Mustard gas: Difference between revisions
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In WWII, the U.S. developed a family of much more toxic ''nitrogen mustard''s, in 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. | In WWII, the U.S. developed a family of much more toxic ''nitrogen mustard''s, in 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. | ||
==WWI== | ==WWI== | ||
While it had been synthesized in 1860, it 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, it could penetrate unbroken skin. A mask alone was insufficient protection. Its toxic effects were usually of delayed onset, so there was a terrifying sense of uncertainty after being shelled. | |||
==WWII== | ==WWII== | ||
Both sides stockpiled mustard but did not use it, with the possible exception of the Japanese against the Chines. There was, however, a major mustard contamination incident in [[Bari, Italy]] when German aircraft unknowingly bombed an ammunition ship carrying the theater reserve of the agent. | Both sides stockpiled mustard but did not use it, with the possible exception of the Japanese against the Chines. There was, however, a major mustard 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 19:22, 23 November 2010
Mustard gas refers to a family of potentially lethal but primarily casualty-producing chemical weapons, introduced in the First World War and with improved versions in WWII. The first version was impure dichloroethyl sulfide, and 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".
In WWII, the U.S. developed a family of much more toxic nitrogen mustards, in 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.
WWI
While it had been synthesized in 1860, it 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, it could penetrate unbroken skin. A mask alone was insufficient protection. Its toxic effects were usually of delayed onset, so there was a terrifying sense of uncertainty after being shelled.
WWII
Both sides stockpiled mustard but did not use it, with the possible exception of the Japanese against the Chines. There was, however, a major mustard 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.