Chemical weapon

Chemical weapons are a class of weapons of mass destruction that utilize chemical compounds to inflict harm or death upon humans, animals, or plants. They are distinguished from biological weapons, which use pathogens, and nuclear weapons, which use radioactive material.

History

The use of chemical weapons dates back to ancient times, with the earliest recorded instances involving the use of poisonous gases by the ancient Greeks and ancient Persians. However, the large-scale use of chemical weapons did not occur until World War I, when both sides employed various types of poison gas to devastating effect.

Types of Chemical Weapons

Chemical weapons can be classified into several categories based on their physical state, method of dissemination, and physiological effects. These include:

• Nerve gas: These are highly toxic synthetic compounds that interfere with the transmission of nerve impulses in the nervous system. Examples include sarin, soman, and VX.
• Blister agents: Also known as vesicants, these cause severe skin, eye and mucosal pain and damage. Examples include mustard gas and lewisite.
• Blood agents: These are cyanide- or arsenic-based compounds that affect the body's ability to use oxygen. Examples include hydrogen cyanide and cyanogen chloride.
• Choking agents: These cause damage to the respiratory system, often leading to a buildup of fluid in the lungs. Examples include phosgene and chlorine gas.

International Law

The use of chemical weapons is considered a war crime under international law. The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), an arms control treaty which came into force in 1997, prohibits the production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons. It is administered by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

See Also

• Biological warfare
• Nuclear warfare
• Chemical Weapons Convention
• Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons