Mustard+Gas

Mustard Gas: By, Allie Ray:

New Technology: When world War one broke out new technology broke out as well. Soldiers feared most of the new deadly weapons, But there was one weapon that was feared the most by all. Mustard gas; it is a very poisonous gas that can be very harmful or even fatal.

Introduction: Mustard Gas was introduced by the German army against the British soldiers close to Ypres in 1917. Then again against the French army as well. Once word was out that the central powers were using poisonous gases the allies did the same except it took over a year for the allies to create their own gas weapons. What it really is: Mustard Gas is not really a gas at all. What it really is, is a very thick volatile liquid. Purified mustard gas is odorless and clear. Brown mustard gas has a strong odor and has a very irritating chemical called allyl isothicyanate. During the war soldiers would blurry a small amount of mustard gas in a high explosive shell, if pressure was applied to the shell the explosive device would be triggered. This chemical could be active for several weeks and effects would take twelve hours to begin. Some reasons to how Mustard Gas received it’s name was it had a mustard smell to it and also when its victim breaks out in blisters they had a mustard color to them.

What it can do: When poisoned by this particular gas its victims skin becomes very irritated, blisters begin to break out. The eye become sore and vision is blurred. When exposed to mustard gas the eyes are most at risk to injuries. After exposure it takes several hours to determine how much damage the gas has done. Short exposure the eyes become swollen and irritated After a long exposure the injuries are more severe. These injuries can lead to burning of the eyelids sensitivity towards light and sometimes blindness. When breathed in, it begins to attack the internal tissues along with the bronchial tubes along with internal and external bleeding. When taken back to the hospital tent it was said to be very painful for the soldiers that had to be strapped down onto their beds. "Exposure towards the skin victims experience itching and very irritated areas which slowly turns into a large blister filled with yellow fluid. If intact with mustard gas it can act like a vapor and penetrates clothing such as cotton or wool army uniforms. Severe mustard gas burns were often fatal after days or even weeks of agonizing pain from the burns. Mild cases were very unlikely to kill its victims."

Treatments: Treatment for mustard gas victims had to be caught early. “Skin damage can be reduced if povidone-iodine, (Betadine), in a base of glycofurol is rapidly applied, But since mustard agent initially has no symptoms, exposure is usually not recognized until skin irritation begins, at which point it is far too late for countermeasures. The property of mustard gas can be neutralized by oxidation or chlorination, using household bleach. Mustard gas burns heal slowly and as with other types of burns there is always a risk of sepsis.”

Emergency cases: "For protection from these gases solders were advised to wear gas masks at all times with gloves and layers of clothing to protect against burns. In some cases of emergency, solders would hold a urine drenched cloth over their face for protection."

Direct people: "One nurse, Vera Brittain, Wrote" "I wish those people who talk about going on with this war whatever it costs could see the soldiers suffering from mustard gas poisoning. Great mustard-colored blisters, blind eyes, all sticky and stuck together, always fighting for breath, with voices a mere whisper, saying that their throats are closing and they know they will choke.” Another British nurse quoted: “ They cannot be bandaged or touched. We cover them with a tent of propped-up sheets. Gas burns must be agonizing because usually the other cases do not complain, even with the worst wounds, but gas cases are invariably beyond endurance and they cannot help crying out."

Pictures and Illustrations:

French soldiers that are blinded from Mustard Gas.

Soldiers traveling through Mustard Gas explosive areaswearing gas masks.

Mustard Gas explisive feilds with German souldiers.

Severe Mustard Gas burns. Soldier with severe Mustard Gas burns. Hands with Mustard Gas burns.

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