Describe the four types of chemical agents as well as the problems they present. When are chemical weapons most effective?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

• There are four types of chemical agents: nerve agents, blood agents, choking agents, and blistering agents.
• Nerve agents enter the body through ingestion, respiration, or contact.
• Blood and choking agents are usually absorbed through the respiratory system.
• Blistering agents burn skin and internal tissue upon contact.
Chemicals present an attractive weapon for terrorists because they are easy to control and, unlike biological weapons, the users can avoid the area they attack.
• Chemical weapons present four problems.
• First, terrorists must have a delivery mechanism? that is, they need some way to spread the chemical.
• The second problem is related to the first. Bombing is a popular tactic, but the heat of most explosives incinerates chemical agents.
• It takes a lot of chemicals to present a threat.
• Finally, weather patterns, air, and water can neutralize a chemical threat.
• Chemical weapons are most effective when used in a confined space, and they are difficult to use effectively in large outdoor areas.