gasses tear gas Tear gas grenade Tear gas was the first to be put to use. It is an irritant, mainly affecting the eyes, (hence the name tear gas) but it can also affect the nose, lungs, and mouth. The gas causes a burning sensation behind the eyes/ temporary blindness, difficulty breathing, and sneezing fits. This left the victim incapable of fighting. Although it is sometimes thought that the Germans were the first to use poison gas, the French are actually responsible for being the first country to use it. In the August of 1914 the first grenade was launched, many more following it. When the grenades exploded the chemical (tear gas) was released into the trench, seriously damaging the German armys ability to fight. After the attack Germany began experimenting with different chemicals, creating a new kind of gas that would cause much more damage than tear gas. chlorine Chlorine The Germans, after many hazardous experiments, came up with chlorine gas. Chlorine is also an irritant, causing the unfortunate victim violent choking fits up to three hours after inhalation. The Germans introduced this gas to the war during the second battle of Ypres. French sentries, amidst a bombardment of shells, noticed a large yellow-green cloud slowly advancing towards their front line. They ordered the army to hold their ground, thinking the haze masked the approach of the Germans. Alas, it was the chlorine gas the Germans sent, and the results were disastrous for the French. This presentation of gas sent both Allied and Central Power countries alike scrambling to concoct a lethal gas to use in the war, as well as protection for their troops. Victims of the gas often made it, but were hospitalized due to their choking. During their time in the hospital, the soldiers wrote letters to family members, saying they were going to be okay. phosgene Leftover phosgene tanks Phosgene was invented shortly after Germanys attack on France. It was formulated from chlorine, turning into a much more aggressive version of its predecessor- this gas had enough potency to be fatal. Phosgene also caused its victim to cough and choke, but its effects had a longer delay (up to 48 hours after inhalation), as well as little to no color. Chlorine and phosgene were often combined; the chlorine would supply the necessary vapor in which to carry the phosgene, and the phosgene provided the blows to the opponent. This mixture was referred to as the white star mixture, and was deployed by the Germans in a brutal attack on Somme. mustard gas Mustard gas victim More experiments were conducted by the Germans, resulting in the worst gas yet: mustard gas (also known as yperite). This odorless, colorless, more often than not lethal chemicals signature symptom was internal and external blistering and/or burning (like the ones on this soldier), caused several hours after exposure/inhalation. It was very difficult to protect against, let alone get a warning that the air might be tainted. The Germans first utilized mustard gas against the Russians at Riga, containing the toxin in artillery shells. The gas did its job well, unfortunately for the Germans, too well. The trenches the shells had affected were tainted for weeks after exposure to the gas. All of these gasses led to the chemicals we use in warfare today.
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 22:11:20 +0000