112 CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOACTIVE, & NUCLEAR (CBRN) DEFENSE FUNDAMENTALS

Question 1

Explain the Chemical sign

Answer 1

yellow background with red lettering
Name of agent if known date and time of detection

Question 2

explain the biological sign

Answer 2

blue background with red lettering, name of agent if known and date and time of detection

Question 3

explain the radiological sign

Answer 3

white background with black lettering
includeds dose rate
date and time of reading
date and time of burst

Question 4

explain the chemical minefield

Answer 4

chemical mines (unexploded mines)
red background with yellow lettering and stripe
chemical agent in mine date of emplacment
fronmt of marker facing awat from minefield.

Question 5

Discuss the purpose of the M-50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask.
when did it begin service

Answer 5

The M50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask is the United States Armed Forces
Field Protective mask, which began service in December 2009, replacing the M-40
Field Protective Mask

Question 6

M50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask (JSGPM) Description:

Answer 6

The M50 is compact, lightweight, comfortable and more effective as
determined by the Defense Department Joint Program Executive Office for
Chemical and Biological Defense.
The M-50 allows for a wide field of view with a single lens that spans the
width of the face. It has twin conformal filters, which decreases breathing
resistance by 50 percent. This protective mask provides 24 hours continuous
protection in nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC environments).
It has an indicator, which turns blue when the filter is expired.
Designed to provide 24 hours of continuous head-eye-respiration for
protection against chemical/biological (CB), radiological particulates, and
toxic industrial chemicals (TIC), and improve overall mission performance of
the warfighter.
The M50 will fulfill all of the functional requirements for inter-service and
service-unique mission.

Question 7

M50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask CHaracterisitics

Answer 7

Characteristics
Lightweight, approximately 5 lbs. in carrier.
Mask carrier for transportation and storage. Dimensions (with carrier) are 12
x 12 x 5.5 in.
The face piece is made of a butyl/silicone rubber faceblank with an inverted
peripheral face seal and an integrated chin cup.
The face piece assembly incorporates a flexible, single, polyurethane eye
lens.
There are two filter mounts (left and right) that integrate the air inlet/outlet
disk valves, the self-sealing disk valves allow for protection during filter
exchange.
A nose cup that controls the flow of air throughout the mask and minimizes
fogging of the eye lens while breathing.
Other features include face pieces that have serial numbers which are bar
coded as well as human readable and a human readable mask lot number
printed on the right filter mount.

Question 8

M50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask Capabilities

Answer 8

Capabilities
The M50 is issued in three sizes; small, medium, and large. Masks are equipped
with a clear out sert assembly for eye lens protection. The M50 uses twin M61
filters, positioned on either side of the face piece, to provide protection against
NBC threats. The face piece assembly forms a comfortable seal on the
warfighter’s face and protects the face, eyes, and respiratory tract from CB agents,
designated TICs and radiological particulates.

Question 9

Improvements over M40 FPM

Answer 9

Lighter in weight. Reduced on-the-face weight and bulk.
Single Eyelens. 23% improvement in field of view compared to the M40
mask.
Extended Beard. Added CB protection.
Outlet Valve Cover. Direct speech capabilities.
Improved Drink System. Over 200mI/min for greater drinking capacity.
Carrier reduces dirt intrusion, provides better protection to medical items, and
is MOLLE compatible.
Improved weapons, helmet, and sighting system compatibility.
Compatible with current and co-developmental CB garments.
Twin Conformal Filter - 50% improvement in breathing resistance. Over
24hrs protection against Chemical/ Biological Agent’s and radioactive
particulate matter. Innovative self-sealing valve for protection during filter
exchange. Filter service life indicator turns blue to indicate when unpackaged
filters are no longer serviceable due to prolonged exposure to humidity.
Over 50% reduction in audio amplifier weight. Sealed electronic pass through
for enhanced integration with current and future communications systems
such as an audio amplifier.

Question 10

Discuss the proper way to don and clear the M-50 Joint Service General Purpose
Mask. [ref. d]

Answer 10

Close your eyes, stop breathing, and hold your breath.
CAUTION: This does not mean take one last breath.
Place the rifle between your legs.
Remove your headgear and place it on the weapon.
If you are wearing glasses, take them off.
CAUTION: Do not wear contact lenses with any field protective mask. Wearing
contact lenses with the optical inserts will over correct your vision
With your left hand grasp the mask carrier flap tab and pull to open mask
carrier flap. With your right hand, grasp the mask and remove it from the
mask carrier.
Raise the mask to your face and place your chin firmly in the chin cup.
Grasp the head harness tab and pull head harness over your head. Be sure
your ears are between the temple straps and cheek straps. Pull down the
head harness at the back as far as possible so that the brow straps are tight
and temple straps are approximately parallel to the ground.
Tighten the cheek straps one at a time or both at the same time, ensuring
straps lay flat against your head.
Seal the outlet disk valve by placing one hand over the outlet valve cover
assembly. Blow out hard to ensure that any contaminated air is forced out
around the edges of the mask assembly.
Conduct a negative pressure test. With both hands locate and cover M61
filter air inlet passages on both filters and breathe in. Mask should collapse
against your face and remain so while you hold your breath. If it does, your mask is airtight. If the mask does not collapse, check for hair, clothing, or
other matter between mask and your face and clear again.
Resume breathing.
Put on headgear.
Close mask carrier flap

Question 11

Checking the M50 mask for leaks and a way to stop leaks

Answer 11

Check for leaks at edge of mask by feeling for incoming air on your face. Check for
bulges in the face seal by running finger around edge of your mask.
Eliminate leaks by making minor adjustments to straps:
To stop leaks at brow, ensure head harness is pulled down as far as possible
on back of head and skullcap is centered at the back of your head. To stop
leaks at temple, adjust temple straps. Stop leaks at cheek, adjust cheek
straps.
To stop leaks at the throat or under the chin, lift mask assembly higher on
face, seating chin firmly in chin cup. Adjusting temple and cheek straps may
also help. If mask still fails to seal have an individual service M50/51 trained
field level CB equipment maintenance technician check proper fitting of
mask.
Check to see if M61 filters are properly installed.

Question 12

what are the different CBRN alarms

Answer 12

Vocal - alarm for chemical/biological attack.is GAS-GAS-GAS. The word gas is
repeated three times

Visual - The arms are extended straight out to the side and the hands made into a
fist. As the word GAS is said, bend the arms at the elbows so the fists are placed
to the ears, then repeat three times as shown in figure 2.

Percussion - Metal on metal. Metal triangles are used to give the CBRN alarm by
striking them repeatedly. Sirens, intermittent horns, biological/chemical alarm
systems, or other devices as outlined by unit’s standard operating procedures
(SOP)

Question 13

Explain Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) Levels.
ready

Answer 13

|Levels| |Mask
*Ready - |- Carried -

Question 14

Explain Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) Levels. 1

Answer 14

Levels| Over garment |Booties|Mask |Gloves
2 |Worn (open/closed) |Carried|Carried |Carried

Question 15

Explain Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) Levels.2

Answer 15

Levels| Over garment |Booties|Mask |Gloves
2 |Worn (open/closed) |Worn |Carried |Carried

Question 16

Explain Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) Levels.3

Answer 16

Levels|Over garment||Booties||Mask| Gloves
3 |Worn (open/closed) |Worn |Worn |Carried

Question 17

Explain Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) Levels.4

Answer 17

Levels |Over garment| Booties| Mask |Gloves
4 | Worn | | Worn | Worn |Worn

Question 18

what is MOPP level zero

Answer 18

MOPP level zero is the condition that exists when a Marine has all of his or her
MOPP gear available but is not wearing it.

Question 19

Explain the time of M9 and M8 paper. and a M256A1

Answer 19

When identifying chemical agents, use the most expedient method. Using M8 or
M9 detectors will take only seconds, whereas using the M256A1 will take
approximately 15 minutes.

Question 20

Disadvanteges of M8 and M9 paper over the m256A1

Answer 20

Disadvantages of M8 and M9 over the M256A1 are their
inability to test for vapor hazards and the limited number of agents detected.

Question 21

Explain the M9 Detector Paper

Answer 21

M9 detector tape is usually issued 1 roll per squad or gun team and is worn around
the ankles, wrists, and biceps on the exterior of protective clothing. Its purpose is to
detect the presence of chemical agents, but will not identify the agent.
Instructions for use:
Open package of M9 tape.
Unroll a small portion of detector tape.
Blot, do not rub, the M9 tape on suspect liquid. Its use is primarily on barely
visible droplets
Observe for a color change.
When in contact with contamination, the color will appear as a light pink to a
reddish brown or violet tint

Question 22

Explain the M8 Detector Paper

Answer 22

M8 paper is issued with your field protective mask and the M256A1 chemical agent
detector kit as an SL-3 component. Its use is primarily on suspected liquid forms
such as puddles, small drops, or barely visible droplets

Question 23

HOW to use M8

Answer 23

Remove and open M8 paper from the M256A1 kit or mask carrier, tearing off
and discarding the plastic bag as shown in figure

Test the liquid. Tear out a sheet of M8 paper (use half a sheet if it is
perforated). Expose M8 paper to suspected liquid agent.
*CAUTION: Make sure the M8 paper is held in the down position to prevent
liquid contaminants from running onto protective glove as shown in figure
Blot; do not rub the M8 on suspected contamination. Compare any color
changes by observing the colors shown on the inside cover of the book of
M8 paper.

Question 24

M8 color yellow/gold is what series and agent

Answer 24

G series and NERVE

Question 25

M8 color Dark Green is what series and agent

Answer 25

V and nerve

Question 26

M8 color pink/red is what series and agent

Answer 26

H series and Blister
NOTE: some G agents give red-brown color typical between H and G colors

Question 27

Some decontaminants will produce
false positive test on M8 paper. what should you do

Answer 27

Check the decontaminant itself with a sampler-detector because some
decontaminants will produce false indications on the sampler- detector.
Never assume that an area is uncontaminated. When in doubt, re-test the
area with an M256A1 kit and report the findings.

Question 28

what are the three levels of decontamination

Answer 28

Immediate Decontamination
Operational Decon
Thorough Decon

Question 29

Describe immediate Decontamination

Answer 29

minimizes casualties, saves lives, and limits the
spread of contamination. Immediate decontamination is carried out by individuals
upon becoming contaminated. There are three immediate techniques: skin
decontamination, personnel wipe down, and operator’s spray down.

Question 30

DEscribe operational DECON

Answer 30

Operational Decon sustains operations, reduces the contact hazard, and limits the
spread of contamination to eliminate the necessity or reduce the duration of
wearing MOPP gear. Operational decon is carried by individual and/or units. It is
restricted to specific parts of operationally essential equipment/material and/or
working areas, in order to minimize contact and transfer hazards and to sustain
operations. Further decon may be required to reduce contamination to negligible
risk levels. There are two operational decon techniques: vehicle wash down and
MOPP gear exchange

Question 31

DESCRIBE Thorough Decon

Answer 31

Thorough Decon reduces or eliminates the need for individual protective clothing.
Thorough decon is carried out by units with assistance from chemical units to
reduce contamination on personnel, equipment/material, and/or working areas to
the lowest possible level (negligible risk) to permit the reduction or removal of
individual protective equipment and maintain operations with minimal degradation.
This may include decontamination of terrain as required. There are three thorough
decon techniques: detailed troop decon, detailed equipment decon, and detailed
aircraft decon.

Question 32

Discuss the immediate actions required for a nuclear attack without warning.

Answer 32

Upon seeing a brilliant flash of light, an exceptionally loud explosion, or when the
alarm is sounded, immediate action must be taken. When possible, look for
protective cover.

Question 33

Discuss the immediate actions required for a nuclear attack without warning.
React without weapon

Answer 33

React without weapon
Immediately drop face down, with head toward blast, if possible. If cover is
available, use it. A log, large rock, or any depression in the earth’s surface provides
some protection. Close your eyes. Protect or cover exposed skin by putting hands
and arms under or near the body and keeping your helmet on. Keep your head
down.

Question 34

Discuss the immediate actions required for a nuclear attack without warning.
React with weapon

Answer 34

React with weapon
Immediately drop face down, with head toward blast, if possible. If cover is
available, use it. A log, large rock, or any depression in the earth’s surface provides
some protection. Close your eyes. Protect or cover exposed skin by putting hands
and arms under or near the body and keeping your helmet on. Make sure your
weapon is placed under your body or beside you with the strap/sling wrapped
tightly around your arm and the muzzle angled away from your face. Keep your
head down. Remain face down for 90 seconds or until all debris has stopped
falling. Use any protection available such as fighting holes, whenever possible.
Fighting holes provide excellent protection against nuclear weapon effects. Other
examples of hasty protection may include ditches, culverts, hills, large rocks, or
armored vehicles. Put anything between yourself and the nuclear weapon’s blast.

Question 35

Define and discuss the types, symptoms,
NERVE AGENTS

Answer 35

-Produce their effect by interfering with normal transmission of nerve impulses
in the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system.
Physically, nerve agents are odorless, almost colorless liquids, varying
greatly in viscosity and volatility.
Moderately soluble in water and fairly stable unless strong alkali or
chlorinating compounds are added. They are very effective solvents, readily
penetrating cloth either as a liquid or vapor. Other materials, including leather
and wood, are fairly well penetrated. Butyl rubber and synthetics, such as
polyesters, are much more resistant.
Pharmacologically, the nerve agents are cholinesterase inhibitors (interfering
with normal transmission of nerve impulses in the parasympathetic
autonomic nervous system). Their reaction with cholinesterase tends to be
irreversible, and reaction time varies with the agent.

Signs and Symptoms of Exposure
Nerve agent intoxication can be readily identified by its characteristic signs
and symptoms.
If a vapor exposure has occurred, the pupils will constrict, usually to a
pinpoint.
If the exposure has been through the skin, there will muscular twitching
where the agent was absorbed.
Other symptoms will include rhinorrhea, dyspnea, diarrhea and vomiting,
convulsions, hyper salivation, drowsiness, coma, and unconsciousness.

Question 36

Treatment of nerve agents

Answer 36

Specific therapy for nerve agent casualties is atropine, an acetylcholine
blocker. When exposed, each member of the Navy and Marine Corps is
issued three (3) 2mg auto-injectors of atropine and three (3) 600mg auto
injectors of 2-PAM Cl.
DO NOT give nerve agent antidotes for preventive purposes before
contemplated exposure to a nerve agent.
The atropine auto injector consists of a hard plastic tube containing 2mg (0.7
ml) of atropine in solution for intramuscular injection. It has a pressureactivated coiled-spring mechanism that triggers the needle for injection of the
antidote solution. These injectors are designed to be used by individuals on
themselves when symptoms appear.

Question 37

self aid of nerve agent

Answer 37

Self-Aid, if you experience the mild symptoms of nerve-agent poisoning, you
should IMMEDIATELY hold your breath and put on your protective mask.
Then, administer one set of atropine and 2-PAM Cl injections into your
lateral thigh muscle or buttocks. Position the needle end of the atropine
injector against the injection site and apply firm, even pressure (not a jabbing
motion) to the injector until it pushes the needle into your thigh (or buttocks).
Make sure you do not hit any buttons or other objects. Using a jabbing
motion may result in an improper injection or injury to the thigh or buttocks.
Hold the atropine injector firmly in place for at least 10 seconds. The
seconds can be estimated by counting one thousand one, one thousand two,
and so forth. Firm pressure automatically triggers the coiled mechanism and
plunges the needle through the clothing into the muscle and at the same time
injects the atropine antidote into the muscle tissue. Next, inject yourself in
the same manner with the 2-PAM Cl injector, using the same procedure as
you did for the atropine. This will now complete one set of nerve-agent
antidotes. Attach the used injectors to your clothing, to indicate the number of
injections you have already received. After administering the first set of
injections, wait 10 to 15 minutes (since it takes that long for the antidote to
take effect) before administering a second set, if needed. If the symptoms
have not disappeared within 10 to 15 minutes, give yourself the second set of
injections. If the symptoms still persist after an additional 15 minutes, a third
set of injections may be given by nonmedical personnel. After administering
each set of injections, you should decontaminate your skin, if necessary, and
put on any remaining protective clothing.

Question 38

medical personnel treatment of Nerve agent

Answer 38

For medical personnel, the required therapy is to continue to administer
atropine at 15-minute intervals until a mild atropinization occurs. This can be
noted by tachycardia and a dry mouth. Atropine alone will not relieve any
respiratory muscle failure. Prolonged artificial respiration may be necessary
to sustain life. A second auto injector containing Oxime therapy (using
pralidoxime chloride, or 2-PAMCl) can also be used for regeneration of the
blocked cholinesterase. Since 2-PAMCl is contained in the kit of auto injectors, additional Oxime therapy is not generally medically recommended
for those who have already received treatment by auto injection. The 2-PAM
Cl auto injector is a hard plastic tube that, when activated, dispenses 600 mg
of 2-PAM Cl (300 mg/ml) solution. It also has a pressure-activated coiledspring mechanism identical to that in the atropine auto injector.

Question 39

Buddy aid of nerve agent

Answer 39

Buddy Aid. If you encounter a service member suffering from severe signs
of nerve-agent poisoning, you should provide the following aid:
Mark the casualty, if necessary. Do not fasten the hood.
Administer, in rapid succession, three sets of the nerve-agent
antidotes. Follow the procedures for administration as described
previously in the self-aid section.
**NOTE: Use the casualty’s own auto injectors when providing aid. Do not use your
injectors on a casualty.

Question 40

Define and discuss the types, blister agents

Answer 40

Also known as, vesicants, exert their primary action on the skin, producing
large and painful blisters that are incapacitating. Although vesicants are
classed as nonlethal, high doses can cause death.
Common blister agents include mustard (HD), nitrogen mustard (HN), and
Lewisite (L). Each is chemically different and will cause significant specific
symptoms. They are similar in their physical characteristics and toxicology. MUSTARD (HN)
Mustards are particularly insidious because they do not manifest their
symptoms for several hours after exposure. They attack the eyes and
respiratory tract as well as the skin there is no effective therapy for
mustard once its effects become visible. Treatment is largely supportive:
to relieve itching and pain, and to prevent infection.
HD and HN are oily, colorless or pale yellow liquids, sparingly soluble in
water. HN is less volatile and more persistent than HD but has the same
blistering qualities.

LEWISITE (L)
An arsenical (an arsenic-based compound).
This blistering compound is a light- to dark-brown liquid that vaporizes
slowly.

Question 41

discuss signs and symptoms of exposure to blister agents

Answer 41

Signs and Symptoms of Exposure
The eyes are the most vulnerable part of the body to mustard gas.
Contamination insufficient to cause injury elsewhere may produce eye
inflammation.
Because the eye is the most sensitive part of the body, the first
noticeable symptoms of mustard exposure will be pain and a gritting
feeling in the eyes, accompanied by spastic blinking of the eyelids and
photophobia.
Vapor or liquid may burn any area of the skin, but the burns will be most
severe in the warm, sweaty areas of the body: the armpits, groin, and on
the face and neck.
Blistering begins in about 12 hours but may be delayed for up to 48
hours.
Inhalation of the gas is followed in a few hours by irritation of the throat,
hoarseness, and a cough. Fever, moist rales, and dyspnea may develop.
Bronchopneumonia is a frequent complication. The primary cause of
death is massive edema or mechanical pulmonary obstructions.

Signs and Symptoms of Exposure LEWISITE
The vapors of arsenicals are so irritating that conscious persons are
immediately warned by discomfort to put on the mask.
No severe respiratory injuries are likely to occur, except in the wounded
who are incapable of donning a mask. The respiratory symptoms are
similar to those produced by mustard gas.
While distilled mustard and nitrogen mustard cause no pain on the skin
during absorption, Lewisite causes intense pain upon contact.

Question 42

Treatment of blster agents

Answer 42

There is no specific antidotal treatment for mustard poisoning.
Physically removing as much of the mustard as possible, as soon as
possible, is the only effective method for mitigating symptoms before
they appear.
All other treatment is symptomatic, that is, the relief of pain and itching,
and control of infection.

Question 43

TREATMENT OF blister agent: LEWISITE

Answer 43

Immediately decontaminate the eyes by flushing with copious amounts of
water to remove liquid agents and to prevent severe burns.
Sodium sulfacetamide, 30 percent solution, may be used to combat eye
infection within the first 24 hours after exposure. In severe cases,
morphine may be given to relieve pain.
In cases of systemic involvement, British Anti-Lewisite (BAL),
dimercaprol, is available in a peanut oil suspension for injection. BAL is a
specific anti arsenical that combines with the heavy metal to form a
water-soluble, nontoxic complex that is excreted. However, BAL is
somewhat toxic, and an injection of more than 3 mg/kg will cause severe
symptoms.
Aside from the use of dimercaprol for the systemic effects of arsenic,
treatment is the same as for mustard lesions.

Question 44

Types of blood agents

Answer 44

Interferes with enzyme functions in the body, i.e., block oxygen transfer.
Hydrocyanic acid (AC) and cyanogen chloride (CK) are cyanidecontaining compounds commonly referred to as blood agents.
These blood agents are chemicals that are in a gaseous state at normal
temperatures and pressures.
They are systemic poisons and casualty-producing agents that interfere with
vital enzyme systems of the body.
They can cause death in a very short time after exposure by interfering with
oxygen transfer in the blood.
Although very deadly, they are non-persistent agents.

Question 45

signs and symptoms of blood agents

Answer 45

These vary with concentration and duration of exposure.
Typically, either death or recovery takes place rapidly.
After exposure to high concentrations of the gas, there is a forceful increase
in the depth of respiration for a few seconds, violent convulsions after 20 to
30 seconds, and respiratory failure with cessation of heart action within a few
minutes

Question 46

Treatment of blood agents

Answer 46

There are two suggested antidotes in the treatment of cyanides:
amyl nitrite in crush ampules (provided as first aid)
intravenous sodium thiosulfate solution
In an attack, if you notice sudden stimulation of breathing or an almond-like
odor, hold your breath and don your mask immediately.
In treating a victim, upon notification by competent authority that there are no
blood agents remaining in the atmosphere, crush two ampules of amyl nitrite
in the hollow of your hand and hold it close to the victim’s nose.
You may repeat this procedure every few minutes until eight ampules have
been used.
If the atmosphere is contaminated and the victim must remain masked, insert
the crushed ampules into the mask under the face plate.
Whether amyl nitrite is used or not, sodium thiosulfate therapy is
required after the initial lifesaving measures. The required dose is 100 to
200 mg/kg, given intravenously over a 9-minute period. The key to
successful cyanide therapy is speed. The antidotes act rapidly to reverse this action. If the specific antidote and artificial respiration are given soon enough,
the chance of survival is greatly enhanced

Question 47

types of choking agents

Answer 47

The toxicity of lung agents is due to their effect on lung tissues; they cause
extensive damage to alveolar tissue, resulting in severe pulmonary edema.
This group includes phosgene (CG) and chlorine (Cl), as well as
chloropicrin and diphosgene.
However, CG is most likely to be encountered, and its toxic action is
representative of the group. Phosgene is a colorless gas with a distinctive
odor similar to that of new-mown hay or freshly cut grass. Unfortunately,
even at minimal concentrations in the air (i.e., below the threshold of
olfactory perception), CG can cause damage to the eyes and throat.
Generally speaking, CG does not represent a hazard of long duration;
therefore, an individual exposed to a casualty-producing amount should be
able to smell it.

Question 48

signs and symptoms of choking agents

Answer 48

There may be watering of the eyes, coughing, and a feeling of tightness in
the chest.
More often, however, there will be no symptoms for 2 to 6 hours after
exposure.
Latent symptoms are rapid, shallow, and labored breathing; painful cough;
cyanosis; frothy sputum; clammy skin; rapid, feeble pulse; and low blood
pressure.
Shock may develop, followed by death.

Question 49

treatment of choking agents

Answer 49

Treatment
Once symptoms appear, complete bed rest is mandatory.
Keep victims with lung edema only moderately warm, and treat the resulting
anoxia with oxygen.
Because no specific treatment for CG poisoning is known, treatment has to
be symptomatic.

Question 50

discuss the INCAPACITATING AGENTS

Answer 50

Incapacitating agents, which are mainly comprised of psychochemical,
produce mental confusion and an inability to function intelligently.
The psychochemical temporarily prevent an individual from carrying out
assigned actions. These agents may be administered by contaminating food
or water, or they may be released as aerosols. The following are
characteristics of the incapacitants:
High potency (i.e., an extremely low dose is effective) and logistic
feasibility.
Effects produced mainly by altering or disrupting the higher regulatory
activity of the central nervous system.
Duration of action comprising hours or days, rather than momentary or
transient action. No permanent injury produced.

Question 51

signs and symptoms of incapacitating agents

Answer 51

The first symptoms appear in 30 minutes to several hours and may persist
for several days.
Abnormal inappropriate behavior may be the only sign of intoxication. Those
affected may make irrational statements and have delusions or
hallucinations.
In some instances, the victim may complain of dizziness, muscular
incoordination, dry mouth, and difficulty in swallowing.
The standard incapacitant in the United States is 3-quinuclidinyl benzilate
(BZ), a cholinergic blocking agent, which is effective in producing delirium
that may last several days. In small doses it will cause an increase in heart
rate, pupil size, and skin temperature, as well as drowsiness, dry skin, and a
decrease in alertness. As the dose is increased to higher levels, there is a
progressive deterioration of mental capability, ending in stupor.

Question 52

Treatment of incapacatating agents

Answer 52

Treatment
The first aid is to prevent victims from injuring themselves and others during
the toxic psychosis.
Generally, there is no specific therapy for this type intoxication.
However, with BZ and other agents in the class of compounds known as
glycolates, physostigmine is the drug treatment of choice.
It is not effective during the first 4 hours following exposure; after that,
it is very effective as long as treatment is continued.
Treatment does not shorten the duration of BZ intoxication, and
premature discontinuation of therapy will result in relapse.

Question 53

discuss RIOT CONTROL/HARASSING agents

Answer 53

Collective term used to describe a collection of chemical compounds, all
having similar characteristics which, though relatively nontoxic, produce an
immediate but temporary effect in very low concentrations.
These agents are used to harass enemy personnel or to discourage riot
actions. Generally, patients require no therapy; removal from the
environment is sufficient to effect recovery in a short time.
There are two classes of riot-control/harassment agents:
Lacrimators
Vomiting agents

Question 54

discuss LACRIMATORS agent

Answer 54

Lacrimators (or tear gases) are essentially local irritants that act primarily
on the eyes. In high concentrations, they also irritate the respiratory tract
and the skin.
The principal agents used are chloracetophenone (CN) and
orthochlorobenzilidine malanonitrile (CS).
Although CS is basically a lacrimator, it is considerably more potent than
CN and causes more severe respiratory symptoms. CN is the standard
training agent and is the tear gas most commonly encountered because
it is not as potent.
CS is more widely used by the military as a riot-control agent. Protection
against all tear agents is provided by protective masks and ordinary field
clothing secured at the neck, wrists, and ankles. Personnel handling CS
should wear rubber gloves for additional protection.

Question 55

signs and symptoms of Lacrimators

Answer 55

Lacrimators produce intense pain in the eyes with excessive tearing.
The symptoms following the most severe exposure to vapors seldom last
over 2 hours. After moderate exposure, they last only a few minutes.

Question 56

Treatment of lacrimators

Answer 56

First aid for lacrimators is generally not necessary.
Exposure to fresh air and letting wind blow into wide open eyes, held
open if necessary, is sufficient for recovery in a short time.
Any chest discomfort after CS exposure can be relieved by talking.
An important point to remember is that this material adheres tenaciously
to clothing, and a change of clothing may be necessary.
Do not forget the hair (both head and facial) as a potential source of
recontamination.

Question 57

Discuss Vomiting agents

Answer 57

Vomiting agents comprise the second class of agents in the riot-control
category.
The principal agents of this group are diphenylaminochloroarsine
(Adamsite (DM)), diphenylchloroarsine (DA), and
diphenylcyanoarsine (DC).
They are dispersed as aerosols and produce their effects by inhalation or
by direct action on the eyes.
All of these agents have similar properties and pathology

Question 58

signs and symptoms of vomiting agents

Answer 58

Vomiting agents produce a strong pepper-like irritation in the upper
respiratory tract, with irritation of the eyes and lacrimation.
They cause violent uncontrollable sneezing, coughing, nausea, vomiting,
and a general feeling of malaise.
Inhalation causes a burning sensation in the nose and throat, hyper
salivation, and rhinorrhea.
The sinuses fill rapidly and cause a violent frontal headache.

Question 59

treatment of vomiting agents

Answer 59

It is of the utmost importance that the mask be worn in spite of coughing,
sneezing, salivation, and nausea. Victims may believe the mask is
ineffective and remove it, further exposing themselves. While the mask
must be worn, it may be lifted from the face briefly, if necessary, to
permit vomiting or to drain saliva from the face piece.
Carry on duties as vigorously as possible. This will help to lessen and
shorten the symptoms.
Combat duties usually can be performed in spite of the effects of
vomiting agents if an individual is motivated.
First aid consists of washing the skin and rinsing the eyes and mouth
with water.
A mild analgesic may be given to relieve headache.
Recovery is usually spontaneous and complete within 1 to 3 hours.

Question 60

explain screening smokes

Answer 60

Screening smokes fit in with riot-control agents.
Their primary use is to obscure vision and to hide targets or areas. When
used for this purpose outdoors, they are not generally considered toxic.
Exposure to heavy smoke concentration for extended periods,
particularly near the source, may cause illness or death. Under no
circumstances should smoke munitions be activated indoors or in closed
compartments.
Symptomatic treatment of medical problems or discomfort resulting from
exposure to screening smokes will generally suffice.

Question 61

explain white phosphorus

Answer 61

White phosphorus (WP) is a pale, waxy solid that ignites spontaneously on
contact with air to give a hot, dense, white smoke composed of phosphorus
pentoxide particles.
While field concentrations of the smoke may cause temporary irritation to the
eyes, nose, and throat, casualties from the smoke have not occurred in
combat operations.
No treatment is necessary, and spontaneous recovery is rapid once the
patient is removed from the WP source.
White phosphorus smoke not only creates an obscuring smoke, but it also
has a secondary effect upon personnel if it contacts the skin.
When burning particles of WP embed in the skin, they must be covered with
water, a wet cloth, or mud.
A freshly mixed 0.5 percent solution of copper sulfate (which produces an
airproof black coating of copper phosphide) may be used as a rinse but must
not be used as a dressing.
The phosphorus particles must be removed surgically.