundantly.
6. Incendiary [illegible] may be extinguished by [illegible] oxygen to cover many things
such as clothing, [illegible], and tents and [illegible] it with earth and sand.
8/9/1990
Chemical attack indications
1. Low bomb explosion sound
2. An oily spot appears on the ground and grass near the place of the explosion.
3. A cloud or smoke appears where the explosion occurred and travels with the wind
4. A strange odor appears in the area such as the smell of rotten eggs, garlic, rotten fish,
or cut grass
5. [illegible] appears behind the aircrafts and disappears quickly because of its fall on
the ground
6. Dead or disabled birds
7. Change in the color of plant, grass or others
8. Primary symptoms appears on persons
9. Some marks or signs of shrapnel or chemical equipment
1- Thermit
2- 6- 8- 8- 10
3- Bubbles
4-Isolating parts
1- x
2- x
3. -
4- x
8/9/1990
[location]
Chemical Warning
Chemical warning signal within a unit
Local warning signals
1. Methods [illegible]
2. Methods [illegible]
3. Using [illegible]
4. Using vehicle [illegible] and others
5. Repeating the words GAS GAS
6. Telecommunications
The simple case
Individual protection: It contains protective gear number 1 property of each soldier
protective gear number 2 to recognize the [illegible]
protective gear number 3 to decontamination
persons and teams
Collective protection: It contains a shelter and the protection is collective and [illegible].
Contents of the protective gear number 1
1. Protective mask
2. Protective cloak
3. Light gloves
4. Light protective foot gear
How to wear How to remove
1- Wear protective mask Take off mask
2- Protective cloak
3- Gloves
4. Protective foot gear
The session ended
8/9/1990 [illegible]
Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search