Information Paper

M256 Series Chemical Agent Detector Kit

Information Papers are reports of what we know today about military equipment and/or procedures used in the Gulf War of 1990 - 1991. This particular information paper on the M256 and M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector Kits is not an investigative report, but is meant to provide the reader with a basic understanding of chemical detection equipment relevant to several cases currently under investigation. This paper will focus on background information on the M256 and M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector Kits, their components, how they operate, and, positive and negative test results. We hope that you will read this and contact us with any information that would help us better understand the M256 and M256A1 detection kits and more accurately report its use during the Gulf War. Please contact my office to report any new information by calling:

1-800-497-6261

Bernard Rostker
Special Assistant for Gulf War Illnesses
Department of Defense

1999111-0000011

Last Update: July 12, 1999

Many veterans of the Gulf War have been experiencing a variety of physical symptoms, collectively called Gulf War illnesses. In response to veterans’ concerns, the Department of Defense (DoD) established a task force in June 1995 to investigate all possible causes. The Office of the Special Assistant for Gulf War Illnesses assumed responsibility for these investigations on November 12, 1996, and has continued to gather information on the M256 and M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector Kits, and their use during the war.. An interim report is contained here.

As part of the effort to inform the public, DoD is publishing (on the Internet and elsewhere) accounts related to possible causes of illnesses among Gulf War veterans, along with the documentary evidence or personal testimony used in compiling these accounts. The following information paper will aid in understanding incidents involving the M256 and M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector Kits during the Gulf War.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I.  SUMMARY

II.  INTRODUCTION

III.  DESCRIPTION

A.  Background
B.  M256 Kit Description
1.  M256 Vapor-Sampler
2.  ABC-M8 Chemical Agent Detection Paper (M8 paper)
3.  Sensitivity to Chemical Warfare Agents
4.  Instructions for Using the M256 Kit  

IV.  OPERATIONAL DETAILS

A.   How the M256 Vapor-Sampler Works
1.  Blood Agent Test and Blister Agent Test
2.  Lewisite Test
3.  Nerve Agent Test
B.  How M8 Paper Works
C.  M256 Kit Maintenance

V.  FALSE DETECTIONS

VI.  OBSERVATIONS FROM DESERT STORM

A.  M256 Availability
B.  M256 Reliability
C.  Documentation of Incidents

VII.  M256 OUTREACH PROGRAM

VIII.  LESSONS LEARNED

TAB A – Acronym Listing/Glossary

TAB B – Biblography

END NOTES


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