Mustard gas: Difference between revisions
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'''Mustard gas''' refers to a family of potentially lethal but primarily casualty-producing [[chemical weapon]]s | '''Mustard gas''' refers to a family of potentially lethal but primarily casualty-producing [[chemical weapon]]s introduced in the [[First World War]] (WW1) and subsequently improved in [[World War II]] (WWII). The first version was impure [[dichloroethyl sulfide]], code-named "Yellow Cross" by the Germans and "H" in the modern [[United States|U.S.]] system. Originally produced by the [[Lowenstein reaction]], it could be purified by distillation into the more potent "HD". | ||
[[Image:Sulfur-mustard-2D-skeletal.png|left|250px|thumb|dichloroethyl sulfide molecule]] | [[Image:Sulfur-mustard-2D-skeletal.png|left|250px|thumb|dichloroethyl sulfide molecule]] | ||
During WWII, the U.S. developed a family of much more toxic ''nitrogen mustard''s gasses, called the "HN" series. After their declassification at the end of the war, they proved to be the basis of some of the first effective [[antineoplastic agent]]s for [[cancer]] [[chemotherapy]]. | |||
As opposed to other agents, it could penetrate unbroken skin. A mask alone was insufficient protection. Its toxic effects were usually | ==World War I== | ||
== | While it had been synthesized in 1860, mustard gas was first used in warfare in September 1917. German forces employed it against [[Russia|Russians]] at Riga. Considerably more toxic by weight than earlier chemical weapons, it became a regular part of bombardments until the end of the war. | ||
Both sides stockpiled mustard but did not use it, with the possible exception of the Japanese against the | |||
As opposed to other agents in use at that time, it could penetrate unbroken skin. A mask alone was insufficient protection. Its onset of toxic effects were usually delayed, so there was a terrifying sense of uncertainty after being shelled. | |||
==World War II== | |||
Both sides stockpiled mustard but did not use it, with the possible exception of the [[Japan|Japanese]] against the [[Chinese|China]]. There was, however, a major mustard gas contamination incident in [[Bari, Italy]] when German aircraft unknowingly bombed an ammunition ship carrying the theater reserve of the agent. | |||
Germany conducted the [[Nazi mustard gas experiments]] on [[concentration camp]] prisoners. | Germany conducted the [[Nazi mustard gas experiments]] on [[concentration camp]] prisoners. | ||
Revision as of 09:36, 28 November 2010
Mustard gas refers to a family of potentially lethal but primarily casualty-producing chemical weapons introduced in the First World War (WW1) and subsequently improved in World War II (WWII). The first version was impure dichloroethyl sulfide, code-named "Yellow Cross" by the Germans and "H" in the modern U.S. system. Originally produced by the Lowenstein reaction, it could be purified by distillation into the more potent "HD".
During WWII, the U.S. developed a family of much more toxic nitrogen mustards gasses, called the "HN" series. After their declassification at the end of the war, they proved to be the basis of some of the first effective antineoplastic agents for cancer chemotherapy.
World War I
While it had been synthesized in 1860, mustard gas was first used in warfare in September 1917. German forces employed it against Russians at Riga. Considerably more toxic by weight than earlier chemical weapons, it became a regular part of bombardments until the end of the war.
As opposed to other agents in use at that time, it could penetrate unbroken skin. A mask alone was insufficient protection. Its onset of toxic effects were usually delayed, so there was a terrifying sense of uncertainty after being shelled.
World War II
Both sides stockpiled mustard but did not use it, with the possible exception of the Japanese against the China. There was, however, a major mustard gas contamination incident in Bari, Italy when German aircraft unknowingly bombed an ammunition ship carrying the theater reserve of the agent.
Germany conducted the Nazi mustard gas experiments on concentration camp prisoners.