What is a Chemical Warfare?


          A chemical warfare involves the use of chemical substances to kill or cause physical harm to the enemy or to destroy its food supply. The intention behind using these weapons is to destroy life without damaging any property. In the ethics of modern warfare use of chemical substances are prohibited.



          This type of warfare has continued over the ages — in fact throughout the human history. There is evidence to prove that the ancient Greek warriors had developed chemical fire bombs and used them against the enemies. In recent times, chemical warfare found an extensive use in World War I (1914-1918). In January 1915, the Germans used chlorine gas against the Russians in Poland — although too little effect. But on 22 April 1915, using similar weapons they scored a tactical victory against the French and the British in Flanders that went beyond their expectations. The chlorine gas affected the lungs of soldiers causing choking and making it difficult for them to breathe. It, in fact, disabled so many soldiers that the Germans later devoted much more time for research on harmful gases.



          In 1917 the Germans introduced the mustard gas. Its special feature is that unlike other gases it directly affects the skin and is absorbed through it thus rendering the gas masks useless. It causes blisters on the skin and irritation to the lungs. Thus in the war more soldiers died from this gas than any other gas.



          After World War I, a major breakthrough was achieved by Germany in the development of nerve gases. They were far more toxic than the gases used in World War I, but were never used. In fact the nerve gases interfere with the normal activity of the nerve cells, and can cause convulsions, vomiting and death. Many such gases are tasteless, odourless and colourless.



          Many other such poisonous gases have reportedly been produced in various countries. These also include blood gases which interfere with the normal functioning of the blood and utilization of oxygen by the body tissues.



          Other gases, such as tear gas, have a temporary effect. Tear gas causes excess tears, irritation the nose, mouth and eyes and violent coughing. It is used by police in controlling crowds and riots, but has been used occasionally by military also.



         Gas warfare is potentially so harmful that there have been international agreements to prevent its use. Hence the use of harmful gases has been kept to the minimum since World War I. However, nerve gases were said to have been used in the gulf war during 1991.



          Some chemicals are used to kill plants to destroy the food reserve. These defoliants were widely used in the Korean and Vietnamese conflicts. 


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