TECHNICAL MANUAL 
FOR THE 
SENIOR GAS OFFICER 
OF 
t 
CIVILIAN DEFENSE 
PREPARED) 
UNDER THE DIRECTION 
OF THE 
MEDICAL DIVISION OF 
THE OFFICE OF CIVILIAN DEFENSE 
WASHINGTON, D.C, 
AND 
TEE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH 
DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH METHODS 
CINCINNATI, OHIO 
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE 
UNIVHRSZCY OF C2&CIKNATI 
JULY, 19^ 
4-0998 PI of 150-NCBIJ-.COS-I'/P THIS MANUAL 
HAS BEEN EREPAHED 
"by 
THE FACULTY OF THE COLLEGE OF MEDICINE 
UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI 
, and 
THE STAFF OF THE OFFICE OF 
STREAM POLLUTION INVESTIGATION 
U.S. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, 
CINCINNATI, OHIO 
The authors are grateful for the cooperation of 
The Chemical Warfare Service and The National 
Research Council. 
The opinions expressed in this manual are those 
of the Individual authors and do not represent 
the official opinion of any of the agencies con- 
cerned. 
4-0998-P3-BU-C0S-WP INDEX 
1, Senior Gas Officer 
2. General Chemistry - Properties of Chemical Warfare 
Agents 
5. Methods for Detection of Chemical Warfare Gases 
h. Methods for Detection for Chemical Warfare Agents in 
Water and Treatment of Contaminated Water Supplies 
5. Detection and Analysis of Arsenic in Water Conta- 
minated with Chemical Warfare Agents 
6. Detection of War Gases in Foods 
7. Food and Poison Gases 
8. Medical Aspects of Some Systemic Poisons 
9. General Toxicology of War Gases 
10. Prevention and First Aid Treatment of Chemical 
Casualties 
11. The Chemistry and Methods of Decontamination 
12. Decontamination Procedures 
13• O.C.D, Bulletins 
h~ 0098- -WP GENERAL CHEMISTRY: PROPERTIES OF CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS 
Milan A, Logan, Ph.D.,. Bio-Chemistry Department 
1. Requisites of Chemical Warfare Agents - 
A, Toxicity 
B, Availability 
C, Ease of manufacture 
D. Storage 
E. Transport 
F. Dissemination 
II. Classification according to physiological effects - 
A. Lung irritants 
B. Vesicants 
C. Lacrimators 
D. Stemutators (irritant smokes) 
E. Systemic poisons 
F. Sceenlng smokes 
G. Incendiaries 
III, Relation of Physical Properties to Tactical Employment - 
A. Gases 
1. Volatility - depends on the vapor pressure at a given 
temperature. Casualty agents and harassing agents, 
relation to volatility and toxicity. 
2. Persistency - depends chiefly on the density. 
Relation of density to molecular weight. 
3* Factors influencing dissemination - 
a. Cooling effect on evaporation 
b. Influence of air currents 
(1) Lateral spread 
(2) Drag effect - relation to terrain 
(5) Vertical rise - convection currents 
3. Smokes 
Lateral spread and drag effect similar to gases. Effect 
of heat from explosion and sunJs rays on the vertical rise. 
IV. Properties of Individual Chemical Agents: 
chlorine, phosgene, chlorpicrin, mustard, Lewisite, 
Brombenzylcyanide, ethyldichlorarsine, adamsite, 
chloracet ophenone, diphenylchloraraIne. 
Relation of chemical and physical properties to 
persistency, means of detection, and decontamination. 
ii-0096-I P -NODU-COSrWP MEMORANDUM OH TEE PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL 
PROPERTIES- OF CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS*,* 
C. C e Ruchhoft-and Stuart Schott 
The term war gas is defined as any chemical agent, solid, liquid 
or gas, used in warfare for its toxic or irritant action. There is a 
large number of compounds possessing suitable physiological properties, 
but certain other properties limit the gases actually suitable for mili- 
tary use to less than two dozen, The important properties required 
of a war gas may be listed as follows: 
(l) Its toxicity should be high, i.e., only a low concentration must be 
required to produce i+s poisonous effects. 
(2) It must be easily manufactured, and the raw materials necessary in 
its manufacture must be cheap and available in large quantities. 
(5) The gas must oe stable enough so that it will not break down on 
storage or on explosion of the gas shell in which it is fired. 
(4) It should be persistent, i.e., remain effective around its point 
of release for some time. 
(5) It should be sufficiently noncorrosive toward metals to permit 
loading and subsequent storage of gas-filled shells. Besides the 
above properties, the gas should be insidious, i.e, give no dis- 
comfort on first exposure, and it should penetrate monks, protec- 
tive clothing and other means of gas defense. Considering all of 
those properties, it is easy to understand that out of JOOO cam- 
pounds investigated prior to 1913 for possible use as war gases, 
only 25 to 50 were used in actual combat and only about 6 sur- 
vived to the end of the last war. 
Several systems have been devised for classifying the war gases on 
the basis of physical, chemical, tactical and physi©pathological prop- 
erties. The physiopathological properties are used in the following 
classification: 
1. Vesicants (Blister Gases) - These include the substances 
whose characteristic action is to produce blisters on the skin. They 
exhibit considerable variation in physical and chemical characteristics, 
the dichlorarsines being in general, less persistent and Jess stable 
than mustard gas. These include: dichlordiethyl sulfide (mustard gas), 
B-chlorvinyldichlorarslne (Lowlsite), ethyl and methyl dichlorar-sine. 
(*) From the National Institute of Health, Division of Public Health 
Methods. Cincinnati Laboratory, 
if) For a more complete discussion of the elementary principles of 
military chemistry and chemical agents, the reader is referred to 
War Department Technical Manual TM 5"215, April 21, 19^-2. 
1 
4-0098-P7-BTJ-C0S-HP 2. Lung Insurants (Toxic suffocants) - These include those gases 
which act on the respiratory tract. In general, the members of this 
group are either true gases or volatile, low boiling liquids. They are 
nonpersistent. These include: chlorine, phosgene, diphosgene, chloro- 
plcrln. As chlorine belongs to the bow and arrow age of chemical warfare, 
it will be given no more consideration here. 
3. Eye Irrit ant a (Lachrymators) - These include those gases having 
lachrymatory power. They are, for the most part, heavy, oily and rela- 
tively high "boiling liquids which in the- crude state are dark colored 
owing to decomposition. They are mostly insoluble in water and are very 
corrosive to metals. Chloracetophenone is a white solid and does not 
corrode metals. The vapors possess a characteristic "but not unpleasant 
odor. These include xylyl and "benzyl bromides, bromacetone, ethyl 
lodoacetate, brombenzylcyanlde, chioracotophenone. 
Nose Irritants or irritant smokes - Under ordinary conditions 
these are crystalline solids with negligible vapor pressures. Chemically 
they are aromatic arsenic derivatives, practically insoluble in water but 
readily hydrolyzed by alkalies'and oxidized by oxidizing agents. These 
include: diphenyl chlorarsine, diphenylcyanarsine, diphenylamine 
chlorarsine (Adamsite), 
The foregoing classification has defects in that certain gases 
act differently in changing concentredions and that the biological 
action of these substances is very complex. 
General Properties 
The Important general properties include vapor pressure, volatility 
and persistence. 
Vapor Pressure - the tendency of all substances to pass into the 
vapor form causes a certain pressure, called Vapor pressure, to be 
exerted by the vapor produced. The vapor pressure is dependent on the 
temperature and is usually expressed in mm. of mercury at a specified 
temperature. This pressure is of special interest for war gases, as 
the usual toxic substances, in order to be effective, must exert a high 
enough Taper pressure to supply enough gas to the atmosphere to produce 
significant phyeiopathological results. This is of importance for the 
lachrymators, the vesicants and the lung injurants. In the case of the 
nose irritants (irritant smokes) the vapor pressure is of minor value 
as these substances are used in the form of aerosols (colloidal sus- 
pensions in the air). 
Vapor pressure is a principal factor in the persistence of a gas, 
that is, the time during which it remains effective at the point of re- 
lease, the higher the vapor pressure, the less the persistence. 
The nonpersistent gases (high vapor pressure) vaporize rapidly when 
released to form a very concentrated and hence highly toxic cloud, which, 
however, drifts away with the wind and becomes more or less quickly di- 
luted with the atmosphere. On the other hand, the persistent (low 
vapor pressure) gases when released, contaminate the surrounding ground, 
ii— 0996- P8-BU- c os -wp etc., with liquid which evaporates slowly and continues to give off 
dangerous vapors for a comparatively long time. It is the persistent. 
gases that make decontamination procedures necessary. -r. 
This distinction has an important bearing on the manner in which the 
gases are used. Both nonpersistent and persistent gases can be used ino. • 
shells and bombs; only the nonpersistent can be released as clouds from- • 
cylinders and only the persistent as spray from aircraft. 
The matter of gas identification is affected by the type of gas. 
With nonpersistent gases, if the gas officer is not on hand immediately 
when the concentration is very high, the gas will be dispersed by the 
time he arrives. With persistent gases on the other hand, owing to 
their lowered vapor pressure, the concentration in the air will never 
be high, but evidence of ground contandration will be encountered for 
hours or even days afterward under favorable conditions. 
The volatility is defined as the weight of the substance contained 
in a given volume of saturated air at a certain temperature. Our chemi- 
cal warfare service expresses volatility in ounces per 1000 cubic feet 
of air, which is nearly equivalent to mg. per liter. 
Neglecting changes in pressure, a simple formula for the volatility 
is; 
Tt : M.W'.x.m * I6 
(t *275) 
in which z the volatility at temperature t 
MW : the molecular weight of the agent 
VPt " the vapor pressure of the agent at temperature t 
t s temperature in degrees Centigrade. 
The volatility is one of the most important factors in selecting and eval- 
uating a war gas. In the field it is impossible to reach saturation for 
the agent. Consequently volatilities as given for the agents in Table 1 
my not be obtained. A comparison of the volatilities and the lethal 
concentrations given in Table 1 indicates which agents might be used ef- 
fectively for producing casualties. ' ' . 5 ' 
Vapor Density affects persistence to some.extent, the lighter gases 
having a greater tendency to rise and be dispersed whereas the heavier 
gases tend to hug the ground. The war gases mentioned here vary in 
vapor density from 2.5 for chlorine to for ethyliodoacetate. 
Freezing Point is not Important except Stir mustard gas (l4,4 G) and 
for brombenzylcyanlde (25.5°C). These gases are usually fluted with 
15-20$ of carbon tetrachloride or chlorobenzene to lover the freezing 
point. 
if-Q919- BU-COS-WP In connection with freezing point, reference should he made to the” 
war ’’gases" which are really solids (chloracetophenone, m.p. 58° C and 
arsenical nose irritants m.p, from 52° to 195° C). The latter sub- 
stances, in particular, have very low vapor pressures and would he useless 
as war gases except for the fact that they can he dispersed hy heat, etc., 
in form of a "smoke" or particulate cloud, consisting of very small 
particles (about 10to 10~5 mm, diameter) suspended in the atmosphere 
and capable of exerting an irritant action on the nose and throat. The 
action is similar with chloracetophenone, although its vapor alone will 
cause irritation. 
These clouds are classified as nonpersistent since they are rapidly 
dissipated by the wind as are the true nonpersistent gases. Special 
type of bombs and thermogenerators have been devised for their employ- 
ment in warfare. They were originally designed as "mask breakers," the 
particles not being absorbed by activated charcoal as are vapors but 
necessitating the use of special filters. This aspect is of Importance 
in their detection; they cannot be satisfactorily sampled by the usual 
technique of absorption in solvents, but require a suitable filter. At 
the same time they are effective in exceedingly low concentrations and 
are nonpersistent so that the prospect of obtaining an analyzable sample 
is usually remote. 
Stability - Of the chemical properties, reaction with water is of 
prime importance, particularly the persistence under wet conditions. 
Most of the gases are relatively insoluble in water; some, such as chloro- 
picrin, are practically unaffected by it; others, like mustard gas, are 
slowly hydrolyzed; while still others, e.g,, phosgene and lewisite, are 
rapidly decomposed. This means that lewisite would be relatively in- 
effective in rainy weather and the persistence of mustard gas would be 
considerably reduced. 
From the tactical viewpoint, the stability of gases to heat and ex- 
plosion and their action on metals are of importance. From the standpoint 
of defense the behavior toward neutralizing agents such as alkalies and 
oxidizing agents is of importance. 
Physical and Chemical Properties 
1. Lung Injurants 
(a) Phosgene (C.G.) (Carbonyl Chloride; C0C12). At ordinary 
temperature phosgene is a.colorless gas with a characteristic odor de- 
scribed as that of moldy hay. It was first used in war by Germans in 
December, 1915, and remained the principal war gas throughout the first 
world war. 
It condenses on cooling, below 8G°C to.va colorless liquid if pure; 
to a pale yellow or orange if the technical product* The gas is approxi- 
mately three and a half times as heavy as air. However, due to its high 
vapor pressure (low boiling point) it is a very nonpersistent gas. 
h-O998-PIO-BU-COS-WP Phosgene is readily soluble in many organic solvents, benzene, 
toluene, xylene, fats and oils, inorganic halides such as those of 
arsenic and sulfur. Phosgene is very soluble in water but is hydrolyzed 
with extreme rapidity to carbon dioxide and hydrochloric acid. Like all 
acid chlorides, phosgene is very reactive, reacting readily with alkalies, 
alcohols, phenols .and amines. The reaction with phenols and amine was 
utilized in the old type PH gas helmet which was impregnated with sodium 
phenate and hexamlnc. Phosgene is noncorrosive toward metals when dry 
but extremely corrosive when moist. 
(b) Diphosgene (Trichlormethyl chloroformate; ClCOOCCl^), 
known to the French as Surpalite and to the Germans as Perstoff, was one 
of the principal lethal gases used in the last war and was used in shells. 
Diphosgene boils at 128° C and has a specific gravity of 1,65 at 15° C. 
Its vapor density is 6.9 and its vapor pressure at 20° C is 10.5 mm., so 
that it is still a nonpersistent gas although it is more persistent than 
chlorine or phosgene. The vapor has an odor similar to that of phosgene 
although more pungent. With heat it decomposes to form two molecules 
of phosgene and reacts with water and amines as if consisting of two 
molecules of phosgene. When dry it is noncorrosive to metals. 
(c) Chloropicrin, (P.S.) (Trlchloronitromethane, CCl^NOg), 
known as ’’Slop1' to the Germans, as Aquinite to the French and sometimes 
as vomiting gas to the British, wa,s first used by. Pussians in hand 
grenades dissolved in 50$ sulfuryl chloride in 1916 and was later employed 
by the Allies as a constituent of their penetrating ITC mixture (QOp 
chloropicrin plus 20fo stannic chloride). 
Chloropicrin in the pure state is a slightly oily, colorless, 
refractive liquid with a characteristic odor. The crude product is 
yellow due to impurities. It boils at 112° at ordinary pressure and has 
a density of 1.66. Its vapor density is 5.69 vapor pressure 18.3 mm, 
at 20° C, so that it is relatively nonpersistent. The vapor has a 
sweetish odor and distinct lachrymatory properties. It is relatively 
insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. It is fairly stable, 
not being hydrolyzed by water nor affected by ordinary acids or alkalies. 
Alcoholic sodium hydroxide gradually decomposes it, as do also sodium 
sulfite and alkaline polysulfides. It is partially dissociated on heat- 
ing into nitrosyl chloride and phosgene and may explode on rapid heat- 
ing, When moist it is corrosive toward metals, but produces only a 
superficial stain which forms a protective layer. 
2. Lachrymators 
Xylyl Bromide (German T-staff) (CH^-CgH^-GHg-Br). A crude 
mixture of c-, m- and p-xylyl bromides bromination of xylene 
used extensively as a lachrymatory shell-filling by the Germans. It 
was used for the first time as a war gas in January, 1915; (Sartori), 
but its use was abandoned toward the end of the war because of the ease 
with which it was dealt by ordinary carbon filters and of the incon- 
venience caused by its attack on iron containers. The mixture is a 
black liquid, density l.k and B.P, 210-222° C. It is persistent (vapor 
pressure about 0,07 mm, at 20° C), and its heavy vapors when diluted 
h -0998 - Pll-BU- COS-WP have an odor resembling lilacs or elder blossoms or leaves, hence the 
British wartime name of Elder-gas, It is insoluble in and slowly de- 
composed by water- but is readily hydrolyzed by alkalies. 
Benzyl bromide (CgHh Clip Br) (B.P, 200° C, D., l.khj vapor density 
is 9.8), called "cyclite" by French, First used by the Germans in March, 
1915* but only for a short time due to the cost and scarcity of the raw 
material, toluene. Later it was completely abandoned, being superseded 
by other substances with greater irritant power. 
Bromacetone COCHp Sr), obtained by bromination of acetone, was 
used by the Germans as B-Stoff, and by the French, in 80/20 admixture with 
chloracetone as Martonite, Pure bromacetone is a colorless liquid with 
a pungent odor (BP. 156° C, D 3 1.6, vapor density = It is 
relatively volatile (vapor pressure at 20° = 9 mm,) and toxic concen- 
trations of its vapors may be met in the field. The liquid is slightly 
soluble in water, very soluble in organic solvents. It is not very stable, 
tending to polymerize to a resin under the influence of light and heat, 
although this action may be delayed for several months by addition of a 
stabilizer such as magnesium oxide. It attacks iron but not lead. 
Ethyl iodoacetate (English K.BrK,) used solely by the 
British, especially in mixtures with 10f> chloropicrin. It is a colorless 
dense liquid boiling at 179° C and having a density of 1.8, vapor pressure 
mm. at 20° C and a, vapor density of Thus it is a relatively 
persistent substance. It is insoluble in, and stable to water and is only 
slowly hydrolyzed by hot aqueous alkali. It reacts with alcoholic alkali 
and sodium thiosulfate and is decomposed by hot nitric acid. It is 
corrosive to metals. 
Brombenzylcyanide (C.A.) (CgHpjCHBr-CN) was experimentally tried out 
towards the end of the war and according to American post-war experiments 
it is one of the most efficient war gases because of its high lachrymatory 
power. When pure it consists of yellowish-white crystals which slowly 
turn red on decomposition. It has a M.P, of 25,5° C, B0P. 0,0“ 1.52, 
vapor density 3 6,8, vapor pressure 3 0.012 mm. at 20° C, The liquid is 
accordingly very persistent. It is insoluble in water, but dissolves 
easily in many organic solvents. It is highly resistant to chemical and 
atmospheric agencies. Water and humidity decompose it only very slowly. 
Cold sodium hydroxide acts similarly, but it is hydrolyzed by alcoholic 
alkali in the cold. It has the undesirable property of vigorously attack- 
ing all the common metals except lead and in doing so its lachrymatory 
properties are destroyed. Containers holding this compound must be lined 
with glass, lead or rubber. Another limitation is its low stability to 
the shock of the bursting projectile. It can only be employed in bombs 
with a comparatively small bursting charge. 
Chloracetophenone (CN) (C^H^COCI^Cl). This compound, because of 
its lachrymatory properties, was tested during the last war at Edgewood 
Arsenal. It is a white crystalline solid, m.p, 58° C, B.P, 
vapor pressure 0,0198 mm, at 25° C, with a pleasant aromatic odor re- 
sembling that of apple blossoms. As a chemical warfare agent it is 
dispersed by heat in the form of a nonpersistent particulate cloud. 
lj._ 0998-P12-BU-C0S-WP It is practically insoluble in water (about 0,3$. at ordinary 
temperature) but soluble in most organic solvents. The solubility of 
Chloracetophenone in readily volatile solvents may be utilized in 
diffusing it into the air. For this purpose benzene is the best solvent, 
carbon tetrachloride also being occasionally employed. When a solution 
in one of these solvents is sprayed into the air the solvent evaporates 
rapidly, leaving the chloracetophenone dispersed in a fine state of 
subdivision, (It is very effective when distilled into the air by the 
heat of a burning composition, e,g., a mixture of CN with small-grained 
smokeless powder). It is a stable compound, unaffected by boiling . 
water, but the chlorine is readily removed by alkaline hydrolysis. It 
does not attack iron and is insensitive to heat and detonation. 
Nose irritants (irritant smokes) 
The action of these compounds, of an aromatic arsenical nature, 
is provoked by finely divided solid particles which on liberation in 
the air form true smokes and are known as the toxic smokes. They were 
intended as "mask breakers” but were not very successful in this respect 
because their use in modified high explosive shells did not give a good 
particulate cloud. When released as a cloud from smoke candles they are 
very effective. Under ordinary conditions they are crystalline solids 
with negligible vapor pressure. 
Diphenylchlorarsine (D.S.) (CgHfOgAsCl) German ’’Clark I." The crude 
material is a dark brown liquid which gradually turns into a semisolid 
viscous mass. The pure material forms colorless crystals melting at C, 
B.P. 333°j vapor pressure 0,0009 mm. at 20°. It is only slightly soluble 
in water but soluble in some organic solvents. Water hydrolyzes it very 
slowly and aqueous and alcoholic alkali react rapidly. It is insensitive 
to heat and detonation and does not corrode iron or steel. 
DiphenyIcyanarsine (CDA) AsCN) German Clark II - Employed as 
war gas toward the end of the last war (May, 1918) both alone and mixed 
with diphenylchlorarsine. It forms colorless prisms with an odor of mixed 
garlic and bitter almonds. M.P, 55° C, sparingly soluble in water but 
dissolves in some organic solvents. Its properties are similar to that of 
the chlor derivative, being employed in the same manner but effective at 
a* lower concentration. 
Diphenylamihechlorarsine (D.M.) (KH(CgHi|.)2:AaCl) also called 
"phenarsazine chloride” and "Adamsite,11 In the crude state is a crystalline 
solid, the pure product being a yellow, odorless solid, M,P, 195° It 
is practically insoluble in water and sparingly soluble in common organic 
solvents. Phenarsazine chloride, unlike the chlor and cyano arsine 
mentioned above, is slowly hydrolyzed by water. It is readily hydrolyzed 
by alkalies, and oxidized by oxidizing agents. Iron, steel, bronze and 
copper are corroded by this compound. 
Vesicants 
Mustard gas is the chief member of this group, and was the only 
one used to any extent during the last war, although the potentialities 
of lewisite and other diohlorarsines were "being investigated at the end 
k -0998- PX3 -BU- C OS - WP of the last war,. These compoundsMW;.b.QRslderable variation in physical 
and chemical properties,; the* friin general, less 
persistent and less stable than_ mustardvrobThey 'all:possess the common 
characteristic of .being-able all' living 
tissues which they contact. •, r.-1 .•••.: M v .' :- 
Mustard gas (H.S.) (2,2* diciilorodiethyl sulf Me, S(Ci^CE^d)2* 
known to the French as ,!Yperite" and, to the Germans"as "Senfgas" or "Lost.” 
First employed by the Germans in July, 1917. Ir the pure state, mustard 
gas is a colorless oily liquid having a faint leek-like odor, B=1.28, 
B.P. 217,50 C, M.P. M.’MC, In the crude state it is brown and has an 
odor reminiscent of mustard. The vapor pressure is 0.115 mm. at 20° and 
its vapor density so that it is very persistent, especially on terrain 
covered with bush.es and shrubs„ The technical product containing 15~20$ 
of carbon tetrachloride or chlorobenzene is a brown or black oil, 
(freezing point about 5Q 0) having a characteristic odor described as 
resembling that of mustard, garlic or horseradish. 
It is sparingly soluble in water (about at ordinary' 
temperatures) in which It sinks. It is slowly hydrolysed to give harmless 
water soluble products. 
* 2 n20 > S(CH2CH20E)2 * 2 HC1 
thiodiglycol 
The following values have been determined for the hydrolysis 
of mustard gas. 1..; .•:* r-v V i vv - 
Time 
(Minutes) 
Per cent hydrolyzed com- 
pared to that dissolved 
10 
50 r 
20 
. - to"" 
50 
' . 79" , 
ko 
av- 
50 
85 
6o 
85 
The velocity is influenced by time of contact, temperature, 
water-mustard .gas ratio, quantities of acid, alkali and hydrolysis 
products present and the degree of dispersion in water. In the presence 
of a large excess of water the above conversion is quantitative. 
Dry chloride of lime reacts with, mustard gas acting as an 
oxidant and chlorinating agent. A very violent reaction, with evolution 
of heat, flame and white vapors, takes place, Numerous compounds are 
formed, carbon dioxide, hydrochloric acid, chloral and chlorinated sub- 
stances which are not defined. By the action of chloride of lime mixed 
with water, the action is less violent and this type of mixture is em- 
ployed for decontamination of objects contaminated with mustard gas. 
This action of the bleaching powder depends on its available chlorine and 
the bleach should contain at least 15$ active chlorine. 
j+-0993-P1^-3U-C0S-WP The pure liquid does not attack metals under ordinary conditions 
but the technical product usually contains free hydrochloric acid and has 
a marked corrosive action on iron and steel. 
Lewisite (M-l) (Betachlorovinyl dichiorarsine, Cl-CH * CHAsClg) 
was developed as a war gas by the Americans during the last , war but was 
never used in the field. It has been termed the "Dew of Death," and is 
claimed to embody the aggressive qualities of the asphyxiants, the 
irritant characteristics of the tear and nose irritant gases and the 
universal action on all tissues of the blister gases. 
When pure, lewisite is a colorless liquid (B,P. 190°> with de- 
composition) , M.P, about 0° C, vapor pressure 0,4 mm. at 20° (less per- 
sistent than mustard), The vapor of the pure compound has an irritant 
action on the eyes and nose. The liquid tends to/ turn blue-black in the 
light. The technical product, which is usually black, has an intolerable 
geranium-like odor, perceptible in great dilution. 
Lewisite is sparingly soluble in water about 0.0yf>, but readily 
soluble in organic solvents. It is rapidly hydrolyzed by water or even 
a damp atmosphere at ordinary temperatures. 
Cl-CH»CH-As-(?| ♦ HgO \ 2HC1 ♦ Cl-CH=CHAs=0 
chlorvinyl 
arsenious oxide 
Chlorvinylarsenious oxide is somewhat vesicant for direct contact but is 
much less dangerous than lewisite because it is nonvolatile, and sparingly 
soluble in water and other solvents. This hydrolysis is notably increased 
by an increase in temperature. Alkalies (except ammonia) completely 
decompose the molecule into acetylene and sodium arsenite: 
Cl CH * CH-AsClg ♦ 6Na0H~d Na,AsO* * 5 NaCl ♦ CgHg -1- 5 HgO 
When a 1% NaOH solution is employed at temperatures below 57° C, 
this decomposition takes place quantitatively, and only in the case of beta 
chlorvlnyldichlorarsine, 
Lewisite is very reactive, being readily oxidized (hydrogen 
peroxide) and chlorinated; the two chlorine atoms are replaceable by treat- 
ment with potassium iodide, hydrogen sulfide, etc. It does not attack 
steel appreciably and when stored in projectiles causes only a slight 
superficial rusting of the metal walls. 
Ethyl dlchlorarsine (ED) (CgH^AsClg) 
This compound was employed in March, 1918, hy the Germans, being 
considered suitable for replacing mustard gas in offensive operations 
because of its immediate vesicant effect and its nonpersistent character. 
It is a mobile liquid, fruity odor in dilution, (odor can be detected 
when concentration is 0,5 mgm, (cu, m. of air), B.P, lp6° C vapor density 
6, vapor pressure at 21,5° C is 2,29 mm. It is readily soluble in 
organic solvents and dissolves to the extent of 0.1in water. 
U-0996-P15-BU-C0S-WP Water rapidly hydrolyzes ethyl dichlorarsine: 
* 2H£)0 ♦ 2HC1 
The compound also reacts with sodium iodide to give the iodo derivative, 
with hydrogen sulfide to give the sulfide and is decomposed readily by 
bleaching powder which is used in decontamination. When dry it does not 
attack iron but it corrodes brass strongly. 
Methyl dichlorarsine (MD) is a mobile colorless liquid 
■which does not fume in the air. 13.P. 132-35° C, vapor density 5.5, vapor 
pressure 10,8 at 25° C, Its properties are similar to those of the ethyl 
derivative. 
4-0996-Pl6-BU-COS-WP PROPERTY 
VESICANTS 
LUNG INJURANT 
LACRIMATORS 
Common Name 
Mustard 
Lewisite 
Ethyl- 
dichlor- 
arsine 
Phosgene 
Chlorpicrin 
Brombenzyl- 
cyanide 
Chlor- 
aceto- 
phenone 
Chemical Name 
Diehlor 
ethyl- 
sulfide 
B”chlor- 
vinyl Di- 
ehl or arsine 
tf n 
Carbonyl- 
chloride 
Trichlor- 
nitromethane 
11 11 
n it 
Symbol (U. S.) 
ns 
M-l 
ED 
CG 
PS 
CA 
ON 
Melting Point 
i3°c. 
57°F. 
-l8.2°C. 
0°F. 
-50°c. 
-22°F, 
-ll8°C. 
-190°E. 
-69.2°c. 
-92.4°F. 
25 °c. 
77°F. 
59°C. 
138°f. 
Boiling Point 
21?°C. 
190°C. 
37)+°E. 
156^0. 
512°F. 
8.20c. 
1120c. 
251.50F. 
225°c. 
2d7°C. 
d76°F. 
Yapor Density (Air = 1) 
5.5 
7.1 
6.5 
5.5 
5.6 
6.6 
5.2 
Yapor Pressure 
(mm. Hg, at 20°C.) 
0.065 
0.595 
5.0 
1180 
18.5 
0.0112 
0.015 
Volatility 
(Oz. per 1000 cu, ft.) 
0.625 
*K5 
10Q 
kk20 
165 
0.15 
0,106 
Lethal Concentration 
(Oz. per 1000 cu. ft.) 
0.15 
0,12 
3.0 ml 
0,50 
nute Exposure 
0.50 
2.0 
3.5 
0.85 
P er s i s t ency, summer 
1 - 7 days 
1-7' days 
1-6 hrs, 
5 - 10 min. 
1 - k lirs. 
5-7 days 
10 min. 
Persistency, winter 
Several 
weeks 
1 week 
2-12 hrs. 
20 min. to 
2 hours 
1/2 - 7 days 
Several 
weeks 
10 min. 
Solvents for 
Oils 
PS 
Ethanol 
CClij. 
HS - PS 
Oils 
Ethanol 
Ethyl 
chloride 
■ 
Cl 
PS 
CHCl*, CG 
Cl, CS2 
C6n6 
c2f^oh 
CgIL-Cl, 
CHGI3, PS, 
CG 
CHCI3, PS 
Ethylene 
dichlorid__ 
chior- 
acetone 
ii-0998-Pl 7 -BU-COS -WF 
PROPERTIES OB CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS 
TABLE 1 PROPERTY 
IRRITANT SMOKES 
SCREENING SMOKES ■ - - . . 
Common name 
Adamsite 
Diphenyl- 
chlorarsine 
Diphenyl- 
cyanoarsine 
EC 
Mixture 
Titanium 
tetrachloride 
Sulfur 
trioxide solu- 
tion 
Chemical Name 
Diphenyl- 
amine chlor- 
arsine 
>» u 
» « 
Hexachlor- 
ethane •> 
Zn * ZnO 
It ft 
SO5 Chior-' 
Sulfonic Acid 
Symbol (u, S.) • 
DM 
DA 
CDA 
EC 
FM 
FS 
Melting Point 
■195°C. 
387°?.' 
115°iV 
31.5°C. 
91°F. 
l84oc. 
3o3°F. 
-250c. 
-9°F. 
Below -30°C. 
-22°F. 
Boiling Point 
•tio°c. 
770°F. 
5S3°C. 
720OF. 
550°C. 
662°F, 
185°c. 
565°F. 
156°C. 
277°F. 
— 
Vapor Density (Air = 1) 
— 
— 
— 
Negligible 
— 
— 
Vapor Pressure 
(ttm. Eg. at 20°C.) 
Negligible 
0.0005 
0.0001 
0.22 
8.32 
— 
Volatility 
(Os. per 1000 cu, ft,) 
It ft 
0.0007 
0.0015 
- 
2,85 
8.64 
— 
Lethal Concentration 
(Oz. per 10CG cu. ft.) 
3.0 j 1,5 
.10 Minute Ext 
1.0 
)osure 
Smoke Harmless 
■ — — — 
Persistency, summer 
10 min. 
10 min. 
10 min. 
Only while 
burning 
10 min. 
While container 
is operating 
Persistency, winter 
10 min. 
10 min,■ 
10 min. 
It tt 
10 min. 
" " 
Solvents for 
Furfural 
acetone 
Acetone 
CHCl^, 
PS 
Organic 
Solvents 
Alcohol and 
Ether for 
hexachlor- 
ethane 
Ethylene 
dichloride 
— ' 
Strong 
Sulfuric 
acid 
PROPERTIES OF CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS, 
TABLE 1 (Continued) 
L-C998-Pl8-BU-C0S-WP Agent 
Tactical 
Classes 
- C.WjS 
J 
Physiological Classification 
Casualty 
Harassing 
Screening 
Incendiary 
Vesicant 
Lung Injurant 
Lacrimator 
Irritant* 
Mustard 
Highly persistent 
Gas! 
; HS J 
J Gas \ 
D 
Lewisite 
Persistent 
| M-l j 
I Gas i 
: M-l'} 
i Gas I 
|JL 
Ethyl di- 
Moderately 
El) j 
; ed ; 
D 
; i i 
chlorarsine 
Persistent 
i Gas i 
! Gas 5 
i i 
Phosgene 
Eon-persistent 
l GG 1 
1 Gas t 
1 ro; 
> 
r -.. 
Chlorpicrin 
Moderately 
Persistenr 
• PS 1 
I Gas ; 
PS 
Gas 
D 
• I • 
» __j 
Brom "benzyl 
CA 
m 
cyanide 
Highly persistent 
Gas 
j. 
m, 
Chloraceto 
Eon-persistent 
CE | 
phenone 
Gas 1 
i 
CE Solution 
ft IT 11 
CES | 
Gas ! 
■ 
Adamsite 
It ft tt 
DM ! 
> G-as J 
■S 
Sulfur trioxide 
solution 
| FS 
1 Smoke 
EG Mixture 
Eon-persistent 
! HC 
i Smoke 
- 
. 
"White 
Phosphorus 
tt tt tt 
i wp : 
; Smoke; 
j VP 
1 Smoke 
,r WP ! 
; Smoke ; 
Thermit 
■■ 
L Smoke f 
I = Immediate Action 
D = Delayed Action 
ID = Immediate to Delayed Action 
TACTICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION OF COMM CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS 
U-0998-P19-BU-cos-WP 
TASta 2 
Legend: [ Primary Classification 
i i Secondary Classification 
* Other than lacrimators MEMORANDUM ON METHODS FOR THE DETECTION OF CHEMICAL WARFARE GASES* 
By 
Assistant Chemist Stuart Schott 
and 
Principal Chemist C. C. Ruchhoft 
The detection of the presence of war gases along with the iden- 
tification of the gas plays a very important role in defense. In case 
of gas attack it is vital to know quickly the nature of the gas used and 
the extent of the areas affected and for this reason the methods for de- 
tection of gases must possess the following properties: 
1. Results should be accurate and readily obtainable. 
(a) The tests should be of a simple nature requiring no 
complex manipulation. 
(b) The equipment necessary should be simple and 
preferably usable in the field. 
'(c) The test should be sensitive so that small traces 
of the gases may be identified.• 
2. The method should be reasonably specific, i.e. give a typical 
result for only one gas. 
The British field kit contains simple apparatus for the detection 
of mustard gas and equipment for taking contaminated samples of material 
for subsequent examination, also detector paper for delineation of con- 
taminated areas and means for sampling vapors and particulate clouds. 
They consider mustard gas the principal subject for their work and depend 
on subjective methods for the others in the field, or on subsequent 
laboratory examination. 
In the case of non-persistent gases and particulate clouds, little 
action is possible unless the gas officer is present at the time of re- 
lease; otherwise by the time of arrival the gas is too dilute for iden- 
tification. With bombs containing the less volatile but still non- 
persistent lung irritants, such as diphoagene and chloropicrin, it will 
usually be possible to detect the gas in the earth surrounding the bomb 
crater for hours afterward. 
Of the persistent gases, the persistent lachrymators are identified 
by lachrymation. As mentioned above, the persistent vesicants, on the 
other hand, particularly mustard gas, are the main reason for the Gas 
Identification Service in Britain. Rapid detection of the blister gases 
is essential to avoid spreading of contamination from the gas bomb and 
to enable prompt decontamination measures to be started. 
* From Division of Public Health Methods, National Institute of Health. 
0998-P20-BU-C0S-WP Two general methods of gas detection are available and used, 
these being the subjective and objective. Subjective tests Include 
smell, appearance and physiological action. Objective tests include 
physical and chemical methods. 
For speedy recognition in the field the subjective tests are very 
rapid and are normally of great value. The objective tests are, however, 
very useful for actual identification and for confirmation of the sub- 
jective tests. 
SUBJECTIVE METHOD 
1. SMELL - Many of the war gases have definite odors that can be 
detected in relatively harmless concentrations, Crude mustard gas can be 
detected by smell in a concentration of 1 in 20,000,000 (approx. 0,55 mg. 
per cu. m. of air), and the geranium-like odor of lewisite can be detected 
in even greater dilutions. 
The sense of smell has certain limitations. It is liable to be 
erratic, subject to personal idiosyncrasy and individual variation in 
different Individuals, and from time to time in the same individual. 
In spite of the objections noted in the preceding paragraph, the 
sense of smell is very useful and can be developed by practice with odor 
kits. These are a collection of samples of war gases suitably contained 
(usually absorbed on activated carbon in a bottle) by which one may 
thoroughly acquaint himself with the characteristic odors of certain war 
gases. 
Certain rules should be followed in making odor tests: 
(1) Don't inhale deeply. 
(2) Smell only once; repeated smelling dulls perception. 
(5) First smell and then thlnfe the ability to recall 
smells can be acquired by practice. 
(4) After smelling breathe out strongly through the nose 
several times. 
*•(5) Don’t smoke while smelling; smoking dulls the sense of 
smell. 
*Even slight traces of phosgene affects the taste nerves so that 
tobacco smoke acquires a flat, metallic taste and becomes disagreeable 
and repugnant. Hydrocyanic acid and hydrogen sulfide have the same re- 
action to a lesser degree. 
(6) Lame each odor perception. A gas is odorless only when 
no odor is evident. In the event of an unfamiliar Smell, it is important 
that the description of the odor be accurate and comprehensive. 
it-COOP,-pen _PTT-nnc;_tjp Smell tests in the field should be made downwind —.when wearing a 
respirator by turning the back of the head to the wind and Inserting the 
fingers between the facepiece.and the cheek and sniffing gently. The 
tendency of gases and vapors to rise as they drift downward should also 
be borne in mind and care taken to make smell tests close to the ground 
when endeavoring to locate the source of contamination. 
SIGHT 
The sense of sight is of importance in the recognition of 
persistent gases. Certain cases of non-persistent gases may be mentioned; 
e.g., a concentrated cloud of chlorine has the characteristic yellow green 
color of this element unless there is much moisture in the atmosphere, 
when it appears whitish owing to condensation. Phosgene and diphosgene 
similarly give whitish clouds under damp conditions but are invisible 
when dry; particulate arsenic "smokes’* are white and opaque if sufficiently 
concentrated. A white cloud does not always indicate poison gas; it may 
be screening smoke or smoke arising from use of incendiary or other bombs. 
In general, the non-persistent gases will have been dissipated 
before the gas officers arrive, leaving a certain amount of residual 
evidence in the form of rotted clothing and bleached vegetation, or 
corroded metals, particularly copper and copper alloys (notably with the 
lung irritants in damp weather). The size of the bomb crater may in- 
dicate gas, as craters produced by high explosive bombs are usually 
considerably deeper and more extensive than those from gas bombs. 
With the persistent gases on the other hand, and mustard gas in 
particular, sight may or may not afford a reliable Indication according 
to circumstances, but contamination of grounds and building with the 
liquid gas will invariably occur and afford visual evidence. 
Contamination by crude mustard gas, which has a black color, is 
somewhat easier to detect than that of the pure pale yellow product, 
although the stains have the same appearance other than their color. On 
dry porous surfaces the liquid is rapidly absorbed, leaving a dark oily 
stain. On dry roads and dry earth it also appears as a dark oily patch, 
while on wet surfaces it spreads and gives a slight iridescent effect. 
It remains as liquid drops and splashes on painted surfaces for a con- 
siderable time although it eventually softens and dissolves in the film. 
It does not penetrate into metals, glazed tiles and other impermeable 
materials and also remains in droplet form pn green foliage and grass 
for some time, eventually penetrating and damaging vegetation. In water, 
the bulk settles to the bottom, but a thin and somewhat iridescent film 
usually remains on the surface for some time. 
The indications above noted are applicable to the immediate 
vicinity of the bomb crater. Lighter contamination further away and 
resulting from aerial spray takes the form of very small pinpoint droplets 
and is harder to see. ' 
The crude hlister gases are similar in appearance to the persistent 
lachrymators ("both dark colored oils) and the tvo may he confused. Periodic 
smelling tests should he made to avoid this confusion. PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS 
Physiological action forms a valuable adjunct in the identification 
of some gases. Lachrymators are readily recognized by their immediate 
irritant effects on the eyes even in low concentrations (l in 20-30 million). 
Similarly the nose irritants give rise to their characteristic, though 
slightly delayed, irritation of the nose, throat and chest even in low 
concentrations. With those smokes which are practically odorless in such 
dilutions, physiological detection becomes the only practicable field 
method. 
Of the lung irritants, chloropicrin has lachrymatory effects in 
relatively low concentrations and like chlorine is intolerable to breathe 
in concentrations which are relatively harmless. With phosgene and 
dlphosgene, on the other hand, the irritant effects are far less marked, 
and concentrations which are just detectable by smell and slight irritation 
of the breathing passages are not intolerable to breathe, but may lead 
to serious results if breathed for any length of time. Further, the 
intensity of physiological effects afford little indication of the con- 
centration present. To wait for physiological indications in the case of 
such gases is inviting disaster. 
Similar remarks apply especially to mustard gas, which has a 
characteristic delayed action and produces no immediately recognizable 
symptoms. The arsenical vesicants, lewisite, etc., have an immediate 
irritant effect on the nose and eyes which can serve as a warning in- 
dication. 
The use of test animals is of value in certain circumstances but 
has obvious limitations and is not suitable for general war application. 
OBJECTIVE METHODS 
The majority of these methods fall to fulfill'the four essential 
requirements of simplicity, rapidity, specificity and sensitivity. 
PHYSICAL AND PEYSIGO - CHEMICAL METHODS 
On the physical side, various methods depending on altered physical 
properties (refractive index, rate of diffusion, electrical conductivity, 
etc.) have been suggested but all these methods are non-specific, merely 
indicating the presence of impurity in the air. Moreover, the apparatus 
is cumbersome. 
The proposed physico-chemical methods meet similar objections. 
Spectrographic work is specific and sensitive hut is not suitable for 
field work. The Beilstein flame test is useful for detecting halogens 
but is not specific. 
U-0998-P23-BU-C0S-WP For assisting ifi delineation of areas contaminated with vesicants, 
indicators have teen devised known as "Detectors, Ground", consisting of 
paper or other material painted with special yellow colored paint which 
turns red in ccntact with the liquid gas* 
Several objections arise, namely, that the paint is not specific 
for blister gases, a positive reaction is only given by liquid con- 
tamination, and a coloration is not always easily perceptible in case of 
the crude gases. A similar type of detector is valuable in cases of air- 
plane spray of persistent gases. 
CHEMICAL METHODS 
Chemical methods depend on the formation of insoluble or highly 
colored compounds by reaction of the gases with a particular agent. 
As many gases contain a hydrolyzable halogen, the simplest, but 
least specific, is the test for free acidity by means of a pad. impreg- 
nated with methyl red pressed into contact with the suspected materials, 
or bubbling the suspected air through a neutral unbuffered water 
containing brom thymol blue indicator. The S.D.C. portable pH kit 
containing a spot plate and the necessary indicators is very use- 
ful for detecting free acidity. This method holds only for those gases 
readily hydrolyzable and is affected by any extraneous gases present in 
the atmosphere in the case of the air sampling test. 
In the same way and subject to the same limitations, the gases may 
be passed through alcoholic silver nitrate and the presence of readily 
hydrolyzable halogen containing war gases detected. 
The ideal chemical method is one depending on the color change of 
an Impregnated paper. For certain industrial gases this method is fea- 
sible, but for the majority of war gases paper tests either are not 
available or are not sufficiently sensitive or specific. The Chemical 
Warfare Service has at present a very satisfactory detector set which 
will detect vesicants in the liquid state and is also specific for mustard 
gas in the vapor state. The Chemical Warfare Service is working to perfect 
and expand the set so that it will be more sensitive to vapor and so that 
it will show the presence of new suspected German gases. Another device 
which has recently been developed contains finely divided charcoal deposited 
in the mesh of a fine copper screen. If the presence of a war gas is sus- 
pected the screen is waved in the air and then placed in a hot flame. Part 
of the gas is absorbed on the charcoal and subsequently decomposed in the 
flame. Since many of the chemical warfare agents contain halogens a green 
flame on the screen indicates the presence of such a gas. In' the absence 
of such detectors one must resort to passing the suspected air through a 
suitable solvent or absorbent (a filter in case of the particulate clouds) 
and applying the reaction to the latter. This general method, despite 
obvious defects, is of value in gas identification as it enables the gas 
to be stored up in an artificially concentrated condition and if re- 
quired, taken away to the laboratory for identification. 
1+-0998-P24-BU-C0S-WP Chemical methods can give accurate and definite information, but 
few of these'pan be described as rapid and simple and their application 
in the field may be questionable on account of the amount of apparatus 
and reagents involved. 
Collection of Samples 
Guided by subjective indications as to the general type of gas 
the samples collected may be: 
1, Air samples of non-persistent gases taken with an activated 
carbon tube using the hand pump.* 
« 
2. Samples of particulate clouds taken with a cotton wool filter 
using the hand pump. 
5. Samples of material contaminated with persistent and semi- 
persistent gases - earth, plaster, drops absorbed on filter 
paper, etc. 
Examination of the Samples 
In the subsequent chemical examination of such samples to establish 
or confirm the identity of the gas present, the following general pro- 
cedure should be employed. 
1. Non-persistent gases and particulate clouds 
Samples of these will normally not be available, but if taken the 
examination should be along the following lines; 
(a) Filter - Either examine as a whole for arsenic; or if a 
reasonable amount of particulate matter has been collected, 
extract with hot alcohol, and either examine the extract for 
suspected compounds or evaporate the extract and examine the 
residue for m.p., elements, or specific compounds. 
(b) Charcoal - The carbon granules may be examined for the 
elements. The gas absorbed on granules may be hydrolyzed 
by alcoholic potash and filtered and the filtrate examined 
for halides, nitrites and other products of hydrolysis. 
2, Persistent and semi-persistent gases 
The sample bottles should be opened in a hood and the examination 
carried out for: 
(a) Persistent lachrymators. If the gas appears to he a 
lachrymator from its subjective properties, a portion 
of the sample should be extracted with alcohol. The 
filtered alcohol extract may be hydrolyzed by warming 
* Diagrams indicating common simple gas sampling devices are given in the 
appendix. 
E-0998-P25-BU-C0S-WP with alcoholic potassium hydroxide and the resultant 
solution examined for the lachrymators. Certain tests 
should be made on the unhydrolyzed alcoholic extract as 
noted under "Chemical Methods". 
(b) Other gases — If the presence of other gases is indicated 
or suspected, the bottle should be fitted with a two hole 
rubber stopper carrying two glass tubes. By means of this 
arrangement air is aspirated over the sample. The effluent 
air stream may be passed through alcoholic potash, and this 
solution after acidification tested for halides and cyanides, 
nitrite and arsenlte. The results of these preliminary 
experiments may be confirmed by aspirating the effluent air 
successively through reagents (one at a time) giving 
characteristic tests for certain gases; e.g., the aniline 
reaction for diphosgene, the gold chloride and iodeplatinate 
test for mustard, the acetylene test for lewisite, etc. 
The air flow analysis described in the preceding paragraph is in 
general the simplest, safest .and most satisfactory method for examining 
samples of contaminated materials. 
With this method, using reaction bubblers of simple type, the air 
should be aspirated relatively slowly (up to about 500 cc. per minute) and 
if the sample is only lightly contaminated it is best to surround the 
sample bottle with warm water to increase the volatility of the gas. The 
influent air should be purified by passage through an activated carbon 
tube and a calcium chloride tube; as far as possible all Joints should be 
glass to glass to avoid absorption of gases such as phosgene, chlorpicrin 
and mustard gas by rubber connections. 
Within limits the sensitivity of these reactions can be artificially 
increased and the time taken for analysis reduced by use of higher rates 
of flow with bubblers that break up the Influent air stream to some extent. 
A rough indication of the degree of contamination is obtained from 
the intensity of the reaction obtained* ’/ 
VESICANTS 
Mustard Gas - (HS) dichlordiethyl-sulfide /[C1CH2CE2)2S7 
Yablich’s Reagent 
This reagent was suggested by the Chemical Warfare Service and 
•was especially employed by the Americans in the last war. 
When air containing mustard is passed through a solution of selenious : 
acid in dilute sulfuric acid and the reagent then heated for 10 minutes at 
85° C. a yellow precipitate of metallic selenium is produced. If the 
amount of dichloroethyl sulfide present is small; a reddish orange sus- 
pension appears. The reagent is prepared by dissolving 1 gm. SeOg in 100 mi 
of a solution containing equal parts by weight of sulfuric acid and water. 
4-0998-P26-BU-C0S-WP Although many war gases give a negative reaction with this reagent, 
all of the arsine derivatives give as positive a result as mustard. A 
similar reaction is also given by carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. 
Sensitivity — 5 mgm mustard per cubic meter of air. 
Grignard's Reagent 
This reagent, which is fairly specific for mustard, was proposed 
by Grignard in 1918 but was kept secret until 1921. Detection is based 
on the following double decomposition: 
S(C2H4C1)2 4- 2HI 3(02%!)2 -f- 2HC1 
The dichloroethyl sulfide is converted to diiodo-ethyl sulfide 
which separates as yellow crystals. 
PREPARATION OF REAGENT 
Sodium Iodide 2 gm. 
7*5$ copper sulfate solution J+0 drops 
35$ gum arable solution 2 ml. 
Water 200 ml. 
The copper sulfate is added to catalyze the reaction while the 
gum arabic causes the diiodo-ethyl sulfide to separate in the colloidal 
form. 
For the detection of mustard, the air under examination is passed 
through the above reagent and in the presence of mustard a yellow 
precipitate appears. 100 mgm of mustard may be detected in 1 cu. meter 
of air in 4 minutes. The British say that 0.025 mgm / ml. solution may 
be detected. ■ 
It was found that while the aliphatic arsines and phenylcarbylamines 
produce a similar turbidity at high concentrations (t$) other substances 
such as mono-, di-, and trlchloromethyl chloroformates, chloropicrin, 
benzyl bromide, acrolein, the aromatic arsines, thiodiglycol, etc., do not 
react. 
Schroter*s Method 
This is based on the property of mustard gas forming additive 
compounds with gold and palladium chlorides. 
On treating with mustard an aqueous solution containing 0.1$ gold 
chloride or 0.05$ palladium chloride a turbidity of colloidal type 
quickly forms, and if the quantity of the sulfide is large, yellowish- 
red oily droplets are produced. 
This reaction may be carried out on filter; paper. In this case 
a reddish brown stain is formed with a 10$ gold chloride solution and a 
yellow stain with a 0.2$ palladium chloride solution. 
0998-P27 -BU-C0S-WP These reagents are supposedly specific for mustard gas and are not 
influenced by the presence of any other war gas, nor by the hydrolysis 
products of mustard. 
■ The sensitivity with gold chloride is of the order of 10 mgm. 
mustard gas per cu. m. of air. The British give the sensitivity as 0.075 
mgm.per ml. solution. 
An apparatus has been designed for detecting presence of mustard in 
a sample of air by this reaction. The air is drawn by means of a small 
pump through a glass tube containing silica gel, to which are added after 
a certain number of strokes of the pump, several drops of gold chloride 
solution. A little more air is drawn through the tube and then a few 
drops of hydrogen peroxide are added. 
In the presence of mustard a yellow ring forms. 
Sensitivity; 12 mgm. of mustard per cubic meter of air. 
lodoplatinate Test 
This test depends on the reduction of platinic chloride to platinous 
chloride with the liberation of free iodine. 
The mustard gas vapor is removed from the contaminated sample by 
passage through glass wool moistened with 5$ acetic acid, followed by 
addition of several drops of the lodoplatinate reagent to the glass wool 
followed by two drops of the starch reagent. On shaking the sampling 
tube a blue color appears if mustard gas is present or rose-red if absent. 
Preparation of the reagent 
1. lodoplatinate 
1 ml. 5$ platinic chloride and 5,5 ml, 5$ sodium iodide 
diluted to 180 ml, with water. 
2. Starch. 
1 gm. soluble or arrowroot starch rubbed to a smooth 
paste with cold water and the paste added to 200 ml. 
boiling water. Allow to cool and add 2 drops of toluene 
as preservative. Keep stoppered. 
The sensitivity of the above test is 0.005 mgm.of mustard gas. It 
is reasonably specific; phosgene, dlphosgene, chloropicrin, brombenzyl- 
cyanide, ethyl lodoacetate vapors give no reaction while the arsenical 
vesicants do not interfere unless present in exceptionally high con- 
centrations, when they tend to decolorize the reagent (sulfur dioxide 
has a similar decolorizing action). Chlorine and nitrous fumes, of 
course, give a positive test, and the detection should be carried out by 
aspirating air through the contaminated sample, in order to eliminate 
interference from such gases. Beta naphthol test 
The suspected gas is passed through a freshly prepared solution of 
beta naphthol in aqreous-alcoholic alkali. If mustard gas is present the 
corresponding dj-beta naphthyl ether (m.p. 135° C.) is slowly precipitated 
as a white turbidity (accelerated on warming). 
S(CHpCHoCl)P 4- £Ci nH7ONa > S(CHoCHP0- GlOHv)2 + 2NaCl 
Preparation of the Eeagent 
1. 10$ alcoholic solution of betanaphthol 
2, Approx. h/lO sodium hydroxide. 
Add 100 ml. of the alkali solution to 1 ml. of the naphthol 
solution. The mixture turns brown on keeping so that the 
two solutions should be mixed just before using. 
The sensitivity of the above test is given as 0.01-0.06 mgm. of 
mustard gas. 
Lewisite (M-l), chlorvinyldichlorarsine, Cl-CH CHAsClp 
1. Lewisite is rapidly hydrolyzed by water with the production of 
hydrochloric acid and chlorvinylarsenious oxide. The hydrolyzed solution 
will therefore give the reactions for acid., chloride and arsenic. 
2. When lewisite is decomposed by alkali, acetylene is formed 
which may be detected with cuprous chloride paper. 
Pass the gas through 1 ml 15/i NaOH. Acetylene can be recognized 
by suspending a of cuprous chloride paper above the alkali. A red 
stain on the test paper indicates that acetylene was formed and that 
lewisite was present. Sensitivity; 0.02-0.05 mgm/ml. solution. 
PREPARATION 0E CUPROUS CHLORIDE PAPER 
1 gm. cupric sulfate (or preferably nitrate) dissolved in small 
quantity of water, add 1* ml.cone, ammonium hydroxide and 3 gms. hydro- 
xy lamine hydrochloride, shake until mixture is colorless. Make up to 
50 ml. If the reagent is covered with mineral oil or a piece of copper 
wire is added it,will retain its activity. Filter paper may be saturated 
in this solution and used at once as stated above. 
EthyIdichlorars ine (ED), and Mcthyldlchlorars ine (MD) 
CH-AsGlp* 
U-0998-P29-BU-C0S-WP Hydrogen Sulfide Test 
Aspirate the suspected, gas through small amount.-of water. Add a 
few drops of hydrogen sulfide water; an opalescence or turbidity of 
the arsine sulfide is obtained if the amount of primary arsine exceeds 
0.02-0.05 mgm/ml. solution. If the turbidity redissolves on addition 
of more hydrogen sulfide water, lewisite is present. Sensitivity: 0.02- 
0.05 mgm. primary arsine. 
Mercurous Nitrate Test 
This test is less sensitive than the hydrogen sulfide test but 
is of greater value for differentiating between lewisite and the other 
alkyl dichlorarsines. The test is based on the reaction of the arsines 
with a solution of mercurous nitrate acidified with nitric acid. With 
lewisite a white precipitate is obtained; with ethyl dichlorarsine a white 
precipitate slowly changing to grey (reduction to metallic mercury) and 
with methyl dichlorarsine an immediate grey precipitate is formed. 
Sensitivity: 1 mgm. methyl, ethyl or chlorvinyldichlorarslne. 
Gutzelt Test for Arsenic 
This test depends on the reaction of arsine with mercuric chloride 
or bromide paper to give a yellow-brown stain. This reaction is carried 
out in a small bottle where hydrogen is generated by means of zinc and 
hydrochloric acid in presence of the sample, the gases pass out through 
sand moistened with lead acetate to absorb any hydrogen sulfide which would 
interfere. The gases then pass across the mercuric chloride test paper. 
A yellow or yellow-brown stain indicates arsine. A blank should be run 
on the reagents by reacting zinc and HC1 in the generator in the absence 
of the sample. The paper should show no stain. The details are as follows: 
Use a 2 oz. wide mouth bottle as generator. The bottle is equipped 
with a one-hole rubber stopper carrying a gla.ss tube 1 cm. in diameter and 
6-7 cm. long, with one end narrowed down to facilitate its insertion in 
rubber stopper. Place a small wad cf glass wool in the constricted bottom 
end of the tube and add 3,5 - 4 gm. 50 mesh clean, sand. Moisten the 
sand with 10$ lead acetate solution and remove the excess with light 
suction. Connect the top of this tube by means of a rubber stopper with 
a narrow glass tube about 5 mm. in internal diameter, and 10-12 cm. long 
and place in this a strip of mercuric bromide (or chloride-5% aqueous) 
paper. These strips are made by cutting filter paper (similar to 
Whatman No. 40) into strips about 2,5 mm. wide and about 12 cm. long. 
Soak the strips for 1 hour or longer in fresh 5-6)0 solution of mercuric 
bromide in alcohol. Pry and use within two days. Store in well 
stoppered blackened tube, preferably containing PpOc;; as papers are 
sensitive to light and moisture. To make a test fot arsenic add 5 co 
cone. HCl (arsenic free) and 2-h gm granulated zinc (arsenic free) to the 
bottle, stopper and let stand for 2 minutes, if no darkening of test 
paper occurs the blank on the reagents is satisfactory. Insert the sample, 
stopper the bottle again and let stand. If arsenic is present in con- 
siderab3.e amount in the sample the test paper will begin to change color 
after several minutes. 
U-O998-P5O-BU-0OS-WP ' This method can be applied directly to the nose irritants, which 
are aerosols. The cotton filter used to collect the sample is extracted 
with alcohol and the alcohol extract used in the Gutzeit test. For the 
substances which are diffused in the air as vapors it is necessary that 
the sample be collected on silica gel. The silica'gel with the absorbed 
gas is boiled for 1 hour with 10 ml and 1 ml cooled, 5° ml 
HgO added and the sample evaporated to fumes. After cooling the sample 
is washed into a Gutzeit generator. 
CHLORINE (Cl) 
0-Tolldlne Paper 
0-tolidine (0.1 gm) is dissolved in 100 ml. 10f> hydrochloric acid. 
Filter paper moistened with this solution gives a yellow-orange color 
in the of chlorine. 
(2) Potassium Bromide-Fluorescein Paper 
0,2 gm. fluorescein., 50 gm. of potassium bromide; 2 gm. potassium 
hydroxide and 2 gm. sodium carbonate are dissolved in 100 ml. water. 
Filter paper moistened with this solution and dried changes color from 
yellow ,to red in presence of chlorine. 
Phosgene (CG-) Carbonyl chloride; C1C0C1; and 
Diphosgene; Trichlormethylchlorformate ClCOOCCl* 
(l) Dimethylaminobenzaldehyde - diphenylamine paper 
■ '5 gm, of the substituted benzaldehyde and 5 gm. diphenylamine are 
dissolved in 100 ml, alcohol. Filter paper is soaked in this reagent and 
then allowed to dry in a dark place. Test papers should be kept in closed 
container preferably filled with carbon dioxide and protected from the 
light. By exposing these papers, (originally white or pale straw yellow) 
to an atmosphere containing phosgene an orange yellow coloration is 
-produced in a few seconds, the intensity of the color varying with the 
concentration of phosgene. This change of color is also observed in the 
presence of chlorine and hydrochloric acid. 
It is possible to detect phosgene at a concentration of 4 mgm, per 
cu. meter of air. The British say 1 part phosgene is detectable per 1 
million parts air. To remove traces of chlorine and hydrochloric acid 
is testing, draw the air first through a guard tube containing pumice 
impregnated with sodium thiosulfate before it comes in contact with the 
test paper. •' 
(2) Nitrosodimethylaminophenol Paper 
Two solutions are prepared in xylene; 
(a) 0,1 gm. 1j3)6 nitrosodimethylaminophenol in 50 ml. xylene. 
(b) 0.25 gm. m-diethyl aminophenol in 90 ml. xylene. 
I.-O998-P5I-BU-COS-WP 5 ml. solution "a" are mixed with. 2 ml, solution ”h” and strips of 
filter paper immersed in' the mixture and allowed to dry. The paper 
should he dampened with 50jo alcohol just before use as the dry paper 
does not give the test. In'the presence of phosgene the color changes 
from white to green. 
These papers are specific for phosgene and are more sensitive than 
the dimethyl amino henzaldehyde papers. Sensitivity is 0,8 mgm. per cu. 
meter of air. 
The two solutions should not he kept mixed for more than *+ days. 
(5) Aniline Reagent 
By passing the suspected gas through a saturated solution of aniline 
diphenylurea is formed which precipitates. By saturating the test reagent 
with diphenylurea the reaction is made more sensitive. 
5 gm. of aniline are dissolved in 100 ml, of water end the mixture 
saturated with diphenylurea and then filtered to remove excess. On 
passing air containing phosgene or diphcsgene through this reagent a 
white turbidity of diphenylurea is obtained (mp. C.). This reaction 
will detect 0.2 mgm of phosgene and can he applied quantitatively hy 
weighing the precipitate after washing and then drying at 7P° C. By 
passing 5 liters of gas mixture (velocity 200 ml,/minute) it is possible 
to detect 1|0 mam ■phos.Rene ner cu. meter of air. 
CHLOROPICRIN (PS), CCl^NOo 
The detection of chloropicrin is most simply carried out hy direct 
sensory perception, None of the chemical methods are as sensitive as 
odor perception. 
(1) Nitrite Test 
This reaction depends on the formation of nitrite when chloropicrin 
is hydrolyzed with sodium ethylate. 
C Cl N02 ♦ C(0CoIL)if ♦ 3UaCl + M0? 
The presence of nitrite is demonstrated, hy the Griess-Illosvay reagent 
(sulfanilic acid and naphthylamine), 
Dissolve a drop of the poison gas freed from nitrous fumes in or 
aspirate the gas into 5 cc, of alcohol. Add a small piece of Qjo sodium 
amalgam. After a few minutes decant the solution from the mercury. 
Acidify with acetic acid adding the acid drop hy drop and then add 1-2 ml. 
of the Griess sulfanilic acid and naplithylamine reagent. After 10 minutes 
heat on the water hath. If much nitrous acid is present the red coloration 
will form in the cold. 
k-0998-Pd2-BU-C0S-WP Reagents 
(a) Qjo Sodium Amalgam 
Weigh out 8 gm, of sodium metal which is clean. Place 92 gm, clean 
dry mercury in a mortar. Cut the sodium metal in small pieces, and after 
cutting each small piece dry quickly with filter paper and use a stirring 
rod with a sharp point on which to impale the sodium, and plunge under the 
surface of the mercury. Goggles should be worn and face should be averted 
when placing the sodium in the mercury. Hold each piece under the surface 
until evidence of reaction occurs. The amalgam will become stiff after 
most of the sodium is added and the sodium should be moved around under 
the surface to stir the amalgam. When all the sodium is added and while 
still hot pour the amalgam onto a piece of asbestos board. When cool 
enough to handle break up the layer of amalgam and place in a tightly 
stoppered bottle. 
Griess-Illosvay Reagents 
(a) Dissolve 1 gram of sulfanilic acid in hot water; cool and 
dilute to 100 ml, 
(b) Boil 0.5 .gm, of alpha-naphthylamine hydrochloride with 100 ml. 
of water kept at constant volume for 10 minutes. Decolorize 
with activated charcoal if necessary. 
(a) 1 gm, sulfanilic acid is dissolved in hot water containing 
ml, glacial acetic acid and made up to J00 ml, with water, 
(b) 0.2 gm, alpha-naphthylanine is dissolved in water containing 
ml* glacial acetic acid and made up to 550 ml, with water. 
or 
For the test 1 ml, of each solution is used. The reagent is very 
sensitive and a blank test should be run simultaneously on the reagents. 
Sensitivity --6 mgm per cu, meter of air. 
The presence of nitrite is practically specific as an indication 
of the presence of chloropicrin for other chemical agents containing nitro 
groups are seldom used. It should be mentioned, however, that the develop- 
ment of vapor phase nitration of aliphatic hydrocarbons has made simple 
aliphatic nitro compounds easily available, Chloropicrin can already be 
made easily by the use of these compounds. Hitro compounds other than 
chloropicrin, being easily available, may find use in the present war. 
Dimethylaniline Test 
Expose the test paper which is white in color to the atmosphere to 
be tested or if the concentration is low wave gently in the suspected 
atmosphere. This paper changes from white to yellow or maroon in the 
presence of chloropicrin. 
4-0998- P25 -BU-C OS-WP Preparation of dimethylaniline test papers 
Soak strips of filter paper in a 5-1Of> solution of dimethylaniline 
in benzene. 
Chlorine, bromine and nitrous gases also give a color with this 
reagent but of a different shade. The color change takes place only with 
strong concentrations of chloropicrin and preferably in contact with the 
liquid gas. 
Carbylamine, thymol and sodium sulfide tests also are available 
for detection of chloropicrin and the combustion method is preferable 
for quantitative determination. 
DETECTION OF NOSE IRRITANTS 
The main irritants considered here., diphenyl chlorarsine, diphenyl- 
cyanarsine and diphenylamine chlorarsine (Adamsite) are all used in the 
form of particulate clouds which means they will not be absorbed by pass- 
ing through reagents. It is necessary to use filters to catch the small 
particles, and then to test the filter for arsenic or if a reasonable 
amount of particulate matter has been collected to extract the filter 
with hot alcohol, evaporate the extract on a water bath and examine the 
residue for the elements, m.p. etc., or to use the alcoholic extract to 
test for the various nose irritants. Either the residue or the alcoholic 
extract may be used for detecting the presence of arsenic by the Gutzeit 
method. In the case of particulate clouds the presence of one of the 
arsenicals will be indicated by the presence of arsenic in the deposit on 
the filter. 
To determine whether or not the smoke consists of chloracetophenone, 
a lachrymalor used in the form of a non-persistent particulate cloud, a 
portion of the extract is treated with iodine-starch solution and sodium 
bicarbonate. If the arsenical smokes are present the blue color will 
disappear due to the reduction of free iodine to iodide by the trivalent 
arsenic of the arsenicals which is oxidized to the valence of five. 
Diphenylchlorarsine AsCl 
(l) To an alcoholic extract of the deposit on the filter is added 
an equal volume' of 9% alcohol saturated with hydrogen sulfide and the 
mixture is cooled in ice water,■ Diphenylarsenious sulfide is precipitated 
(m.p. 6?° C.). 
2(CgE-3)2 AsCl 4 E2S > As] 2 S + 2HC1 
(2) To 5 cc of an alcoholic extract of the filter add drops of 
% alcoholic potassium hydroxide and warm. Diphenylarsenious oxide 
(m.p, 92° C) is precipitated. 
As-Cl ♦ 2K0H—3>2KC1 ♦ 20 
i^0998-P5^-BU-COS-WP DiphenyIcyanars ine (CDA) AsCil 
(1) Hydrogen cyanide test 
Alcoholic extract (5 ml) is hydrolyzed with 5alcoholic po- 
tassium hydroxide. After cooling, acidify the solution with dilute 
sulfuric acid. Have a piece of benzidine-copper acetate paper suspended 
in the vapor while warming the tube, A blue color appears in the 
presence of cyanide. 
Reagent 
Benzidine Copper Acetate Paper 
(a) 2-5 gm. pure benzidine acetate heated to 80° C. in 100 ml, 
distilled water for 10-15 with constant shaking. When cold filter by 
suction; the filtrate contains approximately 19o benzidine acetate. 
(b) 5 gm, copper acetate Cu2 H20 are dissolved in 100 ml. 
distilled water. Immediately before use 25 ml. of the benzidine acetate 
solution and 2 ml, of the copper acetate are mixed and stirred well. The 
test papers are dipped in the solution, allowed to drain and then dried 
until just moist. The mixed solution does not keep nor do the papers; 
they must be used immediately after preparation. 
(2) A more specific test for cyanides is the Prussian Blue test. 
After hydrolyzing add a crystal of ferrous sulfate and heat for a minute. 
Then acidify with hydrochloric acid. A Prussian Blue color indicates 
cyanide. 
Diphenylamine chlorarsine (DM) (Adaiaalte) HN( AsCl 
(l) The alcoholic extract is evaporated to dryness hy gentle heat. 
A drop of concentrated sulfuric acid is added to the residue. An intense 
red color, changing to blue green on addition of a drop of nitric acid 
indicates diphenylamine, an impurity usually found in industrial adamsite. 
(2) The alcoholic extract is evaporated to dryness. 5 ml. of a 
mlsture of equal parts of 10fo silver nitrate solution and glacial acetic 
acid are added. An intense yellow color is produced on standing for 10 
minutes in the presence of Adamsite. If diphenylamine is present a dirty 
green color forms which gradually changes to Mack. 
LACHRYMAT0RS 
Brom-acetone Br Ci^COCH^ 
(1) Sodium Hi troprusside test 
The vapor is passed through 0*5 N. alcoholic potassium hydroxide, 
which decomposes the bromacetone to potassium bromide and hydroxy acetone. 
This ketone is identified by the addition of a few drops of a 1$ sodium 
1^0998-P3>BU-COS-WP nltroprusside solution which forms a red color with the acetone derivative. 
The color of the acetone derivative is intensified by addition of acetic 
acid. 
(2) Indigo Test 
The gas is passed into sodium hydroxide solution and a few drops of 
an alcoholic solution of o-nitrobenzaldehyde added. The latter reacts 
with the acetone derivative to form indigo which is recognized by its 
purple color. This test is not as sensitive as the nitrbprusside test. 
An alcoholic extract may be used for the above tests. 
Ethyl Iodoacetate ICI^COOCgH^ 
(l) Glycollic Acid Test 
The gas is aspirated into 0.5 N. alcoholic potassium hydroxide. 
The solution is acidified and a portion is tested for iodide with silver 
nitrate giving a yellow precipitate of silver iodide if the gas is 
present. To the remainder of the solution is added a crystal of guiacol 
and a few drops of concentrated sulfuric acid. A violet color indicates 
the presence of glycollic acid formed by hydrolysis of ethyl iodoacetate: 
♦ 2K0H—>KL ♦ HOCHgCOOK ♦ C^OH 
Glycollic acid (K salt) 
An alcoholic extract of the gas may be used for this test. 
Chloroacetophenone (CN) (C^H^COCHoCl) 
Chloroacetophenone has adequate warning properties in very low 
concentrations and this irritant action may be used as a means of detec- 
tion. Since it is used in the form of a non-persistent particulate cloud 
it is doubtful whether any sample will be obtained. 
An alcoholic extract should be used whenever possible. 
(l) Benzoic acid test 
Treat 1 ml. of the alcoholic extract with 5 nil hot alkaline 
permanganate solution (6 and 1 gm, NaOH dissolved in water and 
diluted to 100 ml.). Acidify with sulfuric acid and extract with ether. 
The residue upon evaporation of the ether is dissolved in water and 
tested with a drop of ferric chloride solution. A buff colored pre- 
cipitate indicates benzoic acid. (Benzyl bromide gives similar result). 
(2) Hydrogen Sulfide Test 
If the alcoholic extract contains sufficient gas the following 
test may be applied. Add 20f> aqueous-alcoholic (50:50) sodium sulfide 
and warm, if necessary, to effect reaction; cool and dilute with water. 
4-0998-P36-BU-COS-WP 2 CgHrCOCEgCl ♦ Na2S > - C0-CE2)2 S ♦ 2NaCl 
The sulfide precipitate, diphenacyl sulfide has a m.p, of 77° C, 
Benzyl Bromide CgH^CHgBr 
The alkaline permanganate test applied to benzyl bromide gives the 
same result as for chloracetophenone. However, upon treatment of this 
gas or its alcoholic extract with alcoholic silver acetate, silver bromide 
and not silver chloride is precipitated. 
Xylyl Bromide 
The principal method for distinguishing Xylyl bromide depends on 
the invariable presence of the ortho Isomers which upon oxidation with 
alkaline permanganate yield phthalic acid. *-r C 00H 
LJcooh 
This can then be treated to form fluorescein which is identified by its 
green fluorescent solution. 
Treat 1 ml of the alcoholic extract with 5 Jd of hot alkaline per- 
manganate solution. Acidify with sulfuric acid and extract the phthalic 
acid with ether. Evaporate the ether extract to dryness. Add 5 ml con- 
centrated sulfuric acid and. a small amount (.025 gm) of resorcinol. Heat 
in a paraffin bath or very carefully over free flame (at l60° - 170° C) 
for about 10 minutes. Cool and pour into water. Add sodium hydroxide 
solution to make alkaline. Green fluorescence appears if xylyl bromide 
was present in the original extract. 
Brombenzylcyanlde (CA) CE CNBr 
This compound is such a powerful lachrymator and has such adequate 
warning properties that these in themselves serve as a means of de- 
tection, 
(1) By use of an alcoholic extract of the sample of aspirating the 
gas through 10“j silver nitrate solution and then boiling, a reduction of 
the silver nitrate occurs to metallic silver. The brombenzyl cyanide is 
converted to benzaldehyde which can be recognized by its characteristic 
odor. 
(2) An alcohol extract of the gas is treated with 0.5 N. alcoholic 
potash. On boiling the mixture ammonia is evolved. If the solution is 
cooled and acidified, a yellow precipitate of diphenyl maleic anhydride 
which melts at I560 C is obtained.. 
H H H 
- 6 - ON + KOI! —C5H5 - C - C - GjClIrj 
Br • CN Gil 
0 
H H C6H9 - C - Cv 
- 9 - G - ♦ HpO |j J.)+2NH^ 
ON CN " CgEt - C - CX 
6 
4 - 0998- P>7 -BU- G OS - WP Monochiormethyl Chlorfoimate GlCOOCHgCl 
The gas is aspirated through water where it is hydrolyzed to 
formaldehyde. On addition of a drop of a 1:jo phenol solution and then a 
layer of cone, sulfuric acid carefully run in; a red zone is formed at 
the interface between the sulfuric acid and water layers. This reaction 
is not given by dlphosgene (trichdxrmethylchloroformate) or by dichlor- 
methyl chloroformate. 
Hydrocyanic acid, hydrogen cyanide, HON 
(l) Benzidine and copper acetate test 
The benzidine and copper acetate test is one of the most sensitive 
and widely used tests for the detection of hydrogen cyanide in air. It 
depends upon the production of a blue color with moist freshly prepared 
benzidine and copper acetate test paper (within 5 to 50 seconds) in the 
presence of an atmosphere containing hydrogen cyanide. 
Procedure 
Place a freshly prepared test paper into a holder and attach to a 
hand exhausting pump which has a barrel capacity of approximately 125 
ml. Make a preliminary test of-the atmosphere by making eight slow and 
steady strokes with the pump. Remove the paper and compare with the 
stains on standard charts.* In this way an estimate may be made of any 
concentration between 1 part in 3.0,000 and 1 part in 20,000 of air by 
volume. The latter is the maximum concentration that can be inhaled for 
1 hour without serious disturbance. If the stain indicates a concentra- 
tion greater than 1 part in 20,000 a fresh paper is placed in the holder 
and further tests are made with 1, 2, 5 or 5 strokes of the pump; or if 
a concentration of less than 1 in 100,000 is indicated a rough estimate 
of the concentration may be obtained by repeating the test with a greater 
number of strokes. Comparison of the stains should be made in diffused 
daylight or with the aid of a daylight lamp. 
Reagents 
(1) Benzidine acetate solution. Heat two to three grams of pure 
henzidine acetate in 100 ml. of water for 10 to 15 minutes at 80° 0, 
with constant stirring. When cold filter the mixture by suction. The 
filtrate will contain about one percent benzidine acetate, 
(2) Copper acetate solution - Dissolve three grams of acetate, 
Cu 0 in 100 ml. of water. 
Immediately before the test is made mix 25 ml. of the benzidine 
acetate solutions with 2 ml. of copper acetate solution and stir well. 
The-mixed reagent will not keep more than 15 minutes. 
*Dept, of Sci. Ind. Research Brit, Leaflet No. 2-(1958) 
U-O998-P58-BU-COS-WP The test papers may he prepared from extra thick white filter 
paper cut into strips 2 inches wide. Immerse them in the mixed reagent 
for 1 minute, drain and allow to dry in a warm atmosphere. Cut off one 
inch at the top and bottom of the strip and discard. Cut the remainder 
of the strip into 3 inch lengths. 'The papers must he used'■'immediatedly. 
(2) The Methyl Orange-Mercuric Chloride Test.* 
This test which is not as sensitive as the first mentioned depends 
on the change in color produced in a methyl orange-mercuric chloride 
paper hy hydrocyanic acid. The color changes from orange to pink. These 
papers may he prepared in advance at a convenient place and under condi- 
tions of 70 to 75 per cent relative humidity will keep in a tightly 
stoppered hottle for as long as 30 days. 
, Procedure 
L The test is made hy carrying the paper in a small vial to the 
/place to he tested and exposing the paper to the atmosphere for two 
(minutes. A definite pink color at the end of this time indicates a 
[dangerous concentration of hydrogen cyanide gas in the air unless the 
1humidity is great enough to accelerate the reaction. The test can also 
he made hy clipping the paper to a line carrying a small lead weight or 
casting plug, casting the paper with a casting rod and reel into the area 
to he tested and withdrawing the paper for examination after two minutes. 
Chlorine, hydrochloric acid or any compound hydrolyzing to give acid in a 
moist atmosphere will affect the color of the methyl orange-mercuric 
chloride test papers. The following table shpws the relationship of the 
hydrogen cyanide concentration, color of test paper and time of test. 
Methyl Orange-Mercuric Chloride Test 
Grains 
HCN 
per 
1000 cubic 
feet 
Duration of Test in Minutes 
0.5 
1 
1.5 
2 
5 
6.7 
slight 
pink at 
edge 
faint 
pink 
definite 
pink 
red 
red 
5.35* 
no change 
slight 
pink at 
edge 
faint 
pink 
definite 
pink 
red 
1,68 
no change 
no change 
bright 
orange j 
. i.„, 
faint 
pink 
faint 
pink 
*Sherrard O. C., U. S, Public Health Service Eeprint No. 122h (1928) 
*This was the minimum lethal dose for exposure of white rats for 12 hours 
in a gas tight compartment. 
4-0996-F'59-BU-C0S-WP Methyl Orange-Mercuric Chloride Test. (Continued) 
Grams 
HCN 
per 
1000 cubic 
feet 
Duration of Test in Minutes 
0.5 
1 
1.5 
/' 2 
3 
0.84 
no change 
no change 
no change 
slight 
pink 
very faint 
pink 
0.42 
no change 
no change 
no change 
no change 
no change 
Reagents 
(1) Mercuric chloride solution: - Dissolve 5 grams of mercuric chloride 
in 250 ml, of distilled water. 
(2) Methyl orange solution: - Dissolve 0,60 g, of methyl orange in 
25O ml. of distilled water. Mix 10 ml. of mercuric chloride solution 
with 5 ml. of methyl orange solution and add 1 ml. of glycerine. 
Sheets of filter paper are immersed in this solution and hung up 
to dry in air which is free from any trace of acid. When dry cut the 
filter paper into strips i inch wide and preserve them in glass tubes 
protected from the light, 
(3) Additional methods which can he used for quantitative estimation 
of hydrocyanic acid in the laboratory include the thiocyanate method and 
the well known Liebig silver nitrate method. For a description of these 
procedures see M.B, Jacobs', ’’Analytical Chemistry of Industrial Poisons, 
Hazards and Solvents”, Interscience Publishers, 19^1, 
1+-0998-P1+0-BIJ-C0S-WP  
Odor 
Other immediate effects 
Threshold 
Threshold of 
Claes 
Agent 
Symbol 
Character 
mg. per 
cu. meter 
Nature 
% 
action mg. per 
cu. meter 
CQ 
-p 
Mustard 
ES 
Garlic, horseradish 
0.3 
None 
— 
O 
Lewisite 
M-l 
Geraniums 
1 
Nose and throat irritation 
2 
cq 
® 
Ethyl- 
0.8 ' 
> 
di chiorarsine- 
ED 
Fruity, pungent irritant. 
Nose and eye irritation 
1.5 
-p 
Phosgene 
CG 
Musty hay, cut corn, silage 
5-10 
Thin white cloud produced 
coughing, tightness in chest 
.... IQ-15 
3 ,cj 
Chlorpicrin 
PS 
Sweetish, fly-paper, like 
8 
Lacrimation, vomiting 
15-20 
pi H 
licorice 
cq 
Brombenzyl- 
Sour fruit, (irritates be- 
- 
1 -- , - 
' , V '. . ■ 1 
O 
-P 
cyanide 
CA 
fore odor is noticed) 
0.2 
Lacrimation, nose irritation 
.2 
Chlor- 
Lacrimation 
.3 * 
o 
acetophenone 
CN 
Locust or apple blossoms 
Skin irritation 
2 
ON Solution 
CHS 
Sweetish 
t» ii 
-p 
CQ 
Adamsite 
DM 
Odor from burning smokeless 
— 
Canary yellow smoke, headache, 
o.i 
cd (D 
•p u 
•P o 
fc 1 
powder 
vomiting 
Diphenyl- 
H 
chi orarsine 
DA 
Aromatic, irritant 
0,5 
Sneezing, headache, vomiting 
0.1 
HC Mixture 
EG 
Smoky, camphor like 
-- 
Dense smoke, slight suffocat- 
!? CQ 
•H 
ing feeling 
-- 
in HCISO^ 
FS 
Acid (strong) 
... i ■ 
Dense smoke, eye irritation, 
— 
3 Ai 
<Q O 
® a 
5h CO 
O 
' 
prickly sensation on skin 
Titanium 
Slight eye irritation, dense 
CQ 
tetrachloride 
FM 
Acid(mild) 
-- 
smoke 
-- 
Hydro cyanic 
-- 
Bitter almonds 
1.0 
Headache, dizziness, 
20 
1 *H b 
02 CQ 
acid 
collapse 
r’S © *H 
Carbon 
CQ p O 
Ph 
monoxide 
-- 
None 
-- 
Headache, collapse 
-- 
Table 3 
IDENTIFICATION OF COMMON CHEMICAL AGENTS BY ODOE AND OTHER IMMEDIATE EFFECTS 
J1-O998-piO-BU-COS-WP Name of Gas 
Symbol 
(CMS) 
Reagent or 
Test 
Condition of 
Unknown 
Nature of 
Positive Result 
Interfering 
Substances 
Sensitivity o: 
Test 
Mustard 
Gas 
HS 
Schroter* s 
Gold Chloride 
Gas - Asp irate d 
through reagent 
Yellow colloidal turbid- 
ity to yellow-red oil 
droplets 
Specific 
10 mgm,/cu. m 
of air 
Gas-aspirated thru 
paper treated with 
AuCI* 
Reddish-brown stain 
Cas-aspirated thru 
silica gel treated 
with AuClj 
Yellow ring 
Specific 
12 mgm./cu, m 
of air 
lodoplat inate 
Gas 
Iodine librated 
Chlorine or nitrous 
fumes 
0.005 mgm. ga; 
Yablich* s 
Selenious Acid 
Gas 
Yellow or. reddish-orange 
suspension of selenium 
All arsines and 
CO 
5 mgm./cu. m. 
of air 
Beta Naphthol 
Gas 
White turbidity 
0.01 - 0.06 ev 
Grignard’s 
Potassium Iodide 
Gas 
Yellow colloidal ppte. of 
diiodo ethyl sulfide 
High cone, (*$) of 
aliphatic arsines & 
phenylcarbylamine s 
100 mgm./cu. 2 
of air or 0.0J 
mgm./ml. sol. 
Lewisite 
M-l 
Acetylene Test 
Liquid is prefer- 
able 
Acetylene produced on 
reaction with 15$ NaOH 
Specific 
0.02-0.05 Egll 
per ml.soluti< 
or high cone, 
of gas in air 
Ethyl and 
Methyl 
Dichlor- 
arsine 
ED 
and 
MD 
Gutzeit Test 
Gas or liquid 
Brown stain on EgCl2 
paper 
Any arsenical 
Mercurous Nitrate 
Gas 
White ppte. turning to 
grey within few hrs. = 
Lewisite (M-l). White ppt< 
turning to grey in few 
seconds = (ED) 
Immediate grey ppte. = 
CH5AsCl2 (MD) 
5 • 
1 Eg. Of 
MD 
ED 
M-l 
Hydrogen sulfide 
water 
Gas 
Turbidity t. primary alkyl 
dichlorarsine (M-l, ED, 
MD). If soluble in ex- 
cess = M-l. 
L — 
0.02 - 0.05 
mgm. of gas 
TAfiLr: 4 
CHEMICAL METHODS OF IDENTIFICATION 
4-0998-P^2-BU-C0S-WP i of Gas 
Symbol 
(CMS) 
Reagent or 
Test 
Condition of 
Unknown 
Nature of 
Positive Result 
Interfering 
Substances 
Sensitivity of 
Test 
Dime thylamino ben- 
z aldehyde-diphenyl- 
amine test paper 
Gas 
Yellow or orange color 
HC1, Cl2, C1S05H 
TiCl^ 
4 mgm./cu. m. 
of air 
!jgene 
CG 
1, 5, 6 nitrose 
dime tliylamino 
phenol-m. diethyl 
amino phenol test 
paper 
Gas 
Green color 
Specific 
0,8 mgm./cu. m. 
of air 
Aniline 
Gas 
White turbidity of 
diphenylurea 
Specific 
lj-0 mgm./ cu. m. 
of air 
Nitrite test 
Gas 
Nitrite present after 
hydrolysis 
Specific 
6 mgm./ cu, m. 
of air 
or- 
pin 
PS 
Dimethylaniline 
paper 
Gas 
Yellow or maroon color 
Clgj Br2 and nit- 
rous fumes, but 
give different 
color 
Draeeto- 
ione 
Alkaline KMnOij. 
Alcohol extract 
Benzoic acid formed 
Benzyl bromide 
CN 
Sodium sulfide 
Alcohol extract 
Diphenacyl sulfide 
formed 
ribenzyl- 
lide 
CA 
Silver Nitrate 
Liquid or extract 
Ag ppted.j benzaldehyde 
formed 
Alcoholic Potash 
T1 IT Tt 
Dlphenylmaleic anhydride 
formed 
TABLE k (Continued) 
CHEMICAL METHODS OF IDENTIFICATION METHODS FOR DETECTION OF CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS IN WATER 
AND TREATMENT OF CONTAMINATED WATER SUPPLIES* 
t , \ . • i 
S ; By - 
C, ■C,; Ruohhoft and Stuart Schott 
The possibility of-contamination of our water supplies by war 
gases is open to the same arguments, pro and con, as the possibility 
of gassing civilian populations. These actions probably would not be 
attempted, except against untrained civilians. Heretofore, the only 
poisoning of water supplies by poison gas was accidental, 
j \ ■„ 
Protection of our water supplies in reservoirs depends on the 
increasing vigilance of our waterworks personnel. Systems for guarding 
our waterworks against trespassers or possible saboteurs have, in most 
cases, already been put into operation. In a similar manner we must be 
on the alert to protect against any poisoning by war gases and to have 
a plan of action, should contamination occur. 
It might be said that the results obtained by an enemy in poison- 
ing our water supply probably would not equal the effect caused by the 
same weight of high explosive or Incendiary bombs, but this is pure 
speculation. We must consider the possibility of accidental or de- 
liberate contamination during a gas attack on a city, especially if the 
element of surprise was present. It should be emphasized that the 
success or failure of such an attack depends as much on our advance 
preparations as on the skill of the enemy. 
The chemical |ag&tjfc fcay be idividld into a numbier of | 
their effectiveness in producing toxic contami- 
nation of water supplies. Such a classification of the common im- 
portant agents has been presented by Leitch.(l) A slight modifica- 
tion of this classification is given in Table 1. Group 1 in this 
table includes Thermit, Crude Oil, FS Mixture, FM and Carbon Monoxide, 
all of which would not produce a toxic water although the taste and 
odor might be accentuated to produce an unpleasant tasting water 
which might not be potable. 
Group 2 includes the arsenical irritant smokes such as Adamsite 
and Diphenylchlorarsine, These substances are insoluble and stable in 
water. Consequently, if the sources of supply were contaminated with 
these agents, the standard water purification processes, including 
coagulation, settling, filtration and chlorination would remove them 
and produce a safe potable water. 
Group 5 includes phosgene which might be present in considerable 
concentration and would still result in a non-toxic water. Group k 
contains the vesicants and chloropicrin, the presence of which would 
*From the National Institute of Health, Div, of Public Health Methods, 
Cincinnati Laboratory, 
\ \ 
4-099B- OS -iWP cause the greatest /difficulty in water supplies, cyanide 
and chloracetophenone are put into Group 5 ‘because li ' le data are 
available on their effects in water supplies. More information on 
the reactions and effects of these agents in water is needed. Com- 
pounds other than chemical warfare agents which are likely to be used 
for deliberate contamination of water supplies are listed in Group 6, 
To show the basis for the above grouping of the chemical warfare 
agents, the solubility, behavior and products of hydrolysis of the 
more important agents are shown in Table 6. The treatment ordinarily re- 
quired for water that has been contaminated by these agents is shown in 
the right hand column. 
Mustard gas, which is likely to give trouble in water supplies is 
soluble to the extent of 800 p.p.m. at 20° C, When discharged into 
water the mustard gas is distributed into a surface film and a water 
soluble fraction and any excess present settles to the bottom. The un- 
dissolved mustard may remain unchanged for several weeks at the bottom 
of the water. The soluble fraction is hydrolysed according to the 
following reaction; 
(ClCEoCHpJpS ♦ 2H0H—> 2HC1 ♦ (CEpOHCBpJoS 
Thiodiglycol 
The thiodlglycol formed is soluble in water and is non-toxic. The rate 
of hydrolysis depends upon the quantity of gas present, the temperature 
and the alkalinity of the water. Boiling destroys mustard in 15 to 3° 
minutes but 2 or 5 days are required if storage at ordinary temperature 
is used. 
The armed services of our country consider water containing 50° 
p.p.m. or more of mustard as impossible to treat for drinking purposes. 
With less than 500 p.p.m, the water may be treated if the following 
procedures can be employed. Treatment with unusually large doses of 
activated carbon followed by coagulation with the common coagulants 
and settling. The settled water is then filtered and chlorinated be- 
yond the break-point. However, if the filtered water has a 5-minute 
chlorine demand of more than 5 p.p.m. the water:is still unsatisfactory 
and must be retreated. For small doses of mustard (50 p.p.m. or less) 
the hydrolysis reaction will be sufficiently complete after one hour 
to permit use of the water from intermediate reservoir levels. Where 
other sources of water are available finished water reservoirs should 
be pumped to waste if contaminated with mustard gas to any extent. 
Water contamination by lewisite, ethyl dichlorarsine. of methyl- ', 
dichlorarsine would also give trouble. Lewisite is the least soluble 
of these gases but all of them are rapidly hydrolyzed. The chlorvinyl, 
ethyl and methyl arsenious oxide hydrolysis products are all sufficiently 
soluble to be dangerous in a water supply. These soluble arsenious 
oxides cannot be removed by ordinary water purification processes. 
Consequently, the extent of the contamination should be determined by 
complete sampling and careful analytical procedures for arsenioals. If 
the arsenic content does not exceed 1 to 5 p.p.m. the water would be 
53 
5-bu-cos-wp safe to use for period a varying from one day for the higher concentra- 
tion to one week for £he lover concentration. If larger quantities of 
arsenic are found, or' if other non-contaminated supplies are available, 
the water should be pumped to waste. These suggested limits for arsenic 
under emergency conditions are very much higher than the arsenic limit 
in the latest Public Health Service Drinking Water Standard(2) (Arsenic 
not to exceed 0.1 p,p,m,), The Public Health Service limit applies to 
waters which may be used continuously, while the limits suggested here 
apply under emergency conditions to supplies that are to be used only 
for periods of one week or less. Methods for detection of arsenic are 
given later in this memorandum. 
The last of the gases in group h which is likely to give trouble 
in water is Chlorcjilcrin is slowly soluble to the extent 
of 1700 p.p.m, is very stable and is not hydrolyzed by water. If a 
water supply was heavily contaminated with it most of the chloropicrin 
would settle to the bottom of the reservoir after which it would slowly 
go into solution. Ordinary water treatment processes are ineffective 
in its removal. Once the chloropicrin is dissolved in the water ex- 
cessive doses of activated carbon could not be relied upon to remove it. 
It can best be detected by its characteristic sweetish odor in concen- 
trations down to as little as 5 p.p.m, in water. 
Its odor and taste are easily noticeable at 10 to 20 p.p.m. A con- 
centration of p.p.m. gives a burning sensation to the tongue within 
a few seconds, and might be considered beyond the limit of potability. 
A water containing 80 p.p.m. or more will produce lacrimation. The odor 
and taste indications of chloropicrin in a water can be confirmed by the 
nitrite test after boiling a small sample of the water with alcoholic 
potassium iodide to decompose the gas. It is suggested that 20 p.p.m. 
be taken as the upper limit of potability for chloropicrin, Waters con- 
taining quantities of 100 p.p.m, or more might be made potable by aera- 
tion for several hours or by storage in open reservoirs for 1 or 2 days. 
Additional experimental work is needed to determine more exactly the 
upper limit of safety for chloropicrin and possible treatment procedures 
for its removal. 
The lung injurant, phosgene, is soluble to the extent of 1000 p.p.m, 
in water and is rapidly hydrolyzed to HC1 and COg. Consequently, no 
toxicity is produced with phosgene contamination after hydrolysis has 
been completed. If the pH of the water is lowered to the extent that 
it is unpleasant to the taste this can be easily adjusted with lime. 
The lacrimators, brombenzyl cyanide and chloracetophenone have been 
put in Group 5, for which additional information is required. These 
agents are considered insoluble and stable by all authorities. Con- 
sequently, they would be largely removed from raw waters by complete 
water purification processes. The extent to which they could be per- 
mitted in treated waters remains to be determined. 
The irritant smokes Including adamsite, diphenylchiorarsine and 
diphenylcyanarsine are either insoluble and stable or very slightly 
soluble and slowly hydrolyzed. These arsenical agents would, therefore. 
ij-0998-Pij-b-BU-COS-WP produce a turbid water .which could be purified by the complete water 
treatment processes. If contamination with these agents is suspected in 
clear water reservoirs,'samples of■the water should be examined for 
chlorine demand and arsenic,, and the limits, for arsenic already suggested 
for lewisite should not be exceeded. If additional water supplies are 
easily available, contaminated reservoirs should be pumped to waste even 
if they contain arsenic.-in concentrations within the above limits. 
The screening smokes do not produce toxic products and need give 
little concern. Although adjustment of the pH may be necessary with 
heavy contamination of these agents, no other treatment will be required. 
While titanium hydroxide will be formed by the hydrolysis of titanium 
tetrachloride (FM) there is ho evidence that this material is toxic. 
Titanium salts have, in fact, been suggested for use as coagulants in 
water purification. 
The possibility of the introduction of cyanide by saboteurs or by 
..hydrogen cyanide bombs, should not be overlooked. Simple tests for 
scyanide in water are available and should be made if cyanide contami- 
t'nation is suspected, 1 ini shed waters she rid be pumped to waste if 
cyanide is found. In raw waters the cyanide can be removed by treatment 
i of the neutral or alkaline water with ferrous and ferric salts, followed 
by the standard water purification processes. This treatment would pre- 
cipitate the cyanide as Prussian blue, most of which would then be re- 
moved by coagulation and filtration. As long as an excess of iron 
salts were used any blue color coming through the filter would be non- 
toxic. DETECTION OF CONTAMINATION BY CHEMICAL 
WARFARE AGENTS 
An examination of Table 6 indicates that all of the troublesome 
chemical warfare agents with the exception of chlorpicrin hydrolyze 
with the production of acid; most of them contain arsenic and all of them 
increase the organic constituents of the water which would increase its 
oxygen consumed and chlorine demand values. Procedures to determine 
changes in the following criteria may be emplo3red to detect contamina- 
tion: (1) Odor and appearance, including turbidity, (2) pH, (b) 
Alkalinity, Chloride content, (5) The oxygon consumed value, (6) 
The chlorine demand, (7) Presence of arsenic. 
In devising ary plan of action, it should be remembered that 
scientific pert nnel my not be on hand at all waterworks and the plan 
of detection should be arranged so that the tests will be as simple as 
possible to enable persons with the minimum of training to carry them 
out. The above simple criteria will probably suffice to indicate to 
an alert observer whether or not a gas warfare contaminant is present. 
The interpretation of the tests will be easier if a complete record of 
these criteria is kept from day to day. Most of these methods are 
capable of giving rapid results and are, therefore, as important as 
tests for any specific material. 
In cases of attack with the vesicant gases, the same precautions 
must be observed by the waterworks personnel as by any other person in 
an area gassed with persistent vesicants. If the banks or the walls 
of the reservoir have been sprayed with these gases, protective clothing 
and gas masks will have to be worn even to sample the area to avoid 
injuries. Unless this protection is available the work of detection 
should be left to the Gas Officer. The detection of war gases and 
decontamination of any areas in the waterworks property which may be 
affected should be one of the first, if not the first job to be under- 
taken after a gas attack. Following this or simultaneously, if possible, 
the rapid tests for contamination of the water should be made to deter- 
mine the extent of contamination, so that an immediate decision can be 
reached regarding the cutting off of the flow of water from a finished 
water reservoir or the initiation of emergency purification procedures. 
Although most of the rapid tests given above are familiar to 
waterworks men, a. short discussion of their applicability here may be 
helpful to some. 
(l) Odor and appearance can be used to detect and identify some 
of the gases in contaminated water. The odor of mustard (HG) and 
lewisite (M-l) can be detected in many waters contaminated with 
p.p.m. or more of these gases. In concentrations of 100 p.p.m. these 
gases cannot be detected. As already stated, chlorpicrin can be detected 
in concentrations as low as 5 p.p.m. by odor. Most of the war gases are 
heavier than water and if dropped into a reservoir will sink to the 
bottom, but may leave a thin film on the surface of the water or they 
may give an insoluble hydrolysis product which may be detected. The 
white chlorovinylarsenious oxide is formed immediately upon contact of 
1+-0998-PU8-BU-C0S-WP lewisite with water and rapidly settles to the bottom. Crude mustard 
looks like dirty crank.case oil and this gas leaves a .surface film 
which may remain for 2^-M3. hours, Solid particles on the water surface 
may he chloracetophenone (CBf) or one of the irritant smokes (DM, DA, 
CDA). These gases are considered stable and insoluble and may he de- 
tected hy increases in the turbidity. 
" (2) pH. An unusual"lowering of the pH will indicate an acid 
hydrolysis product. Most waterworks laboratories- are equipped with 
some apparatus to make'these determinations which may he electromatric 
.-or colorimetric. The S.D.C, colorimetric pH kit, as an example, is 
portable and simple to use. Its use may he taught to one with little 
training in a short time. Among the gases which lower the pH hy 
hydrolysis with the formation of a halogen acid are; mustard, lewisite, 
phosgene, diphosgene, ethyl dichiorarsine, methyl dichlorarsine, 
diphenylchlorarsine and possibly hromhenzyl cyanide. 
(3) Alkalinity. The alkalinity of the water is also lowered hy 
hydrolysis of the above gases. This determination should he made hy 
titrating 50 or 100 ml. of the sample with ,02N standard sulfuric acid 
using methyl orange as an indicator(5). The effect of mustard and 
lewisite on the pH and alkalinity of Cincinnati tap water is illustrated 
in the following table: 
Approximate 
Concentration 
of Gas in Tap 
Water 
P.P.m. 
Mustard (HS)* 
r~ 
Lewisite 
(M-l) 
PH 
Alkalinity 
P.P.m, 
Acidity 
P.P.m. 
pH 
Alkalinity 
P.P.m. 
Acidity 
P.P.m, 
0 
7.6 
38 
-- 
7.8 
58 
10 
7.2 
3k 
— 
7.3 
3k 
— 
50 
5.5' 
7 
-- 
6.2 
15 
— 
100 
21 
3.3 
— 
10 
500 
2.k 
256 
2.8 
-- 
200 
(*0 Chloride content. An increase in the chloride content may 
he detected hy titrating the sample with standard silver nitrate solu- 
tion using potassium chromate as an indicator (*0, or hy precipitating 
(*) The mustard was allowed to react for one hour with, frequent 
shaking "before the tests were made. The water temperature was 
27°c. - 
4-0998-P49-BU-C0S-WP the "chloride as the silver ’ salt and completing the determination ; "‘; 
gravimotrically. Ah example of the chloride increase found by volu- 
metric titration when Cincinnati tap water was contaminated with 
mustard and lewisite is given below: 
Approx. 
Quantity 
of Gas Added 
p.p.m. 
Mustard (HS)* 
Lewisite (M-l) 
p. p. m, Chioride 
p.p.m. Chloride 
Found 
Theoretical 
, Found 
Theoretical 
0 
18 
18 
18 
18 
10 
25 
22 
23 
21.k 
: 50 
ko. 3 
55 
35.1 
100 
6? 
62.7 
52.2 
500 
25^ 
2kl 
168 
189 
(*) The mustard gas was allowed to react with the water for hours 
before the chloride was determined. 
(5), The oxygen consumed value is a chemical measure of the 
organic matter present in the water. It depends upon the oxidation of 
organic matter by a definite amount of standard potassium permanganate 
solution when heated with a sample of water in a boiling water bath for 
50' minutes. The permanganate remaining after digestion is determined 
with standard ammonium oxalate solution and the permanganate absorbed 
is a measure of the oxygen consumed. As war gases are organic compounds 
they will be oxidized in the course of the oxygen consumed determination, 
leading to an increase of the oxygen consumed value above the normal 
value for the water. Other oxidizing agents such as potassium dichromate 
have been used for determining oxygen consumed, and dichromate possesses 
a slight advantage in oxidizing the organic matter more completely. It 
is suggested, however, that the permanganate’procedure as given in 
Standard Methods be followed for this work,. , Although the-oxygen 
consumbed value is non-specific it would be advisable to set a standard 
which should not be exceeded for potable waters. As the oxygen consumed 
values of most drinking waters are 1 p.p.m, or less, higher values will 
indicate organic contamination. An increase in the oxygen consumed 
value of’ 2 or 5 parts should bo looked on with suspicion. If the O.C. 
is increased 5 p.p.m. or more, the water should not be used unless it has 
been proven, that, this increase was not caused by gaS" co'ntamination or, by 
sewage pollution. ' 
The following modified procedure for O.C, has been proposed for 
rapid field use. To 50 ml. samples of the water 1,5 ml. of exactly 
0.0125N potassium permanganate and 5 ml. of 25 per cent sulfuric acid 
if-0998-P50-BU-C0S-WP solution are added. This solution is then placed in a boiling water hath 
for exactly 10 minutes. At the end of this period of digestion, the 
presence or absence of color is determined. If the solution is still 
colored, the water may he considered as satisfactory providing all the 
other criteria give no evidence of contamination. Samples which are 
colorless when removed from the hath should he considered as non-potahle 
regardless of the results of other tests. 
(6). Chlorine Demand, Most of the war gases react with chlorine 
and may he detected by routine determinations of chlorine demand. 
Chlorine demand is considered one of the most important methods of de- 
tecting gas contamination in water. The chlorine demand of the water 
may he defined as the quantity in parts per million of chlorine required 
to he added as clilorlne water to produce a trace (0,1 p.p.m.) of residual 
chlorine after 5 minutes contact. The residual cnlorine should ordinarily 
he determined by the ortho-tolidin However, if the water to he 
tested contains more than 0.3 p.p.m, of Fe, 0,01 p.p.m, of manganic Mn 
and/or 0,3 p.p.m. of nitrite U, one of the modified procedures or the 
starch iodide procedure must he used.. It should he understood, however, 
that the starch iodide-thiosulfate titration is not as sensitive for 
traces of residual chlorine and should not he used unless difficulties 
are encountered in the ortho-tod.idin procedure, 
RFAGEHTS 
1. Ortho-tolldin solution. Dissolve 1 g. of ortho-tolldin in 1 
liter of hydrochloric acid (180 ml. HC1 op.gr, 1,18 to 1.19 diluted to 
1 liter). It is sometimes easier to dissolve the ortho-tolldin by grind- 
ing in 130 ml. of strong acid and then diluting to 1 liter with distilled 
water. 
2. Chlorine water. By passing chlorine gas through distilled water 
a solution is made which contains slightly more than 1 g, of chlorine per 
liter. This solution is not stable and must he standardized each time 
it is used. A chloramine T solution containing 1000 p.p.m. of available 
chlorine may he used if desired. 
Standard!zation. To 100 ml, of distilled water add 1 - 2 g. of IQ. 
crystals, shake until dissolved, add 5 ml. of chlorine water, 1 ml, of 
concentrated HC1 and allow five minutes for liberation of the iodine. 
Then titrate with 11/3+0 sodium thiosulfate using starch solution as an 
indicator. One ml. of sodium thiosulfate is equivalent to 0,886 
mg. of chlorine, and mg, Clo per ml. soln = ml. sodium thiosulfate 
X 0.886 t 5, 
Procedure 
To a 250 ml, sample add the standard chlorine water (or chloramine 
T) 0.5 ml. at a time with gentle stirring until a spot plate test using 
1 drop of ortho-tolldine solution and 0,25 ml. of sample gives a yellow 
color. If chloramine T is used one or two minutes will he required for 
the color to develop in each spot plate test. Call this the immediate 
4-0998-P51-BU-COS-WP chlorine demand. On the basis of the immediate chlorine demand, take a 
new sample of smaller size if more convenient and add the proportionate 
total amount of chlorine solution added in the immediate determination 
plus 0,1 to 0,2 ml. in addition. Stir gently and in exactly five minutes 
test a portion of the sample for residual chlorine according to the 
standard method (7). Repeat this procedure until 0.1 p.p.m, residual 
chlorine is obtained after 5 minutes contact. 
When 250 ml. of sample are used, the p.p.m. chlorine demand = ml, 
of C±2 soln. X mg, of Gig per ml. X 
If more than 0 1 p.p.m, of residual chlorine is found after 5 minutes 
contact, an approximate value of the defined chlorine demand (if 25 0 ml. 
of sample were , sod) is equal to ml, of Clp soln. X mg, of Gig per ml, X 
plus 0.1 minus the residual chlorine found in p.p.m. The chlorine 
demand may he used as a standard of potability, lor this purpose, standard 
chlorine water may be used directly on the sample or if chloramine T is 
used the pH of the sample should be adjusted to 5 or less with a few drops 
of 6w sulfuric acrid. Using this procedure, the chlorine demand of a 
potable water should not exceed 5,0 p.p.m. The only interfering'sub- 
stance for this test is hydrogen sulfide. If the odor indicates hydrogen 
sulfide, it may be removed by aerating the acidified water sample for 
a few minutes before the chlorine demand test is made. 
A chlorine demand obtained in a clear water may indicate contamina- 
tion by mustard, lewisite, ethyldichiorarsine or methyldlchlorarsine. 
For the determination of these contaminants no adjustment of the pH is 
necessary. A chlorine demand in turbid waters may indicate diphenyl- 
chlor arsine (DA), diphe ayIcyanoar s ine (CDA), or adamsite (DM), along with 
the above gases. 
The chlorine demand obtained with chlorine water on samples of 
Cincinnati tap water contaminated with 100 p.p.m, of mustard (HS) was 
513 p.p.m. and with 500 p.p.m. of lewisite (M-l) was 203 p.p.m. A pro- 
cedure has been suggested for determining the chlorine demand at several 
pH values with chloramine T and interpreting the differences obtained in 
terms of mustard and possibly other gases. This procedure needs further 
study for confirmation. 
(7) Arsenic. If members of Group 2 (the irritant smokes), lewisite 
ethyldichiorarsine mid methyldlchlorarsine of group or arsenates and 
arsenides of gr up 6 are suspected, tests for arsenic should be made. A 
separate memorandum on the Quantitative detection of arsenic in water by 
the standard Gutzeit method is attached hereto. Before the quantitative 
tests are carried out, one of the rapid qualitative tests may be made 
to determine whether the sample is heavily contaminated. 
It is suggested that on any sample which has a high chlorine 
demand, a Reinsch test, a hydrogen sulfide test or the molybdenum blue 
test be made. The Reinsch'test should be made as follows: To 100 ml. 
of sample on which the chlorine demand has been satisfied, add 16 ml. 
of cone. HC1 (analytical reagent). Then add a l/2 inch square of freshly 
-0998-P52-BU-COS-WP cleaned sheet copper*, cover the beaker with a watch glass and boil the 
liquid gently for 15 minutes. If arsenic is present, the surface of the 
copper will be darkened particularly at the edges. The same reaction 
is given by antimony and bismuth and some other metals. A water con- 
taining 500 p.p.m, of lewisite will completely blacken the copper in this 
test and a noticeable blackening will be obtained in concentrations 
down to about 20 p.p.m, of lewisite. 
For the hydrogen sulfide test, take 20 ml. of the tost solution 
and add 10 ml. of a freshly prepared, clear HgS solution. If any of the 
arsenical vesicants are present in a concentration of about 20 p.p.m, or 
more, a white opalesenee will be obtained by the formation of the arsine 
sulfide. 
The Molybdenum Blue Direct Colorimetric Test for Arsenic 
In the presence of the very small amounts of silicates and phosphates 
that are found in most water supplies, this test can be applied directly. 
The test is more sensitive than either of the other rapid tests for arsenic 
and can easily be adapted for use in the field. To detect arsenic con- 
tamination by vesicant or other arsenical gases the water sample should 
be oxidized with the permanganate solution used for the oxygen consumed 
determination with a sufficient excess to give a. slight pink color to 
assure the complete oxidation of the arsenic. This also applied to in- 
organic arsenites. Reagents - same as given on page 7 of the following 
arsenic memorandum,* 
Procedure 
To 20 ml. or more of sample in a Kessler tube add 5 drops of con- 
centrated sulphuric acid, and add standard permanganate solution for 
the 0.0. determination (0.*!- g. per liter) a drop or two at a time un- 
til the first indication of permanganate remains. Dilute to 100 ml. with 
distilled water and proceed as directed following line if, page 8, of 
the arsenic memorandum. A blue color developing within 10 to minutes 
indicates arsenic. If a quantitative estimation is desired, arsenic 
standards should be prepared and treated simultaneously as directed 
on page 8 of the above memorandum. 
(*) The copper may "be cleaned in a few cc of nitric acid and then washed 
in tap water followed by distilled water. 
(*) If desired, a stannous chloride solution may he used in place of the 
hydrazine sulfate. The stannous chloride stock solution contains 
g. of C.P, SnClg in 100 ml. of cone. HC1, Prepare a diluting HC1 
solution hy diluting ml. of cone. HC1 to one liter. For the dilute 
stannous chloride, add 10 ml. of stock stannous chloride to 150 ml, 
of diluting HC1. One half ml. of dilute stannous chloride solution 
is substituted for the hydrazine sulfate in the procedure. 
1+-0998-P55-BU-COS-WP Cyanides 
Because of the slight possibility of the Introduction of hydrogen 
cyanide in water supplies by bombs or saboteurs, water works personnel 
should familiarize themselves with methods for detecting cyanides in 
water. Hydrogen cyanide in quantities up to 6 p.p.m, in a water supply 
would probably cause no difficulty. The average single fatal dose of 
cyanide by mouth for adults is c)0 mgs. or more. There are a number of 
simple tests for the determination of cyanides in water. Among these 
are the pruosian blue test, the benzidine-copper acetate test, the silver 
nitrate test, the phenolpthalin test, the gug. guaiac-copper sulfate test 
and the ferric thiocyanate test. The methods to be described are the 
modified Schonbein-Sunberg gum guaiac test as a rapid qualitative test 
and the Fasken ferric thiocyanate procedure as a more sensitive quanti- 
tative method. 
Modified Schonbein-Sunberg Test(9) 
Reagents; 
(1) Alcoholic gum guaiac - 0,3. g, of powdered gum guaiac is dissolved 
in 50 Ml. of 9% ethyl alcohol. This reagent will keep about one week, 
(2) Copper sulfate solution. Dissolve 1.0 g. of copper sulfate in 1 
liter of distilled water and add 0.2 ml. of cone. (C.P.) 
(5) Cyanide reagent - Mix 10 ml, of solution #1 with 5 ml. of solution 
#2, This reagent must be freshly prepared, every two or three days. 
Strips of filter paper about 1 cm. by 10 cm. to be moistened in 
solution #3 when the test is made. 
Procedure 
Add 100 ml. of sample to be tested to an Srlenmeyer flask and 
acidify "by adding cone, HC1 one drop at a time until the water is acid 
to litmus. Insert a stopper carrying a thermometer in the flask and 
adjust so that the thermometer is immersed in the liquid. Heat the 
flask over a small flame until the liquid attains a temperature of 70°C, 
Dip a strip of the filter paper into the cyanide reagent (solution //y), 
immediately remove the stopper and thermometer from the flask and in- 
sert the test filter paper inside the flask so as to test the air above 
the liquid. If cyanide is present, the reagent moistened test paper 
should become blue within a few seconds. Steam interferes somewhat with 
the development of the color so the contents of the flask should not be 
heated to boiling. If the first test is negative, replace the stopper 
and thermometer; keep the contents of the flask at 70° C, for about 5 
minutes and repeat the test again, A negative test indicates that 
cyanide is not present in toxic quantities. 
Ferric Thiocyanate Method^0) 
Reagents; 
(l) Yellow ammonium sulfide. Ordinary laboratory reagent. 
k-0998-P.5^-BU-C0S-WP (2) A 10 per cent sodium hydroxide solution. Dissolve 10 grams of C.P, 
sodium hydroxide in distilled water and make up to 100 ml. 
(5) A 5 per cent hydrochloric acid. Dilute concentrated C.P. hydrochloric 
acid with distilled water to 5 per cent HC1 by weight. 
A 10 per cent ferric chloride solution. Dissolve 10 grams of C.P, 
ferric chloride, FeGl-6Hp0, in distilled water and made up to 100 ml. 
(5) Stock solution of potassium thoicyanate. Dissolve k grams of C.P, 
potassium f.iocyanate in 1000 ml. of distilled water. Determine the 
exact strength of the solution by titration with N/l0 silver nitrate 
and dilute with distilled water so that 1.0 ml. contains 1,0 mg, of 
CN, (l ml. N/lO silver nitrate « 2,6 mg, CN), 
(6) Diluted standard solution of potassium thiocyanate. Dilute 10 ml. 
of stock solution of potassium thiocyanate (reagent 5) with distilled 
water to 100 ml. One ml, of this solution is equivalent to 0,1 mg. 
CN. 
Procedure 
Five hundred ml. of the water is acidified with 0.5 grams of 
tartaric acid, distilled, and 50 ml, of distillate collected. The whole 
distillate or an aliquot containing less than 2 mg, CN is placed in an 
evaporating dish and 0,2 ml. of 10 per cent sodium hydroxide and 0.5 ml. 
yellow ammonium sulfide added. The mixture is evaporated just to dryness 
on the water hath. If the yellow color should fade at any time during 
the evaporation, a further drop or two of yellow ammonium sulfide is 
added. The residue is taken up with 10 ml. distilled water, 1.0 ml. of 
5 per cent hydrochloric acid added, and the mixture heated just to boiling. 
It is then allowed to stand for some hours for the sulfur to coagulate, 
after which it is filtered and washed, into a 50 ml, Nessler tube till 
about h-0 ml. have passed through. A series of standard tubes is prepared 
containing from 0.2 ml, to 20 ml. dilute standard potassium thiocyanate 
solution, corresponding to from 0,02 mg, to 2 mg, cyanide, each of which 
is diluted to about *1-0 ml. and acidified with 1.0 ml. of 5 per cent 
hydrochloric acid. Now 1 ml. 10 per cent ferric chloride solution is 
added to each of the tubes and the volume adjusted to 50 ml. After mix- 
ing the colors are matched immediately. 
If the amount of cyanide is above 0,1 mg. the test may be 
simplified by making fewer standards and. comparing with the nearest in 
a colorimeter. While the color given by 0.01 mg. cyanide in 50 ml, is 
quite perceptible immediately after adding the ferric solution, it fades 
7 ither rapidly and comparison must be made at once. Hence this method 
is not recommended for amounts less than 0.05 mg, ON or 0.1 p.p.m. in 
the original water. 
Chemical Detection of Chloropicrin in a Water Supply. 
None of the common water tests already described, will give any 
indication of chloropicrin in water. Hence, if contamination with 
chloropicrin is suspected, though the odor is not recognized, a chemical 
J+-O998-P55-BU-COS-WP confirmatory test should be made, Bolling a water sample with alcoholic 
potassium iodide decomposes the chloropicrin according to the follow- 
ing reaction: 
cci^no2 ♦. kia —ci)+ ♦ 3kci ♦ km)2 
The nitrite formed can then be detected with the ordinary nitrite re- 
agents used in the water laboratory. 
Procedure 
To two ml. of the contaminated water sample in a test tube add 
5 ml. of % alcoholic potassium iodide and heat to boiling. Cool and 
add 1 ml, of sulfanilic acid reagent and 1 ml, of alpha-napthylamine 
acetate reagent (reference 2, page k6), If the original water is 
nitrite free this procedure will detect chloropicrin to a concentra- 
tion of about 3 p.p.m. 
4-0998-P36-BU-G0S-WP REFERENCES. 
(1) Leitch, James L. Memorandum Report 31. General Factors in 
the Contamination of Water Supply Systems ty Chemical 
Agents and Other Toxic Compounds, MD (EA), December 
29, 1941. 
(2) Drinking Water Standards, U.S. Public Health Service. 
(Soon to be published). 
(3) Standard Methods of Water Analysis, Eighth Edition, American 
Public Health Association, pg, 64 (1956), 
(4) Ibid. pg. 54 (1936). 
(5) Ibid. pg. 136 (1936). 
(6) Ibid. pg. 20, 166, 228-232 (1956). 
(7) Ibid. pg. 164 (1936). 
(8) Fasken, J. E. Jour*. American Water Works Assn., 32, 487 (1940). 
(9) Harger, R. N., Forney, Robert B. and Farr, Fred Jr. Simple 
Procedures for the Detection of Certain Chemical Contami- 
nants in Drinking Water, Unpublished Memorandum (1942), 
4-0998-P57-BU-C0S-WP TABLE 9 • 
CLASSIFICATION OF CHEMICAL AGENTS UPON BASIS OF TOXICITY TO WATER 
Group 1 
Agents which probably will produce a non-toxic 
water, though it may be non-potable.' 
Thermit, crude oil 
FS Mixture 
HC Mixture 
Titanium tetrachloride FM 
Carbon Monoxide 
Group 2 
Agents producing a turbid water which is non- 
toxic after removal of the turbidity. 
Adams ite 
Diphenylchiorarsine 
Diphenylcyanoarsine (/^A 
Group 5 
Agents present in fairly high concen- 
\ 
trations which would produce a non-toxic water. 
Phosgene 
Group k 
Agents likely to cause trouble in a water 
supply unless extra precautions are taken. 
Chloropicrin PS 
Mustard HS 
Lewisite M-l 
Ethyldichiorarsine ED 
'roup 5 
Agents requiring additional data for definite 
classification. 
Brombenzylcyanide GA 
Chloracetophenone CN 
CN Solution CNS 
Group 6 
Compounds only likely to be used for deliberate 
c ont aminat i on. 
Arsenates, Arsenites 
Cyanides 
Heavy metal salts 
Alkaloids and toxins 
Pathogenic Bacteria 
J+-0998-P58-BU-C0S-WP TABU' 6 
CHEMICAL BLM7TQB OF "AGENTS TO WATER 
Agent 
Solubility 
mg, per 
liter at 
20° C. 
Behavior 
Products of 
Hydrolysis 
Treatment 
Required (5) 
Mustard 
ns r 
“Boo 
Slowly hy- 
HC1 and thloglycolj 
Treatment for re- 
drolyzsd W 
(non-toxic) 
j 
moval difficult. 
m 
Lewisite 
M-l 
500 
Bap idly 
HC1 and ClG^HAsO 
May be used for pe 
■g 
hydrolyzed 
(toxic, sparingly 
iod of week or les 
o 
soluble) 
if 10 p.p.m, are 
•H 
CQ 
present. 
0 
> 
Ethyldi chlor- 
Very 
n t« 
HOI and CoHr.As0 
With higher concen 
arsine 
ED 
soluble 
(toxic, soluble) 
trations pump to 
waste 
1 
Chioropicrin PS 
1700 
Stable 
- - 
h 
P 
°rg 
Phosgene 
CC 
1000 
BapicLly 
HOI and CO2 
Neutralization if 
ft 
hydrolyzed 
pH indicates it, 
otherwise no treat 
ment 
Brombenzyl- 
Probably ooagulati 
1 
•H 
rs 
cyanide 
CA 
Insoluble 
Stable 
_ - 
and filtration is 
Th 
O 
o 
-p 
all that would be 
a g 
Chloracoto - 
required. 
p he none 
ON 
. t 
11 
- - 
Adamsite 
DM 
Insoluble 
Stable 
- - 
'S 
CQ 
Diphenyl- 
I Very 
Slowly 
KOI and 
Coagulation and. 
-P 
& 
o 
chlorarsine 
DA 
slightly 
hydrolyzed 
(PhoAs)o0 
filtration 
h 
t, 
soluble 
H 
Diphe nylcyano- 
arsine 
GDA 
Insoluble 
Stable 
HC Mixture 
- _ 
slowly 
Neutralization wit 
bn 
hydrolyzed 
or lime, if 
& 
CD 
pH indicates it, 
fl 
0 
M 
o 
SO* in 
Very 
Rapid re- 
HoSOg and 
otherwise no treat 
0 
Jh 
1 
HCISO3 
FS 
soluble 
action 
HC1 
ment required. 
V 
CO 
Titanium Tetra- 
chloride 
FM 
Soluble 
Hydrolyzed 
HC1 and Ti(0H)k 
o 
Hydrocyanic 
Very 
Slowly 
Ammonium formate 
Ferrous, ferric 
■g 
§ 
acid 
soluble 
decomposed 
and brown poly- 
salt treatment fol 
0 
.p 
CQ 
•H 
meric products 
lowed by coagula- 
m 
l>a 
o 
Ph 
tion and filtra- ■ 
CQ 
tion. 
(1) Eighty-five (85) per cent of solute hydrolyzed within one hour. 
(2) Best treatment involves use of high doses of activated carton followed by co- 
agulation and filtration followed by chlorination to beyond the break-point. 
If chlorine demand of treated water is over 5 p.p.m. water is unsatisfactory. 
For small doses (50 p.p.m. or less) of mustard, wait one hour and then take 
water from intermediate level for purification. Water containing l)00 p.p.m. 
or more is not satisfactory for treatment. 
(5) Standard disinfection practice with chlorine should be understood to follow 
all water treatment suggestions. 
U-0998-P59-BU-C0S-WP REPORT OH CONTAMINATED WATER EXAMINATION 
Threshold odor limit found for chloroplcrin in water was 
p.p.m. 
Results on Contaminated Cincinnati Tap Water 
Sample 
i 
Control i 
i 
Tap j Unknown 
Water ! #1 
r- 
Unknown 
#2 
Unknown 
#5 
II J 
Unknown 
Odor if any 
i 
i 
Hone 
i 
j 
1 
i 
1 
! 
pH 
7.6 to 7.8: i 
. ... .1 j - 
Chlorine 
Demand 
(5 minute 
contact) 
r r 
j 
Less tha.i! 
1 p.p.m. | 
L J ' 
• 
Less than 
1 p.p.m. 
Arsenic 
Hone found i 
■ - 
- 
..... 
Hone found 
Gas 
Suspected 
i 
1 
j 
• 
. i . . 
On basis of 
above tests 
is water 
potable ? 
j 
' 
i 
Yes 
1 
i 
. 1 
1 : 
i 
Name_ 
60-BU-C0S-WP LABORATORY PROBLEMS 
Detection of Gas Contamination in Water 
(1) Determine threshold odor limit on Chloropicrln series and record 
on report sheet. Then analyze the following water samples as 
suggested. 
Unknown #1 
This sample contains h-00 p.p.m, of an arsenical. Notice 
absence of odor. Determine pH and check arsenic by Reinch 
test. This sample has a high demand. 
Unknown #2 
Determine pH and chlorine demand and arsenic by molybdenum 
blue method. 
Unknown 7^3 
Determine pH and chlorine demand and arsenic by molybdenum 
blue method. 
Unknown 
Determine the odor and pH, If odor is recognized record 
contaminant, 
4-0998-p6i-bu-cos-wp MEMORANDUM ON THE DETECTION AND ANALYSIS OF ARSENIC IN 
WATER CONTAMINATED WITH CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENT’S 
By 
C. C, Ruchhoft and Stuart Schott 
National Institute of Health 
Division of Public Health Methods 
Cincinnati, Ohio 
Some of the arsenical compounds which may be used in chemical 
warfare ahd contaminate water supplies include the following; 
Chemical War-* 
Name 
Formula 
fare Symbol 
1. 
Methyldichlorarsine 
CILAsCl0 
3 
MD 
2. 
Ethyldi chlorars ine 
C H AsClp 
2 3 d 
ED 
3- 
Phenyldichlorarsine 
CAErAsCl0 
6 5 2 
k. 
Diphenylchlorarsine 
(c6n5)&A3Ci 
DA 
5- 
Lewis it e-Chlorovinyldichlorarsine 
C1CII;CHAsC12 
M-l 
6. 
Diphenylaminocyanoarsine 
NH(C JI, ) AsCN.l 
6 k 2 
* 
7. 
D i phenylc yanoar sine 
(C.H ) AsCN 
6 5X2 
CDA 
8. 
Adamsite-Phenarsazine Chloride 
MH(C6H,+ )2AeCl 
DM 
The first five of these compounds are hydrolyzed in water to 
form the corresponding arsenious oxides. These reactions are illustrated 
in the following equations: 
(2) C H AsCl ♦ HOH CJBLAsO * 2HC1 
2 5 2 2 5 
(5) C1CH:CHAsC12 * HOH CICH:CHAsO t 2HC1 
Although some of these arsenicals hydrolyze in water, it ia 
necessary to break down the hydrolysis product before the arsenic can be 
detected quantitatively by most methods of analysis. However, with 
arsenicals in solution and hydrolyzed the bromate method can be used to 
titrate arsenic directly (page 11) without any preliminary preparation of 
the sample. With contamination by methyldichloraimine, ethvldi-'hlorarslne 
and Lewisite and in the practical absence of phosphate and silica the 
molybdenum blue method can be used directly after the water sample is 
oxidized with permanganate in a slightly acid solution. With contamina- 
tion by arsenics]s which are less soluble and more stable, such as 
k-0998'-P62-BU-COS-WP DiphenylaminOcyanOarsine and Adamsite, the sample must be prepared for 
analysis by digestion. Hence, it is advisable to digest all water samples 
suspected of being contaminated with arsenicals and after digestion apply 
the or alternate tests as described hereafter. 
Preparation of Sample ~by Digestion. 
1, Reagents 
Sulfuric Acid - C.P. Analytical Reagent, 
Nitric Acid - C.P. Analytical Reagent, 
2. Procedure 
To a 300 ml, water sample in an 300 ml. KJAldahl flask add 
10 ml. of C,?. sulfuric acid, one ml, of C.P. nitric acid and a small 
piece of ignited pumice. Mix by shaking and digest under a hood until 
fumes of sulfuric acid are given off. After cooling 30 ml, of distilled 
water are added and the digestion is continued until sulfuric acid fumes 
are again obtained. Cool and add 10 ml. of water and transfer to a 50 
ml. or 100 ml, volumetric flask, Rinse the KJeldahl flask with water 
and add to the volumetric flask, making the sample up to 50 ml. or 100 
ml. Proceed to the analysis by one of the following procedures. 
The Gutzeit Official AQAC Method (19*+Q Edition). 
Reagents 
(a) Stannous chloride solution. Dissolve to gm, of As - free 
SnGlg.SHgO in HC1 and make up 100 ml. with same strength acid. 
(b) Zinc. Use 20-30 mesh, As - free granulated zinc which 
needs no preliminary treatment, 
(c) Ammonium oxalate solution - saturated. 
(d) Potassium iodide solution - Dissolve 13 gm. KI in HgO and 
dilute to 100 ml. 
(e) Sand. Clean 30 mesh (through 30 - but not mesh) white 
sea sand by washing successively with hot 10 per cent Na0H solution, 
hot concentrated MO3, and hot distilled HgO, Dry the clean sand, 
(f) Mercuric bromide paper. Use commercial arsenic papers cut 
from paper of uniform weight and texture into strips exactly 2.3 mm. 
wide and about 12 cm. long. (Uniformity in width and texture of paper 
,are of great importance in this comparison method. Irregular texture 
produces irregular impregnation, with consequent inaccurate results), 
To sensitize, soak strips one hour or longer in 3 -6 per cent 
(optimum 5 per cent) solution of filtered HgBrg in alcohol, according 
4-0998-P63-BU-C0S-WP to quantity character and. activity of zinc used, (Attenuated, unsatis- 
factory stains, due to over-rapid evolution of arsine can he shortened 
and intensified hy increasing concentration of HgBi’2 and vice versa). 
If the strips are in sheets cut off two sides before soaking and leave 
strips attached at ends. After sensitization remove strips and dry in- 
dividual ones on glass rods and groups by waving in the air. Place 
strips when nearly dry between clean sheets of paper and subject them to 
pressure long enough, to take out bends and curls. Store in dry dark 
place. (Aging of paper usually results in markedly fainter and longer 
stains. Desirable typos of stains result from use of impregnated strips 
not over two days old), When ready to use, cut individual strip-s off 
squarely half inch from one end and insert this end in the narrow tube 
of the apparatus. Handle sheets by the paper attached to either end 
and cut in half Just before use. Strips must be clean and free from any 
contamination. 
(g) Standard arsenic solution. Dissolve 1 gm. As£0x in 25 ml, 
20 per cent NaOH. Saturate solution with CO2 and dilute to 1 liter 
with recently boiled distilled water. One (1) ml. of this solution con- 
tains 1 mg, ASpO--. Dilute ij-0 ml, of this solution to 1 liter. Make 50 
ml, of the diluted solution to 1 liter and use to prepare standard stains. 
A solution containing ,001 mg, AD2OV, may also be prepared. Prepare fresh 
dilute solution at frequent intervals. 
Apparatus. 
(a) Generators and absorption tubes. 
Use 2 oz. wide-mouthed bottles of uniform capacity and 
design as generators and fit each by means of perforated stoppers with 
a glass tube 1 cm. in diameter and 6-7 cm, long, with an additional 
constricted end to facilitate connection. Place small wad of glass wool 
in constricted bottom end of tube and add 3.9 - gm. of the 50-mesh 
cleaned sand, taking care to have the same quantity in each tube. Moisten 
sand with 10 per cent Pb acetate solution and remove excess by light 
suction. Clean sand when necessary by treatment (do not remove sand from 
tube) with followed by H2O rinse and suction. Treat with Pb acetate 
solution. If sand has dried through disuse, clean and remoisten it as 
directed. Connect tube by means of rubber stoppers with narrow glass 
tube 2.6 - 2,7 mm. in internal diameter and 10 - 12 cm, long, and intro- 
duce the clean end of the strip of HgBr2 paper. (A 5 mm. bore allows 
the paper to curl, which results in an uneven stain and poor end-point). 
Clean and dry tube before inserting bromide paper. (An ordinary pipe 
cleaner may be used), 
Water Bath, Use any constant temperature water bath. If no 
water bath is available, use any flat bottomed container of suitable 
depth and capacity. (A deep water bath is suggested to insure uniform 
conditions during evolution and absorption of arsine). 
Determinations. 
Determine the acid by titration in a definite aliquot of the 
digested sample solution. Place aliquot containing O.Ol mg. - 0.05 mg. 
i|..099S-P6^-BU-COS-WP AsgO* (.020 - ,025 mg, is optimum) and not larger than 3>0 ml, in Gutzeit 
generator. If arsenic in aliquot taken is outside limits specified, re- 
peat with proper aliquot. On the basis of the acidity titration neutral- 
ize the sulfuric acid in the aliquot with a 20 per cent solution of 
sodium hydroxide, cool and add exactly 9 ml, of concentrated HC1. Cool 
when necessary and add ml, KI reagent and h drops of the SnClg. Pre- 
pare standards corresponding to o>01, 0,02 and 0.03 mg, from 
reagent (g). Since standards must contain same kind and amouhts of acid 
as samples, add 5 ml., of HC1, and as H SO, has been neutralized, add an 
equivalent quantity As - free tb standards. Mix and allow to 
stand 30 minutes at not less than 2p° or 5 minutes at 90°. Dilute with 
H20 to ml. 
Prepare generator as directed under 2 and center strip of 
paper carefully in narrow tube. According to activity of zinc, add 
2-5 gm. granulated zinc adding same quantity to each generator. 
Immerse the apparatus within 1 inch of top of narrow tube in 
water bath (constant temperature of 20° - 25°) allow evolution to 
proceed 1,5 hours. Compare strips or prepare graph from standard strips. 
Molybdenum Hue Method.* (Alternate) 
Reagents. 
1. Standard Arsenlous 0::lde Solution. Dissolve 0,32*11 gm. of 
arsenic tricxide, in 23 ml. 10 per cent sodium hydroxide solu- 
tion, make slightly acid with sulfuric acid (1:6) and dilute with water 
to 1 liter, 
2, Ammonium. Molybdate Solution. Dissolve 25 gm. ammonium 
molybdate in 300 ml. water. Dilute 75 ml. of concentrated sulfuric 
acid to 200 ml. with water and add. to the ammonium molybdate solution. 
3a Sodium Hyposulfite solution. Two (2) gm. sodium hyposul- 
fite dissolved in water and. diluted to 100 ml. 
Hydrazine sulfate solution, half saturated. Shake excess 
hydrazine sulfate with 50 ml. water until no more dissolves, filter 
and dilute filtrate with equal volume of water. Follow the method for 
digesting and preparing the sample heretofore described, for the official 
Gutzeit method. 
A Gutzeit generator is prepared in the usual way, but instead 
of the tube containing the mercuric bromide paper, attach another tube 
leading the generated gases to a trapping device containing 3 ml, of 
sodium hypobromite solution (3 ml-, bromine water plus 1 ml. 0.5 N NaOH 
solution) as shown in the accompanying figure. It is better to have 2 
trapping devices in series, the second need contain only water. Treat 
the arsenic test solution in the same way as in the Gutzeit method. 
(*) For a complete discussion of this method see Colorimetric Micro- 
determination of Arsenic by Jacobs and Naylor, Ind. & Eng. Chom., 
Anal, Ed., Yol. No. % p. kk2 (19^2 
1I-0998-P65-BU-C0S-WP Allow the generation of arsine to proceed as directed under the 
Gutzeit method. After generation is complete, transfer the contents of 
the traps to a graduated colorimeter' tube, Nessler tube or volumetric 
flask. Wash the trap with 6 two ill. portions of water using an aspira- 
tor to blow the wash solution out of the bead traps. Add 5 drops of 
concentrated sulfuric acid and stir. Add 1 ml, of ammonium molybdate 
solution and shake. Add 1 ml. of a half saturated solution of hydra- 
zine sulfate or 1 ml. sodium hyposulfite solution. The hyposulfite 
solution must be prepared at least 2Jl hours in advance and should not be 
used until then. Freshly prepared hyposulfite solution causes a turbidity 
which can be removed by filtration but the method works be s' when the 
reagent is prepared as directed, or with hydrazine sulfate. 
Make to volume. Allow to stand for 0.5 hour for full devel- 
opement of the blue color. Compare with standards treated in a similar •• . 
way at the same time. 
The standards are prepared from the stock arsenic solution. Add 
3 ml, of hypobromite solution to the aliquot selected for the standard 
or standards, dilute to 17 ml., add 5 drops concentrated sulfuric acid, 
stir, add 1 ml, of molybdate solution, stir, add 1 cc0 of half-saturated 
hydrazine solution, stir and make up to same volume as test solution. 
To develop the proper quality of color in the test solution and 
to inhibit the development of color in the blank, it is necessary to add 
the proper amount of acid. If the final dilution is less than 20 - 25 
ml., add less sulfuric acid; if the final dilution is greater than the 
aforementioned volume add more sulfuric acid. 
(Note: The Chaney Method (jour. Ind, Eng. Chem., Anal. Sd., Volume 3.2, 
p, 691 is a modification of the molybdenum blue method which re- 
quires a special glass digester and still. Where this equipment is 
available the procedure is permissible). 
BROMATE METHOD - ALTERNATE (Tentative Method, AOAC., Ed.), 
Applicable to the determination of arsenic in plants and food 
products where a sample of convenient size for .digestion will yield at 
least 0.321+ mg. Asg0^. 
Reagents. 
1. Ammonlim oxalate - urea solution. To a saturated solution 
of ammonium ox:.late ,add 50 gm. urea per liter. 
2. Hydrazine sulfate - sodium bromide reagent. Dissolve 20 
gm. hydrazine sulfate and 20 gm. sodium, bromide in 1 liter dilute hydro- 
chloric acid (1 pt, HC1 ; k pts. water). 
3. Sodium, chloride - commercial salt, uniodized. 
b-0998-P66-BU-C0S-WP k. Standard potassium bromate solution. Dissolve 0.1823 gm. 
KBrOr in water and dilute to 1 liter. Standardize by titration against 
standard solution, making the titration at about 90° and in the 
presence of lt)0 m3.. Ho0 and 25 ml, HOI in order to simulate conditions 
under which the samples will be titrated. One (l) ml, KBrO solution 
should be equivalent to 1 ml. ASg0_, solution, 
5_. Standard AsgO-solution. Dissolve 0,3241 gm, Aso in 25 ml. 
10 per cent N&0H, make slightly acid with HgSOp (diluted with 6 parts of 
water) and dilute to 1 liter with water. 
Distilling apparatus. 
The distillation apparatus consists of an 800 ml. Kjeldahl flask, 
a distilling tube and a 500 m3., Erlenmeyer flask as a receiver. 
To prepare the distilling tube bend 10 - 15 mm, glass tubing to 
an acute angle of about 70°. Draw the longer aim, which is about 15 - 
20 inches long down to an orifice of approximately 3 mm.. Fit the shorter 
arm (about k inches; with a one-hole rubber stopper to fit the Kjeldahl 
flask. The stopper is to be previously boiled for 15 minutes in 10 per 
cent HaOH solution and then in HC1 for 15 minutes in order to remove 
sulfur compounds which might be distilled and react with the bromate 
solution. 
Preparation of Sample. 
Introduce 500 ml. water sample containing 0 mg. or more of 
into an 800 m3., flask. Proceed with acid digestion as follows; 
Add 20 m3., or (rarely) if material is difficult to digest, 
,25 ml. at the beginning of digestion. After digestion is complete add 
50 ml. HgO and 25 ml, ammonium oxalate-urea solution and boil until 
white SO fumes extend into the neck of the flask to decompose the 
oxalates^and urea completely (volatile intermediate products may distil 
and react with the hrornate). If the heat available is insufficient to 
decompose these substances, it is preferable to evaporate to fumes after 
the addition of water alone. Hydrazine sulfate will destroy small 
amounts of nitrogen oxides. 
isolation. 
Add 25 ml, water to the digested solution in the Kjeldahl flask 
and cool to room temperature. Place 100 ml. water in Erlenmeyer flask 
and set up apparatus so that the long arm is well under the surface of 
the water in the Erlenmeyer flask. Add 20 gm, had and 25 ml. hydrazine 
sulfate-sodium “bromide solution, to the KJeldahl flask and connect the 
distilling tube. Heat the flask over a. small well protected flame and 
distil into the water in the Erlenmeyer flask, (Pleating is not intended 
to “bring about boiling but to bring about evolution of HC1 gas which 
carries over with it. Absorption of the HC1 gas by the water causes 
J1-O998-P67 -BU-C0S-WP ■ a rise in temperature which indicates progress of distillation). Adjust 
the flame so that the temperature of the distillate solution will rise 
to 9°° in 9 - 11 minutes, and then disconnect' the distillation apparatus. 
(The residual mixture in the flask should be not less than 55 ml,). If 
distillation proceeds further or larger quantity of sulfuric, acid is 
used than that specified in digestion, sulfur dioxide is distilled which 
is titrated as arsenic). 
Determination. 
1 
Titrate the distillate at once with the hromate standard solution 
using 5 drops methyl orange indicator (0,5 gm. M.O. per liter water). 
(Single drops of the indicator not exceeding three may be added during 
the course of the titration). Toward the end of the titration add the 
bromate very slowly and with constant agitation to avoid local excess. 
The end point is reached when a single drop of bromate just destroys 
the final tinge of red color. Use an Erlenmeyer flask containing dis- 
tilled water alone as a reference. (The end point must not be overrun 
as the action of the indicator is not reversible and back titration is 
not reliable. At the proper end point the red color produced by 2 
additional drops of methyl orange indicator should persist for at least 
1 minute). Correct the results for the volume of bromate used in blank 
run. For this purpose digest 5 gm. sucrose with the same quantity of 
reagents and use the regular distillation procedure. (Blank titration 
should not exceed 0.7 ml. The method is accurate down to the variations 
in the blank which should not exceed 0.1 ml. when reagents from the 
same lot are used). Should the blank titration be high or variable, 
test the individual reagents for purity by a bromate titration. Test 
the sulfuric acid by bringing 20 ml, to a boil, cool, dilute with HoO 
to 100 ml., add a little HC1 and titrate while hot. It probably will 
furnish most of the blank. Select rubber stoppers carefully as these 
are often the source of unsatisfactory blanks. 
6l 
Ii.-0998-p68-bu-cos-wp KEFEREMCES, 
The War Gases, Chemistry and Analysis. Mario Sartori, 
D. Van Nos brand Co., New York. 19^0, 
The Detection and Identification of War Gases. Ministry 
of Home Security, Air Raid Precautions Department, 
Chem. Publishing Co., Brooklyn, 19^0, 
Analytical Chemistry of Industrial Poisons, Hazards and 
Solvents, M. B, Jacobs. 
Interscience Publishers, New York, 19*5-1, 
The Rapid Detection of Arsenic in Foodstuffs Contaminated 
with Lewisite. W. J. Stainsby and A. M. Taylor. 
Analyst 66, 253 (19*5-1). 
Official and Tentative Methods of Analysis of the Associa- 
tion of Official Agricultural Chemists. Washington, 19*5-0, 
Colorimetric Microdetermination of Arsenic. M. B, 0‘acobs 
and Jack Nagler. 
Ind. & Eng. Chem., Anal, Ed., Vol. Ik, No. 5, 
pp. (19^2). APPARATUS FOR THE 
molybdenum 
P) ■ i-;' 
. D U Lr 
.method.. 
TRAP With 3MM.GLASS BEADS 
CONNECTTO SECOND TRAP 
RUBBEROR#3 GROUND 
GLASS JO r 
SAND WET WITH 
LEAD ACETATE 
STAND 
CUTZEIT 
gener atok 
70-BU-COS-WP GU T2LJT • T 
gonltatou 
.GLASS TULL 
,2.6 0,7 MNO IN LIAM. 
:: 10 -12 CAA. LOmG 
GLASS TULL 
1 C M. D(A M. 
b-7 CM.LONG 
2 02. 
V/JDS MOO'/rJ 
.GOTTIS • 
I-0998-P71-BU-C0S-WP CHEMICAL WARFARE BIBLIOGRAPHY 
General 
Prentis, A.M, "Chemicals in War", 
McGraw-Hill, New York (1937). 
Sartori, M. and Morrison, L. W, "The War Gases", 
D-Van Kostrand Co. Inc. Hew York (19*+0). 
Jacobs, M, B, "War Gases". 
Interscience Publishers, Inc. New York (19^2). 
Jacobs, M, B. "Analytical Chemistry of Industrial Poisons, 
Hazards and Solvents", 
Interscience Publishers, Inc, New York (19^1). 
. U, S. War Department Technical Manual TM 3-215 "Military 
Chemistry and Chemical Agents". (19^2). 
Chemical Warfare School Pamphlet No, 6, "Chemical Warfare 
Miscellany". pages, Edgewood Arsenal, Md. (19^0), 
Chemical Warfare Service, "Chemical Warfare and the Chemical 
Warfare Service", 
Chemical Warfare School, Edgewood Arsenal, Md. 
United States Navy, "Service Chemicals", (19^2). 
Identification and Detection 
Ministry of Home Security, "The Detection and Identification 
of War Gases". 
Chemical Publishing Co, (19^0), 
Studinger, J. "A Short System of Analysis for the Detection 
of Materials Used in Chemical Warfare". 
Mitt Lebenam Hyg., 27, pg. 8-20 (1936}. 
Hoogeveon, A, P, J, "The Detection of Small Quantities of 
War Gases". 
Chemistry and Industry, 59, lf% 500-56. (Aug. 3, 19^0). 
Hickey, F. C. and Hanley, J, J. "War Gas Identification 
Sets". 
Jour, of Chemical Education, 19, pg. (Aug. 19^2). 
Bradley, T. F. "Chemical Detection of War Gases for Civilian 
Defense", 
Chemical & Engineering Hews, 20, pg. 893-896.(July 25, l$h2) 
Jf-0998 -P72-BU-COS-WP Schott, Stuart and Ruchhoft, C. C. "Method for the Detec- 
tion of Chemical Warfare Gases". 
Unpublished Memorandum, U.. S. Public Health Service, 
Stream Pollution Investigations, Cincinnati, Ohio (19^2), 
Chemical Warfare School Pamphlet Ho. U-, "Instructions for 
Using Gas Identification Sets", (19^2), 
Defense and Protection 
U. S. War Department, Basic Field Manual, FM 21-^0, 
"Defense Against Chemical Attack". (19^0). 
U. S, Office of Civilian Defense, 
"Protection Against Gas". (19^1). 
U. S, Havy Passive Defense Handbook Ho. 7> "Passive Defense 
of Haval Shore Activities Against Chemical Warfare". 
Bureau of Yards and Docks, Havy Dept. (July, 19^2), 
Tanner, H. G, "The Construction of an Emergency Civilian 
Gas Mask", 
Jour, of Chemical Education, 19, PS. 522-326. (July, 
i9te). 
Chemical Warfare School Pamphlet Ho, 2, "Training Guide 
Chemical Warfare". Edgewood Arsenal. (July, 19^2) 
U, S. War Department, TM 3-505. "Use of Smokes and Lachrymators 
in Training". (19^0). 
Chemical Warfare School Pamphlet Ho. 3. "Study Guide- 
Incendiaries". 
Edgewood Arsenal. (April, 19^2). 
U. S. War Department, TM 3-205, "The Gas Mask", (October 
19^1). 
Standard School Lectures, "Civilian Protection". 
U.S. Office of Civilian Defense, Washington, D.C. (19^2). 
De c ont aminat i on 
Air Raid Precautions Handbook Ho, k. "Decontamination of 
Materials". 
H, M. Stationery Office, London, (1939). 
Air Raid Precautions Handbook Ho, k~At "Decontamination of 
Clothing". 
H. M. Stationery Office, London. (1939). 
(Chemical Publishing Company, Hew York, 19^1). 
L-0998-P75-BU-COS-WP Chemical Warfare School Pamphlet No. 12. "Decontamination". 
Edgewood Arsenal, Md. (1942), 
U. S, Office of Civilian Defense. "A Handbook for Decon- 
tamination Squads", (1941), 
Physical and Chemical Properties, 
Jackson, K. E, "Chloropicrin". 
Chemical Reviews, 14, 251 (1954). 
Jackson, K. E. "Mustard Gas". 
Ibid., 15, (193P. 
Jackson, K. E. and Jackson, M. A. "Lewisite and Other Ar- 
seni cals". 
Ibid., 16, (1955). 
Jackson, K, E. and Jackson, M. A. "Lachrymators". 
Ibid., 16, 195 (1935). 
Jackson, K. E. "Smokes". 
Ibid., 25, .67 (1939). 
Chemical Warfare Agents and Water Supplies. 
Leitch, James L. Memorandum Report No. 51. "General Factors 
in the Contamination of Water Supply Systems by Chemical 
Agents and Other Toxic Compounds". 
U, S. War Department (MD) EA, December 29, 1941. 
Zeitzev, S, "Protection of Water Supplies from Chemical In- 
fection", 
Vestnik Protivovogdushnoi Oborony, Part 7, pg. 20-24 (1957). 
Hess, Seth G. "Water Supply, Sewerage, and Public Health 
Problems Created by Aerial Bombing", 
(Ps.per presented at the National Conference on Aerial 
Bombing held.in New York City, Feb. 16-24, 1942, under 
auspices of the U. S. Office of Civilian Defense). 
Medical Division Sanitary Engineering Bulletin No. 1. 
"Protection and Maintenance of Public Water Supplies under 
War Conditions". 
U. S. Office of Civilian Defense. (1942) 
Harger, R, N., Forney, Robert B. and Farr, Fred Jr. "Procedures 
for the Detection of Certain Chemical Contaminants in Drink- 
ing Water". 
Unpublished Memorandum, Indiana State Board of Health, 
(1942). 
4-0998-P74-BU-C0S-WP Ruchhoft, G. C. and Schott, Stuart. "Methods for Detection of 
Chemical. Warfare Agents in Water arid Treatment of Con- 
taminated Water Supplies", 
Unpublished Memorandum, U. S, Public Health Service, Stream 
Pollution Investigations Station, Cincinnati, Ohio (19^2), 
------ "Detection and Determination of Toxic Substances 
in a Water Supply". 
Unpublished Memorandum, Bureau of Water Works and Supply, 
Los Angeles, California, (19^2). 
Goudy, Fay F. "Wartime Protection of Water Supplies". 
Amer. Jour, of Public Health, 3b, (19^1). 
Ruchhoft, C. C. and Schott, Stuart, "Detection and Analysis 
of Arsenic in Water Contaminated with Chemical Warfare 
Agents", 
Unpublished Memorandum, U. S. Public Health Service, Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio. (19^2). 
Chemical Warfare Agents and Food 
"Food and its protection Against Poison Gas". 
H. M. Stationery Office, London. 
Page, A. B. P. "Damage to Foodstuffs in Chemical Warfare". 
Jour, Hoy. San. Inst., 6.1, 105 (19^b). 
Wood, Robert, "Foodstuffs and Gas Contamination". 
Jour. Roy. San. Inst., 6l, l6o (19^1), 
Stainsby, W. J. and Taylor, A. McM. "The Rapid Determination 
of Arsenic in Foodstuff Contaminated with Lewisite". 
The Analyst, 66, p. 235-239.? (June, 19^1). 
Stainsby, W. J, and Taylor, A. McM. "The Detection of War 
Gases in Foodstuffs", 
The Analyst, 66, p. (Feb. 19^1). 
Vettier, Georges. "The Protection of Foodstuffs from War 
Gases". 
Thesis to the Faculty of Medicine of Paris (1957). 
Schoofs, F. "Contamination of Foodstuffs with Volatile Toxic 
Substances", 
The Analyst, 6k, 905-905 (Dec. 1939), 
Nisbet, B. R. "Food in Wartime". 
The Municipal Journal and Local Government Administrator, 
99, P. 1266-1267 (Oct. 19^0). 
h-Q998-P75-BU-cos-wp Easskd, A. "Action of Mustard on Food". 
Tierartzl Rundshau 151 (1939). 
(C. A. 53, 55*ll6) 
Vastagh Gabor, Per. Ungar. pharm, Ges. 16, 19-1 (19*4-0). 
C. A. 5*+, hlCp. 
Perotti, Luigi. "The Utilization of Food Products Impregnated 
with Toxic Gases". 
Rev. liyg, med. prey, 6l, 79 (1959). 
(C. A. 53, 5958^). 
Fuchs, A, W. "Milk Control, in the Defense Program". 
Unpublished Memorandum, States Relations Division, 
U. S0 Public Health Service, Washington, D.C. (19*+2). 
Mimeographed Training Manuals 
"Chemical Warfare and Training of Gas Officers in Civilian 
Areas", 
Committee on Decontamination, Alameda (California) County 
Council of Defense, (19*4-2). 
"Course cn Chemical Decontamination Problems". 
Mass. State College, Mass, Dept, of Public Health, Mass. 
Committee o?i Public Safety in Cooperation with U. S. 
Office of Education. (l9J4-2). 
"Technical Manual for the Senior Gas Officer of Civilian De- 
fense" . 
Medical Division, Office of Civilian Defense, Washington, 
D. C. College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati 
(Ohio), (July, 19*4-2). 
"Technical Notes and Data on Civilian Protection Against Gas", 
The Pesearch Staff of the Champion Paper and Fibre Co., 
Hamilton, Ohio. (Sept. 19*4-2). 
69 
1+-0998-P76-BU-C0S-WP THE DETECTION OF WAR GASES, III. FOODS 
By Karl Bambach 
Kettering Laboratory of Applied Physiology, 
College of medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 
General Considerations 
I, Cases where tests need not bo miade for pres once of gas in foods, 
A, Properly packaged foods in containers impervious to gas, as 
described in previous discussion$ outside only of containers 
need be decontaminated, 
B, Some foods should bo destroyed without analysis, as milk in 
open vessels, or in bottles with cardboard caps which have been 
splashed with liquid gasj or vegetables or eggs which have been 
splashed, 
II. Types of contamination 
A, By liquid spray or splashing, or by arsenical smokes, 
B, By exposure to a gaseous atmosphere5 foods in this class may be 
rendered partially or completely usable, while those in class A 
can seldom bo usv,d, flhero mustard gas or lewisite has been used, 
butter, fats, cheese, and meats should receive special attention, 
and should be considered as always belonging to class A, 
III. Subjective examination 
A, Note appearance, odor, color, presence of visible stains on 
foods, 
B. Note location of food with respect to visible signs of area of 
gassing. 
C, If chemical smokes have been used, examine the surface layers 
of the food microscopically for the presence of appropriate 
solid particles, 
D. Apply cautious palatability tests only in the absence of all 
positive indications of contamination, 
E, Micro mustard gas or lewisite is the suspected contaminant 
chemical examination should always bo carried out, 
F. The possibility of mixed gases should always bo kept in mind. 
1 
k -0993-P? 7 -31J- COS -HP G, Growing crops contaminated by mustard gas or lewisite show 
scorching and bleaching; in the case of the former gas, the 
fresh growth on the plants after they have recovered will be 
wholesome. Lewisite and other arsenicalsy however, complicate 
the problem because of the residual arsenic; the plants should 
not be used until after the arsenic content has dropped to 
safe limits. 
IV, Sampling for chemical analysis 
A. For initial identification of gas, use grossly contaminated 
exposed surface layers of food, or actual droplets or splashes 
of the liquid gas, absorbed on filter paper or cotton, 
B. To determine usability of the food, tests should be made on 
large samples of foodstuffs (approximating that eaten in a 
•meal). 
1, Take sample by cutting thin slices from suspected portions 
and placing them in clean, dry jar, fitted vith a screw cap, 
2, Separate samples should bo taken from the surface and from 
interior portions of the food, using different sample jars, 
3, The knife or other utensil must be cleaned between each cut, 
using a bleaching powder-water paste; all bleaching powder 
must be removed from the knife before touching the food, 
C. Proper precautions should be taken to prevent exposure of the 
analyst to the gas. 
V, Chemical analysis 
A, Air-flow analysis; apparatus consists of a large container 
fitted with a stopper carrying glass inlet and outlet tubes, 
with a supply of air purified by passage through granular 
activated charcoal and anhydrous calcium chloride. The con- 
tainer is kept at a temperature of about 37° C, by a water 
bath. Aspiration of air is carried out at the rate of 0,1 
to 0,5 liter per minute, for 10 to 15 minutes, into 10 ml. of 
absorbent liquid. The first aspiration is made into water, then 
a second aspiration into alcoholic potassium hydroxide is 
carried out. The liquids are examined according to the follow- 
ing Qualitative Analysis Procedure, Parts I and II. 
B. A fresh portion of the sample is extracted with hot absolute 
alcohol; the extract is then examined according to the 
Qualitative Analysis Procedure, Part III. 
h-0998-P78-BU-C03-WP Rapid “Sorting: Testw 
The alcoholic potassium hydroxide solution through which air from 
the sample was passed in the air-flow analysis (second aspiration in 
V-A above) can, if desired, be put through a rapid “sorting test" which 
may shorten the analytical procedure. After acidification (nitric acid) 
test separate portions for halides and cyanide (precipitation with silver 
nitrate), nitrite (red color with Criess-Ilosvay reagent), and arsenitc 
(Gutzeit test). If definite positive indications are given by one or more 
of these tests, it may be possible to proceed directly to the Confirmatory 
Tests (p, 6), However, the following complete Qualitative Analysis 
Procedure is recommended for use whenever time permits. 
Classification of the War Gases 
The war gases may bo grouped according to the elements prosent, 
ignoring carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. The standard tests for the par- 
ticular elements involved may bo applied in order to aid identification 
of a gas, 
I. Halogen only - Chlorine, phosgene, diphosgenc, benzyl and xylyl 
bromides, bromoacetonc, chloroacetophenone, ethyl iodoacstate. 
II. (a) Sulfur only - Hydrogen sulfide, dimethyl sulfate, 
/ 
(b) Sulfur and Halogun - Mustard gas, thiophosgeno, 
mercaptan, sulfuryl chloride, 
III. (a) Nitrogen only - Hydrocyanic acid. 
(b) Nitrogen and Halogen - Ghloropicrin, bromobenzyl cyanide, 
phenyl carbylaraine chloride, cyanogen halides. 
IV. (a) Arsenic only - Arsine. 
(b) Arsenic and Halogen - Lewisite, Diethyl and ethyl dichlo- 
roarsines, diphenyl chloroarsinos, arsenic trichloride, 
V. Arsenic, Halogen, and/or Nitrogen - Diphenyl cyanoarsino, 
diphenylamine chloroarsine. 
Qualitative Analysis Procedure 
I, Aspiration into water 
A, The aqueous solution contains a precipitate - indicates presence 
of SiClg, diphenyl urea (from phenyl carbylamine 
chloride) or sulfur (from perchloromethyl mercaptan), 
B, After filtration (if necessary) test a portion of the filtrate 
with silver nitrate, acidified with nitric acid, 
1, Precipitate - indicates presence of diphosgene, mustard gas, 
lewisite, or other readily hydrolyzable gases. 
2, No precipitate - absence of gases covered in this section (I), 
4-0998-P79-BU-C0S-WP except for those in C-4-b and C-6 below; test for them, then 
proceed to next section (ll), 
C. If a precipitate occurred in B, tost separate portions of the 
original filtrate as follows; 
1, Add a few drops of hydrogen sulfide water 
(a) Turbidity - indicates presence of alkyl chloroarsines 
(b) Turbidity, which dissolves in excess - indicates presence 
of lewisite 
(c) Sulfur precipitate - indicates presence of cyanogen 
chloride or bromide 
(d) Oily suspension of phenyl isothiocyanate - indicates 
presence of phenyl carbylamine chloride 
2. Add a drop of 1% phenol solution and run in carefully'a layer 
of concentrated sulfuric acid; a red zone at the interface (due 
■ to formaldehyde) indr cates the presence of chloromethyl chloro- 
formato or a halogen-substituted methyl other. 
3. Add'sodium hydroxide solution and warm; test the air above 
the liquid with moistened litmus paper for ammonia; a positive 
test indicates the presence of cyanogen halide, 
4. Add barium chloride solution acidified with hydrochloric acid 
(a) White precipitate of b.rium sulfate; this sample also 
gave a positive test with silver nitrate above - indicates 
the presence of chlorosulfonic acid or ester, or sulfuryl 
chloridc, 
(b) White precipitate of barium sulfate; this sample did not 
give a positive tost with silver nitrate above - indicates 
the presence of sulfur trioxide or dimethyl sulfate, 
5. Add lead acetate solution; a black precipitate of lead sulfide 
indicates the presence of thiophosgene or.pcrchloromothyl 
mercaptan, 
6. Garry out the standard Gutzeit test for arsenic; a positive test 
greater than the reagent blank, indicates presence’of arsenic 
trichloride, lewisite, or othyldichloroarsine. 
II. Aspiration into alcoholic potassium hydroxide solution (10-204) 
Warm end then cool the solution| acidify where necessary and test 
separate portions as described under I above, then test other 
portions as follows; 
U-0998-P80-BU-C0S-WP A. Acifidy with nitric acid and add silver nitrate solution; a yellow 
precipitate of silver bromide indicates the presence of bromine- 
containing lachrymatory, as bro.nobenzyl cyanide, 
B, Acidify with acetic acid and test with Gricss-Ilosvay nitrite 
reagent (see below for details); a red color, deeper than the 
reagent blank, indicates the presence of chloropicrin, 
Grioss-Ilosvay Reagents (l) Dissolve 1 g, of sulfanilic acid 
in hot water containing 14.7 ml, of glacial acetic acid and dilute 
to 300 ml, with water. (2) Dissolve 0,2 g. of a-naphthylamino in 
water containing 14.7 ml, of glacial acetic acid and dilute to 
350 ml, with water. Use equal parts of each solution; about 2 ml, 
of the mixture is sufficient for the test. 
III, Tests for persistent lachrymators 
Macerate the sample; extract it with hot absolute alcohol for several 
minutes, then filter and the filtrate. Aid .alcoholic potassium 
hydroxide to the filtrat., anu warm it, Ah intense rod color accompanied 
by the formation of resinous products, indicates the presence of 
chloro- or bromoacetone. Filter, if necessary, and test Separate 
portions of the filtrate as follows; 
A, Acidify with nitric acid end add silver nitrate solution; a white 
precipitate of silver chloride indicates the presence of diphosgone, 
mustard gas, loadsite, or other ra.adiiy hydrolyzed gases. 
B, Boil a portion of the filtrate and test the air above the liquid 
with moistened litmus paper for ammonia; a positive test indicates 
the presence of bromobenzyl cyanide or cyanogen halide, 
C, Evaporate the alcohol at a low head and treat the residue with hot 
alkaline potassium permanganate solution. Acidify the solution 
with dilute sulfuric acid and extract it with ether. Allow the 
ethereal extract to evaporate spontaneously, 
1, Dissolve one portion of trie residue in water and add a drop of 
ferric chloride solution; a buff-colored precipitate, due to 
benzoic acid, indicates the presence of benzyl bromide, 
broraobenzyl cyanide, or chloroacetophenone, 
2, Add concentrated sulfuric acid containing a little resorcinol 
to another portion of the residue; a greenish-red color, which 
shows a decided green fluorescence in alkali, indicates the 
presence of xylyl bromide, This color is caused by fluo- 
rescein, formed by the phthalic acid resulting from the 
oxidation of xylyl bromide. 
•;'v V- 
D, Acidify with acetic acid and divide the solution into two parts-, 
1. Tost ono portion with silver nitrate solution for bromide or 
iodide, 
4-0998-P81-BU-COS-WP 2. Add a crystal of gualacol and a few drops of concentrated sul- 
furic acid to tho other portion. A violet color, due to 
glycollic acid, indicates the of ethyl iodoacetato or 
ethyl bromoacotatc| this should also b„> confirmed in test 1 just 
above, 
Regardless of whether lewisite or other arsenicals arc detected 
after aspiration according to tho qualitative analysis procedure, tho 
arsenic content of the food itself should always be determined if con- 
tamination with a war gas is suspected. This arsenic determination can 
be adequately done by the Gutzeit method as described in the Methods of 
Analysis of the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists, Fifth 
Edition, p, 390 (1940), Concentrations of arsenic significantly greater 
than those normally expected in the type of food investigated may have 
resulted from hydrolysis of the arsenical war gases| if the hydrolysis is 
sufficiently complete, those gases would probably not be detected in the 
above qualitative analysis scheme. Decisions regarding the usability of 
the food must therefore be based not only on the subjective examination 
and the results of the qualitative analysis, but on the concentration of 
arsenic in the food itself. 
If contamination with hydrogen cyunide is suspected, a test should be 
carried out by aspiration of the air through benzidine copper acetate 
paper, a blue color indicates tho presence of cyanide. 
Benzidine copper acetate paper: Two to three g, of pure benzidine 
acetate are heated to 80° C, in 100 ml. of distilled water for 10-13 
minutes, with constant shaking. The filtered solution is mixed with 
ono-twolfth its volume of cupric acetate solution (3 g./lOO ml.) 
immediately before tho tost| the test paper is dipped into this mixture, 
allowed to drain, and dried until only just moist. 
Confirmatory Tests 
Tho prosonce of any gas indicated by positive results in the 
Qualitative Analysis Procedure should always be confirmed by one of tho 
following tests, These confirmatory tests can bo carried out on test 
solutions or on filter papers impregnated with a reagent through which 
air from the preceding air-flow analysis can be drawn. A convenient 
holder for the test papers consists of t .o glass tubes with ground ends, 
which are fitted tightly into wooden blocks connected by a steel spring. 
The tension of this spring holds the ground glass ends together, with the 
tost paper being inserted between then. 
Phosgene and Diplio agones Five grams of p-dimethyl::minobonzaldehydo and 
5 g. of diphenylamine are dissolved in 100 ml. of alcohol. Filter paper 
moistened with this reagent gives a yellow or orange color in the presence 
of phosgene or diphosgene. Chlorine or hydrochloric acid must first bo 
removed from the air used for the test by a guard tube containing 
sodium thiosulfate and sodium iodide. 
4-0998-P82-BU-C0S-WP Mustard Gas; The gas is. aspirated into a 1% solution of B-naphthol in 
0,1 N aqueous-alcoholic (30s50) alkali, A white turbidity, forming after 
10-13 minutes or on warming (due to the di-B-naphthyl other) indicates 
the presence of mustard gas, 
A characteristic and sensitive test consists of -passing the air 
through one or two drops of 0,1$ .gold chloride solution; a yellow 
colloidal turbidity is formed if mustard gas is present. 
Lewisite and Primary Dichloroarsiness The air is aspirated into a small 
quantity of water and two or three drops of hydrogen sulfide water are 
added. An opalescence or turbidity indicates a primary dichloroarsine; 
if the turbidity is soluble in excess, lewisite is present. 
A specific, although not very sensitive, reaction of lewisite 
consists of treatment of a small drop of the liquid with cold 13$ sodium 
hydroxide. Acetylene which is liberated can be detected by a red stain 
on ammoniacal cuprous chloride paper, while the reaction liquid will 
contain arsenite (detected by the Gutzeit test) and chloride (detected by 
silver nitrate). 
Cyanogen Chloride or Bromide: The air is asrlratod through a paper soaked 
in saturated sodium sulfide solution and used moist. One drop of con- 
centrated hydrochloric acid followed by a few drops of 1$ ferric chloride 
solution are "spotted” on; a red color indicates the presence of 
cyanogen halide. 
Phenyl Garbylamine Chloride; The air is aspirated into water and the 
solution is boiled, A white precipitate of diphenyl urea indicates the 
presence of phenyl carbylamine chloride, 
Ohioromethyl Ohioroformates Use the test given in the Qualitative 
Analysis Proccdure, 
Ohiorosulfonic Acid or Aster, or Sulfuryl Chloride: Aspirate the air 
into hot water; the presence of both free hydrochloric and sulfuric acids 
(acid solution, barium chloride tost, silver nitrate test) characterizes 
these gases. 
Dimethyl Sulfate; Boil the contaminated sample with water under a reflux 
condenser for one hour and then distil. If the first portion of the dis- 
tillate contains methyl alcohol (tost according to U. 3. Pharmacopoeia 
XI, p. 335, methanol test in whisky) together with a positive sulfate tost 
in the Qualitative Analysis Procedure, dimethyl sulfate is present. 
Perchipromethyl Mercaptan: Aspirate the air into hot water; the 
evolution of carbon dioxide, and the presence of hydrogen sulfide (lead 
acetate test) and hydrochloric acid (silver nitrate tost) with the 
precipitation,of sulfur on boiling, indicates that pcrchlororaethyl mer- 
captan is present. 
4-0998-P83-BU- COS-WP Thiopho.sgonc; Aspirate the air into water| tho presence of hydrogen sul- 
fide (lead acetate test) and hydrochloric acid (silver nitrate test) 
indicates that thiophosgonc is present, 
Bromobenzyl Cyanide; (l) The liquid gas gives a deep reel color with con- 
centrated sulfuric acid., 
(2) The air is aspirated into 10$ silver nitrate solution and the 
mixture is boiled. Reduction of the silver nitrate (with a precipitate) 
and the formation of bonzaldehydo, which can be detected by its 
' characteristic odor, indicates the presence of bromobenzyl cyanide, 
Chloropierin; The air is aspirated through filter paper which has boon 
impregnated with a 10$ solution of dimethylaniline in benzone and dried, 
A yellow or maroon color indicates tile presence of chloropicrin. 
Benzyl Bromide; Aspirate tho air directly into hot alkaline potassium 
permanganate solution and treat the mixture as described in the 
Qualitative Analysis Procedure. 
Chloroacotophoneno; If the alcoholic extract in Part III of the 
Qualitative Analysis Procedure contains an appreciable amount of gas, 
20$ aqueous-alcoholic (50s30) sodium sulfide is added, the mixture is 
warmed, cooled, and diluted with water, Tho chlorine is removed' from tho 
compound by this treatment and the corresponding sulfide (m,p. 77° C.) 
is precipitated, 
Xylyl Bromide; Use the test,given in the Qualitative Analysis Procedure, 
Ethyl lodoacctate or Ethyl Bronoacutate; Aspirate the air directly into 
warm alcoholic potassium hydroxide solution and apply the tost described 
in the Qualitative Analysis Procedure, 
Possible Interferences 
Certain substances often present in foods can give tests which may 
.bo mistaken for some of tho gases lists.. above, For instance, hydrogen 
sulfide, present in eggs, may not indicate foreign gas contamination. 
Benzoic acid or sodium benzoate is often used as a pros rvative in pre- 
pared foods| it would bv extracted in Section III of the Qualitative 
Analysis Procedure and give the test for benzyl bromide or bromobenzyl 
cyanide. Other interfering substances must be considered by the analyst 
before making a positive report. 
Clocnin? of Apparatus 
Scrupulous attention must bo paid to tho cleaning of all analytical 
apparatus aid sample containers in order to prevent tap contamination of 
one sample from yinother, A paste of bleaching powder, as indicated in 
tho sampling directicns, is useful in cleaning any apparatus, Treat.lent 
with hot alcoholic potassium hydroxide destroys or removes most gases, 
concentrated nitric acid removes mustard pas efficiently, while rubber or 
k-0998-P8k-BU-C0S-UP metallic apparatus m-.y be treated by Immersion in boiling water for 30 
minutes. The usual dichromate-sulfuric acid cleaning solution should be 
used on glassware after the other decontaminating solutions are employed. 
References 
The Detection and Hen t ification of War Gases, Ministry of Hone 
Security, A.R.P. Dept, (Great Britain), Chemical Publishing Co., Inc,, 
New York, Nan York (194-0). 
The Detection of her Gases in Foodstuffs, Chemical Defense Research 
Division of the Ministry of Supply (Groat Britain), Analyst, 66, 4-4- (194-1). 
Damage to Foodstuffs in Chemical Warfare, A.B.P. Pago, Journal of 
the Royal Sanitary Inst,, 6l, 160 (1941). 
The Detection of Snail Quantities of War Gases (Dijkstra1s Method), 
A.P.J. Hoogeveen, Chen. & Ind,, 59. 550 (1940). 
Gas Identification, George Lev/i, Chon. & Ind,, .60, 374 (1941). 
Foodstuffs and Gas Contamination, Robert Woods, Jour, of the Royal 
Sanitary Inst,, 6l, 160 (1941). 
- 0 998 - P85 -NOBU“COS*'WP FOOD AND POISON GAS5S 
By J, Cholak 
Kettering Laboratory of Applied Physiology 
College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 
In considering the possibility of contamination of.foodstuffs by 
poison gas, it is important to boar in mind thats 
(a) Poison gases are highly penetrative. 
(b) Foodstuffs are often highly absorbent, particularly moist and 
fatty foods. 
(c) Wrappings and packing materials may bo absorbent and may permit 
the passage of poison gas. 
(d) Gas con ponctrato wherever air cam enter (gas masks excepted) 
(e) Any material which soaks up oil or water will absorb -and 
eventually permit the passage of gas. 
(f) Vontilaabion may bo helpful, but aJLso provides a means of en- 
trance for the gas. 
It is not necessary to discard all affected foodstuffs, however, 
after exposure to poison gas0 Whether or not food can bo salvaged 
depends on the type of the chemical agent, the degree of exposure, the 
kind of food, the manner in which it is packaged, and the way it has been 
protected. 
All war gases contaminate food either by going into solution in the 
water or fat present in the food, or by being adsorbed on the solid 
surfo.ee. In either case chemical, actions may occur which will result 
in some decomposition of the chemical. If hydrolysis takes place, the 
absorbed substance loses its original properties o.nd, generally speaking, 
becomes innocuous. Mo such beneficial action occurs in the case of 
lewisite and the other arsenical gases, however5 with these agents, even 
though the original property of chemical is destroyed, danger of 
poisoning remains because of the presence of arsenic. Moreover, the 
action of hydrolysis is slow and therefore food may remain contaminated 
for a. considerable period, depending on the degree of initial exposure. 
Many of the decomposition products resulting from hydrolysis may bo 
unpleasant but not toxic and their only action is to render food unpala- 
table. A comparable action does not occur when the gas is absorbed by 
fat, and such food once contaminated must bo considered as unfit for human 
use. 
Poison gases may bo divided into the following categories, for the 
purposes of our study; Non-arsenical non-persistent gases; arsenical 
non-persistent gases; persistent lachryraators; non-arsenical vesicant 
gases; arsenical vesicant gases; smokes. Of the non-persistent gases, 
the one most likely to bo employed in modem warfare is phosgene. It is 
not considered a dangerous gas so far as contamination of foodstuffs is 
A-0998-P87-BU-C0S-W? concerned because, although absorbed to some extent - mainly in the outer 
layers of the food - its principal effect is on the palatability of the 
food. Foods contaminated by this and certain other non-persistent gases 
(including hydrogen cyanide) can ofton be rendered fit for consumption simply 
by airing them for a day or two, This is best done by spreading out the 
contaminated food so that a current of circulating air can carry away the 
residual gas. Much more dangerous are the persistent gasos, particularly 
the vesicants. The latter are heavy, oily liquids, dangerous in themselves 
as well as in the vapors they give off. The danger lies in the fact that 
the bursting bomb, or the spiw.y from an airplane, produces an immediate 
vapor cloud and also distributes droplets over a wide Those droplets, 
particularly of mustard gas and lewisite, contaminate everything on which 
they fall and continue to give off harmful vapors until removed by approp- 
riate decontamination procedures. In addition some gases, like lewisite, 
contain arsenic and there is therefore the additional hazard of arsenical 
poisoning. 
(a) Non-arsenical non-persi;:.tent :;":.ees 
Theso will not affect foods appreciably, Temporary offocts will 
pass off after the gas cloud disperses and the food will bo unharmed. Some 
slight deterioration map- occur with prolonged exposure to a relatively 
high concentration of a gas of the phosgene type but it should be runomberod 
that the palatability is mor e likely to bo imparied then the goner el whole- 
somonoss of the article of diet. The affects of phosgeno on certain foods 
and the treatment advised are given in the following table: 
Effect of Phosgene on Fends 
Food 
Effects 
Dangerous 
Treatment 
Flour 
Makes poor loaf, 
becomes sour ana 
unpalatable 
No 
Air for 4,8 hr. Mix alth 
5 parts of undamaged flour 
to improve baking quality 
Broad 
Unpalatable 
(outer layers) 
No 
Air after cutting away 
outer layer 
Cereals 
Negligible 
No 
Air 48 hours 
Moat and fish 
Surf see may show 
discoloration 
No 
Improved by airing and 
cooking 
Milk 
Affects taste 
No 
Boml 
Choose, butter, 
fats 
Bleaches surface 
No 
Remove affected part which 
may bo used for cooking 
Fresh fruits 
Almost none 
No 
Wash, air, and peel off 
skin and outer layer 
Dried fruits 
Slight loss of 
taste 
No 
Nash, air and cook 
4-0998-188-BIT-COS-WT Food 
Effects Dangerous 
Treatment 
Fresh 
Sometimes slight- No 
Wash, air, and cook 
vogotobies 
ly bleached 
Tea, coffee 
Bitter No 
None is effective; blend 
with undamaged stock 
'(b) Arsenical non-persistent gases 
These are usually the stornutator gases end it is considered im- 
probable that they would significantly affect foods, since they are readily 
dispelled. Airing is said to be the appropriate treatment. In addition, 
chemical analysis should be carried out to discover any arsenic con- 
tamination which may occur on prolonged exposure in en enclosed space. 
If there is any possibility of contamination with arsenic, the food should 
not be eaten until passed on by competent exports, 
(c) Persistent lachrymators 
It is thought unlikely that these gases will be used on civilian 
populations. However, they render foods unpalatable, Airing is the only 
treatment that is likely to be of value, and this will prove ineffective 
if much gas has been absorbed, 
(d) Non-arsenical vesicant gases 
Gases of this class, which includes mustard gas, may prove harmful 
to food, particularly with prolonged exposure to high concentrations of 
vapor. All foods contaminated with the liquid form must be viewed with 
suspicion. Fatty foods (milk, cream, butter, cheese, fatty meats, eggs, 
etc,) contaminated either by vapor or by liquid will almost certainly 
be highly dangerous and should be destroyed. 
Slight contamination with mustard gas vapor may affect palatability 
but, except for fatty foods, the materials should be edible after 4-8 
hours’ airing end cooking. 
Effect of Exposure of Uncovered Foods to Low Concentration 
of Mustard Gas Vapor 
Food 
Effects 
Dangerous 
Treatment 
All typos (except 
fatty materials) 
None except 
occasional 
slight loss of 
palatability 
No 
Airing, Discard surface 
layers (icon meat) 
Fatty food (milk, Rapid absorp- 
croam, cheese, but- tion of poison 
ter, margarine, fats, 
oils, fatty'meats, 
fatty fish) 
Probably 
None effective 
A-0998-P89-BU-C0S-WP The subjective detection of mustard gas in dry foods is rather 
difficult since they rarely shovi marked changes. Moist foods,'however, 
will show brown spots or other surface changes. Cucumbers are particularly 
sensitive. In green peppers, green beans, peas, pears, gooseberries, 
apple and oranges the spots do not appear for 24 hours, and it 
takes throe days for the spots to develop in beets and radishes. 
Studios on the impregnation of food with mustard gas have shown 
that dry foods treated with 0,1 cc, of the agent remained poisonous for 
20 days when kept at 12° C,, and for 6-B days at 20° G, Flour moderately 
contaminated may remain poisonous for 1 month at 16° C, (While in 
general increased temperatures arc beneficial in increasing the rsabe of 
aeration and removal of vapors, heat is not always permissible or readily 
available,) 
(e) Arsenical vesicant gases 
Lewisite belongs in this class. Food which has come in contact 
with these gases, whether vapor or liquid, should not be eaten because of 
the great danger of arsenical poisoning. The salvaging of foods exposed 
to this gas depends on the degree of contamination and the suitability 
of such food for consumption should bo passed on only by qualified 
exports Lifter a thorough chemical examination,. In case exposure has been 
to vapors only, it may be possible to salvage some of the food by dis- 
carding the outer layers before airing, but none of the food should be 
eaten until a chemical analysis shows that the concentration, of arsenic 
is within safe limits. In case of contamination with the liquid, decon- 
tamination will probably bo impossible. 
(f) Sjaofeoa 
Protection against solid chemicals, "smokes”, is not difficult, 
/toils they penetrate all ordinary fabrics and cracks, most wrappings will 
be impervious to them. The clouds are easily dispersed and in still air 
they settle to a much greater extent on horizontal than on vertical sur- 
faces, Prolonged airing of contaminated foods is suggested. 
Protection Against Contamination V/ith Gas 
The following table summarizes the data on the protective value of 
various coverings for foodstuffs, given in the pamphlet issued by the 
British Ministry of Foods 
Protective Value of Coverings for Foodstuffs 
Protection Against 
Protection Against Liquid 
Material 
Poison or Vapor 
Poison Gas 
Sealed metal 
Complete . 
Complete 
Metal, tight cover 
Fairly good 
Good 
L-0998-P90-BU-GOS-WP Material 
P ro t c c tion Against 
Poison or Vapor 
Protection Against Liquid 
Poison Gas 
Glass bottles, etc, 
with sealed top of 
similar material 
Complete 
Complete 
Bottles, jars, etc, 
with grease-proof 
paper seals 
Fairly good 
Fair 
Sealed wooden barrels 
Complete 
Complete■ 
Waxed cartons 
Good 
Good 
Cellophane 
Good 
Good 
Paper cartons 
Good 
Fairly good 
Metal foils 
Good 
Good 
Wooden boxes 
Good 
Poor 
Co.rdboard boxes 
Good 
Poor 
Paper bags, etc. 
Poor 
None 
Textiles, sacks, etc. 
None 
Nine 
Some protection against gas is also afforded by the proper stacking 
of packaged goods. Closely stacked piles aro not readily penetrated oven 
by vapor| therefore if penetration does occur, the packages in tho middle 
of such stacks will be only slightly contaminated, principally on the 
surface. In removing the contaminant the stack naturally should be broken 
down in order to permit tho ready circulation of air over every item in the 
pile, 
\ . 
Wood absorbs liquid and therefore protects poorly against liquid 
poison gas. Increased protection against vapor is provided by lining 
boxes with a grease-proof paper. If such material or cellophane is un- 
available, ordinary paper nay be made partially gas-proof by covering the 
surface with paste. 
Textiles generally aro useless in thorns-Ives, but are valuable as 
screens to prevent liquid from splashing onto the piled material. They 
also absorb vapor and liquid and will therefore offer some protection 
when used as a secondary cover over an impervious inner covering of paper. 
Water Sup-olios 
Trio of foots of the war gases on water supplies and tho treatment 
advised are considorod in tho section on "Water and Chemical Warfare," 
k -0998-P91 -BIT- COS-WP Growing Crops . 
Growing crops arc likely to bo contaminated by a chance bomb or spray 
intended for another objactive0 Scorching and bleaching of vegetation 
wguld 'occur in the iinniodiatc vicinity of the bonb explosion - or wherever 
'spray was liberated by low-flying aircraft. The effect, however, ‘would bo 
transient since exposure to weather will,.in tine, remove all traces of the 
poison and the vegatatien..judli-recover. The recovery period for nori-arson- 
ical gases is said to be about one week. Arsenical gases of the lewisite 
type are much more damaging because of the toxic effect of the arsenic 
and a much longer period will bo required for the recovery of vegetation 
when the contamination is severe, 
f 
Foodstuffs on Farms 
Special measures for the protection of food supplies on farms do not 
appear to be necessary. None of the modem war gases, except the arsenical 
gases, are likely to affect stacks of hay, untlireshed grain, or other farm 
stocks to an extent that carnet bo remedied by airing or natural weathering* 
Protective coverings, tarpaulins, canvass, or sacking provide useful 
protection by soaking up liquid, thus reducing direct contamination. 
The question of effects on livestock is a more serious matter. 
Animals may have to be slaughtered if they show evidences of poisoning, 
particularly from the persistent vesicant gases. 
Warehouse Goods, etc. 
Common sonso in storage will prevent much damage to foods. Foods 
stored in cold rooms are reasonably safe from gas provided closures 
are fairly air-tight and precautions have boon taken to prevent the entrance 
of contaminated air through the ventilating, system. 
Food in packages may bo protected by covering it with oil-painted 
tarpaulins0. Danger of serious contamination by gas splashes may also 
be decreased by the use of canvas or sacking covers. It is good practice 
to avoid storing goods in the cellar or on the top floor. 
Retail Stores, Hotels, etc. 
Goods should be kept in original packages as long as possible. As 
in warehouses, tarpaulins, canvas, or sacking covers are useful in pre- 
venting contamination from splashes of gas. Gold storage chambers should 
bo air-tight, in order to give complete protection. Displays of goods 
in window's or shelves, otc, should bo kept to a minimum. 
Foodstuffs in tho Homo 
Foods in air-tight containers (sealed tins and bottles) are com- 
pletely protected against gas. If there is any question as to the.con- 
tainer, it may bo wrapped in cellophane as an additional protection. In 
order to protect the outside of-containers from contamination, as many 
as possible should bo stored in inside cupboards, wooden, or cardboard 
boxos. 
4-0998-P92-BU-C0S-WP Flour, rice, sugar, and similar non-perishable foods should bo 
stored in tin or glass containers with tight covers, and additional 
protection nay bo provided by swapping with cellophane or waxed paper. 
Bread should be kept in tins with well-fitting lids, 
, Perishable foods, meat, fish, eggs, milk, and butter should be 
reasonably safe in the ordinary' kitchen refrigerator, provided the doors 
and cracks have boon made reasonably air-ti lit. 
MJ^ccnanoous 
Cigarettes and other tobacco products are sources of danger in the 
event of the use of poison gases. The general methods used to protect 
foodstuffs against gas contamination will bo effective with tobacco pro- 
ducts but opened packages of cigarette, smoking or chewing tobacco, or 
cigars had best be disposed of in the event >f known or possible exposure 
to poison gas. The trivial cost of most of those materials, as well as 
the unlikelihood that individuals will have largo supplies on their persons 
or in their homes, make it inadvisable to salvage the few affected items 
by lengthy aeration methods. 
The identification of gas-contaminated neats is a rather difficult 
procedure. In the event of tme release to the public of such meats by 
unscrupulous dealers, the only means of determining the degree of con- 
tamination will be by chemical methods, especially if surface stains and 
changes have been cut away. In case of doubt, a chemical determination 
for arsenic should be made, in addition to other tests, in order to make 
certain that any arsenic present is within permissible limits. One 
European authority considers solid food toxic if 10G sq, cm, of surface 
contain 0,05 mg, arsenic soluble in organic solvents. 
Doc jntc.iminc.tion 
The inexperienced individual should not attempt decontamination or 
solve.pc of food stocks. The sources of danper aro many and these can bo 
avoided only by carefully trained personnel provided with adequate 
decontamination equipnont, 
In all cases the suitability of food for consumption is a matter of 
.export opinion after careful examination. Food suspected of having been 
in contact with poison pas should not bo oaten until it has been chemically 
tested, and salvage should be left to the proper local authorities, When- 
ever there is any suspicion of food contanination, this sir uld b.. brought 
immediately to the attention of the authorities. 
Rjforcnccs 
Food and its protection against poison pas — British Ministry of 
Food, published by His Majesties Stationer Office, London, 
Pape, A, 3. Da.rape to Foodstuffs in Chemical Warfare, J, Roy, 
Son. Inst. 61, 155 (19a) 
1f-0998-P9J-BU-CCS-l)P Wood, Robert, Foodstuffs and Gas Contamination, J, Roy, San, Inst, 
6l, 160 (1941) 
Hasskc, A., Action of Mustard Gas on Food, Tiorartzl Rundsh.au (1939) 
131 (C.A. 21, 33416) 
Vastagh Gabor, Bor, ungar. pham, Gog, 16, 191 (1940) (C.A, 2k, 
41635) 
Perotti, Luigi, The utilization of food products impregnated with 
toxic gases, Rev. hyg, mod, prov. 6l, 75 (1939) (C. A, 21, 593B^) 
Jacobs, Morris 3., War Their Identification and Decontamination, 
Interscionco Publishers, Inc., Now York, York, 1942 
4-0998-P94-BU-C0S-WP MEDICAL ASPECTS OF SOME SYSTEMIC POISONS 
By Robert A . Echoa, M. D, 
Kettering Laboratory of Applied Physiology, 
College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 
Toxic elements or radicals cause injury according to manner of 
carriage into tissues, i.e,, nature of compound in which they are present, 
thereby establishing solubility, locus of absorption and distribution, 
manner of breakdown in body and mode of excretion. No necessarily uniform 
effect. Example; arsenic in various forms and combinations, with varied 
symptomatic and pathologic picture. 
Arsenic 
I, Common arsenic compounds 
A, Arsenic trioxido - lethal dose approx. 2.7 mg As/Kg, orally 
B, Mapharsen (Trivalent) 
G. Tryparsamide (P entavalcnt) 
II, Arsine 
A, Toxicity 
1. Slight symptoms after several hours 30 p.p.m, 
2. Dangerous - 1 hour . 50 p.p.m, 
3. Fatal - half hour 250 p.p.m, 
B, Mode of Action 
1. Combination with Hb ) 
2. Oxidation to arsenicus acid) 
3. Hemolysis - extensive ) 
mechanism questionable 
4, Anemia in few hours ') 
5. Circulatory failure 
C, Symptoms and signs 
1. Vertigo, headache, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain 
2. Hemoglobinuria, hematuria, anuria 
3. Jaundice 
4. Circulatory failure, pulmonary edema 
1+-0998-P95-BU-C0S-WP D, Diagnosis - History of exposure, clinical picture, quantitative 
analysis 
E, Treatment - Supportive - transfusion? 
III. Lewisite 
A. Sat. Vapor at 40° C « £ 15,6 mg/L (364 arsenic) 
B, Toxicity 
1, Lethal cone, in air 0,048 mg/L or l/325 of sat, vapor at 40° C 
- c- (3000 p.p.n, or) 
"^-r (1000 p.p.m. As) 
2, Cutaneous - 0,02 cc/sq. cm, - Total dose man 1,4 cc 0,95 
g. As? (Vodder) 
0,334 mg/L in form of vapor, or 21,000 p.p.m, causes vesicant 
action 
0. Mode of Action 
1, Cutaneous vesicant - mechanism? 
2, Pulmonary irritant - mechanism? 
3, Systemic poison (arsenic) by cutaneous absorption 
D. Diagnosis - History, clinical picture, quantitative analysis 
E. Treatment (Skin contact) 
1, Wash off with solvent 
2, Hydrolyse with NaOH or better IlgOp 
3, Excise lesions to remove arsenic (12 to 24 hours) 
Hydrocyanic acid and other cyanides 
Use of cyanides in some form anticipated, because of speed of action 
of GW radical - minutes to few hours, because of high toxicity, because 
of experimental work done over a period of years in foreign laboratories, 
I. Hydrocyanic acid 
A, Toxicity 
HCN ~ fatal short exposure at 3000 p,p,m, - dangerous 150 p.p.rn, 
- lethal dose about 50 mg 
4-0998-P96-BU-C0S-WP B. Mode of entry 
gas HCN - inhalation and cutaneous absorption 
C. Toxic mediansirn 
Suppresses oxidation, by paralyzing cellular oxidases in all 
probability (combines with iron) i.e., cellular asphyxia in 
presence of adequate oxygen in blood, 
D. Symptoms 
Initial stimulation of respiration (unimportant clinically be- 
cause fleeting warmth and alight burning of skin in contact with 
gas (through clothing) in presence of 5000 to S000 p.p.m. in air, 
(no effect in concentrations of 1600 to 2000 p.p.m, in air) with 
gas mask protection. 
Weakness and perhaps headache 
Nausea and vomiting 
Dyspnoea with chest constriction 
.Unconsciousness 
(All symptoms may be lacking in high concentrations, unconscious- 
ness occurring in as little as 30 seconds in 6000 to 6000 p.p.m.) 
E. Diagnosis 
Odor of bitter almonds on breath 
History of exposure 
May be no cyanosis but often present after respiratory failure 
Low differential Op content of arterial and venous blood 
By exclusion of CO, respiratory irritants (no appreciable irritation 
of upper resp, tract), arsine (hemolysis) 
P.M, diagnosis by cyanmethemoglobin (difficult) 
F. Treatment 
Artificial respiration in fresh air 
Artificial respiration with Op or Op and G0p mixture 
Warmth 
As long as heart is beating recovery need not be despaired of 
I(.-0998-P97 -BU-COS-vp Specific treatment dependent upon two principles 
1, ON converted to thiocyanate in body, and so excreted in 
essentially harmless form. Sulphur compounds, therefore, 
indicated, especially thiosulphate. 
2, CM combines with methemoglobin to form relatively non-toxic 
compound. Therefore, Hb should be converted to met 
Hb, to combine with CM and diminish its toxic action. Hence 
use of methylene blue and nitrites and oxidizing agents 
found especially effective. 
Other principles have been investigated 
3, Heavy metal salts like iron combine with CM to fora complex, 
non-toxic or loss toxic compounds. Unfortunately the heavy 
metal compounds are toxic in themselves, and therefore, suf- 
ficient dosages cannot be used without the risk of heavy 
metal poisoning. 
The observations of Chen (Am. J. Med, Sc. 1602767, (1931)), and 
his associates on dogs have resulted in the use of sodium 
nitrite and sodium thiosulphate, giving the one after the other 
(never together), with amyl nitrite used when needed as a stop- 
gap until sodium nitrite can be prepared and given. The 
sodium nitrite works promptly, the thiosulphate slowly, but 
this is apparently a synergistic effect of the two. 
Treatment advised 
Pearls of amyl nitrite at first 
NaNOp 0.3 to 0.5 gm in 10-15 cc HpO 
Na thiosulphate 25 gm in 50 cc KpO administered over 
period of 10 to 15 minutes 
Adrenalin or Coraminc to support cardiac action, if needed. 
Repeat half dosages of above after 2 hours or as needed 
for maintenance 
Keep under observation 2L to 13 hours 
G, Sequcllae 
Essentially those of asphyxial sequollae 
Some tendency to persistent weakness for weeks or months 
Caso reports show speech defect (slow fatigued tongue) , loss of 
memory, inability to sustain attention 
f -0993- P 98 -BIJ -COS- WP II, Other cyanide compounds 
A. Toxicity 
NaCN 6 mg/Kg subcutaneously in dogs (Chon ot al) 
B. Mode of entry 
1, Salts - by ingestion in food or water 
2, Organic compound - by inhalation or skin absorption 
Hydrogen Siufide and Carbon Monoxide 
Mode of Action 
H2S C.N.S, poison with paralysis of rosp. center. Death from asphyxia - 
No combination with Hb except post mortem - Green yellow color 
CO - Firm union with Hb displacing Op with 300 times Op combining power 
% Hb 00 = E22.3C 300 
Pop +■ (Pco X 300) 
Examples 0.07$ = 50% Sat. HbCO 
4 
Symptoms: Percent saturation of blood 
Headache 30 
Unconsciousness 60 
Early death 80 
Toxicity i 
i 
] 
HCN 
- n _J? a r t 
H23 j 
s / m i 1 1 i o n 
GO j. Arsine 
Slight Symptoms after ; 
several hours 
20-40 
100-150 
300-400"] 30 
Maximum allowable for 
1 hour 
30-60 
200-300 
400-500*f“ 
Dangerous 30-60 min. 
120-130 
500-700 
i 50 
i 
1 
Fatal in few minutes to 
half hour 
3000 
1000-3000 
T~ 250 
1 
Loss of smell 
i_ . 
100 
| 
1 
Lethal dose for man 
absorbed 
j 50 mg 
L— - - 
f ” 1 
i-0998-?99-NOBU-GOa-WP GENERAL TOXICOLOGY OF WAR GASES 
By'Robert A, Kehoe, M, D, 
Kettering Laboratory of Applied Physiology, 
College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 
I, Certain .general considerations 
Classification based at present on main effects, as for example, 
pulmonary irritation or cutaneous vesicant action. 
Tendency to think of these in terms of physical properties, with gases 
as pulmonary irritants, and liquids as vesicants. 
This tendency to be avoided as a generalization, since it may well 
be found to bo erroneous in case of new war gases. 
Bettor to think in terns of the general methods of inducing exposure 
and the effects that are sought for in the use of war gases,. The former 
is concerned with the mode of attack on the human organism i,e, avenues of 
entry. The latter has co do with the means by which noxious substances 
interfere with physiological mechanisms. 
Present discussion aims to give practical information on the chemical 
agents now known to be available, as a means of providing protection 
against these specific substances, but it also uses, them to illustrate 
certain general principles that may serve as guides in avoiding the worst 
consequences of new agents, 
II• Physioloileal considerations 
A, Mode of absorption or injurious contact - in order of decreasing 
practical Importance 
1, Inhalation 
a. Effect may be irritation (local injury) and/or general 
toxic effect, 
b. Matter of volatility or fine state of subdivision in air 
breathed through nasal, pharyngeal and bronchial passages, 
c. Degree of volatility in physical sense not so important as 
relative toxicity of vapor, e.g., mustard gas with vapor 
pressure of only 0.065 mm, Hg at 20° and volatility of 
only 0.625 mg/L is highly dangerous, since a concentration 
of 0.15/L may produce death if inhaled for 10 minutes or 
longer. Likewise, Lewisite has a vapor pressure of only 
0,s95 ram Hg at 20°, and a volatility of 4-. 50 mg/L, while the 
lethal concentration for 10 minutes of inhalation is only 
0.12 mg/L, The saturated vapor of those materials at 
ordinary temperatures must be diluted 4 times axid 37 times 
respectively, if fatal effects are to be avoided from oven 
brief exposure. 
A-O998-PIOI-BU-COS-WP Notes Neither those nor many other toxic vapors can be detected by their 
odor to such an extent as to provide safety. They do not give 
adequate warning of their presence, and many others give no warning 
at all. An odor or a sensation of stinging or burning of eyes, 
skin, or nasal mucosa must bo taken as a sharp warning, 
2, Skin contact 
a. Effect may bo local injury, and/or general toxic effect. 
Local injury due to corrosive or burning action - immediate 
or delayed. 
Local injury duo to absorption into skin with subsequent 
"breakdown of compound, releasing poisonous radicals. General 
intoxication from absorption of compound, 
b. Non-persistent gases absorbed thru skin only in high con- 
centration - skin absorption implies a liquid material, with 
relatively low volatility of a fat soluble type, 
c. Except in case of immediately irritating substances that 
give their own warning, skin injury or absorption is rela- 
tively slow and'materials can be removed without injury if 
done quickly and thoroughly, i.e, within 5 to 30 minutes 
dependent upon the compound and the size of the dose re- 
quired to produce injury. 
Notes There may be no warning of any kind, other than that of noting the 
presence of some foreign material on the skin or clothing, or on 
objects in the environment. Dependence cannot be put upon the 
existence of an odor or an irritating effect upon the eyes or nose. 
The latter, if present, will be helpful, 
3, Ingestion (Swallowing) 
a. Poisonous materials taken into the gastroenteric- tract may 
be decomposed by water, food, or the digestive juices into 
harmless materials, or into others equally or loss toxic 
compounds, 
There may be no chemical change, in which case, the poisonous 
materials may produce local effects like those on the skin 
or lungs, or they may be absorbed with such general or 
specific effects as are characteristic of the compound, or 
they may be evacuated from the alimentary tract without 
injury or illness, 
b. In general the lethal dose of a material taken by mouth is 
considerably greater than if it is inhaled or injected 
intravenously. It is usually less than if it had been 
applied on the skin, in the case of oil-soluble components 
the lethal dose by mouth may be four to ten times the lethal 
dose by inhalation, and if the material is irritating, it 
may be evacuated promptly, thereby preventing more than 
slight absorption. 
I1.-0998-P102-BU-00S-WP Note; Warning is usually given against inadvertent ingestion of food con- 
taminated with chemicals of the type employed as war gases, by 
reason of a foreign taste. Food or water that has had an opportunity 
for contamination should not be,eaten if it has any foreign taste, 
unless export examination indicates that it is safe for use. 
B, Types of injurious effects - in decreasing order of toxicologic 
importance, 
1. Systemic poisons - alkaloids, heavy metals and metaloids, 
narcotics, catalytic poisons and asphyxiants 
a. None available for practical use at present with possible 
exception of arsenic compounds, 
b. Entrance into body may be by any route. 
2. Production of injury to lungs, 
a. Immediate effects (acute irritation), 
b. Delayed injury - (without warning), j. 
c. Permanent injury - (complications, scarring), 
3. Production of injury to skin 
a. immediately painful injury - (acute irritation), 
b. Delayed insidious injury with disability, 
c. Permanent injury - (infection, scarring), 
A, Production of acute irritation of eyes or nasal mucosa, res- 
piratory tract, or gastroenteric tract, with temporary acute 
disability, as nuisance in itself, or as means of breaking down 
protective measures (compelling removal of gas masks, etc,), 
5. Combination of two or more of above effects in same compound 
or in mixtures of compounds. 
Ill, Specific effects of certain presently available agents 
A, Pulmonary injurants - in decreasing order of toxicity 
1, Phosgene and diphosgene 
a. Characteristic odor but little irritant effect and, there- 
fore, little warning, except in high concentration. 
b. Relatively little effect upon upper respiratory tract and 
eyes, therefore, little in way of upper respiratory symp- 
toms, except from quite high concentrations. 
4-0998-P101-BU-C0S-WP c. Injury to lung tissue mainly, with pulmonary edema after 
short or long latent period. Chest constriction, cough, 
blood-streaked sputum, becoming later pink and frothy, with 
increasing amounts of fluid. 
d. Little difficulty from contaminated food. Bad taste. 
Warning. Insidious* All casualties to lie down as soon as 
possible, to bo carried on a stretcher and put to bed at com- 
plete rest at earliest possible moment after exposure, 
2, Chloropicrin 
a. Characteristic odor and irritant effect upon eyes and nose, 
therefore, sharp warning, 
b. Symptoms are those of upper respiratory irritation and dis- 
comfort, lung irritant with cough constricting pain, blood- 
stroak sputum, and general lung damage of a severity depend- 
ing upon concentration to which one is exposed. 
c. Gastro-enteric symptoms, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain 
and diarrhoea from swallowing material in foods or in 
socrotions from upper respiratory tract, 
d. Burning, stinging of eyes and weeping. 
Warning. Used to produce intolerable burning of oyos and 
vomiting so as to cause removal of gas mask and induce exposure 
to more toxic gases (phosgene, etc.) with which it is mixed. 
Masks must be kept on, 
3. Chlorine 
a, Immediate Irritant effect upon eyes and upper respiratory 
tenet,, therefore adequate warning, (Hot so irritant to oyos 
as chloropicrin), 
b. Extensive acute upper respiratory irritation and injury, 
hoarseness and loss of voice, sore throat, with cough, chost 
pain, and constriction, and often delayed pulmonary edema, 
c. Most important effect is injury to lung, with general edema 
of lung and danger of asphyxia, 
d, Li hole or no trouble from contaminated food. May bo strong 
caste. 
Warning, All but the lightest cases of exposure are in danger 
of developing pulmonary edema, and all casualties should lie 
down and be transported, and kept in bed for not less than 
twenty-four hours of observation. 
L-0998-PI04-BU-COS-WP B, Vesicants 
1, Mustard 
a. Primary injurious effect on skin, latent period of some 
hours, after which redness, followed by blistering, develops, 
b. Serious injury to eyps from droplets, with latent period 
before damage shows up, 
c. Acute injury to nose, throat, larynx and lungs from in- 
halation of vapor, some time after breathing, with sore throat, 
cough, loss of voice, pain on talking, chest pain, bloody 
sputum, and hemorrhage from nose, throat, or lungs, 
d. Salivation, upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, watery, 
bloody or tarry diarrhoea, weakness, emaciation, beginning 
from 1 to 12 hears after swallowing .contaminated food or 
other material. 
Warning. There is little or no immediate irritation of the 
skin, eyes, nose and throat or chest, and, therefore, no recog- 
nition of danger, immediate decontamination is necessary to 
prevent disabling injury if material comes in contact with skin 
or clothing. Prompt use of mask and continuous use until 
liquid and vapor is disposed of is absolutely necessary. 
There is likely to be little recognizable taste or other 
objectionable quality to food. Great care necessary, therefore. 
Suspected food must be discarded or subjected to rigid chemical 
examination before use. 
2, Lewisite 
a. Primary injurious of fact on skin, with short latent period 
and perhaps early stinging and redness of skin, followed by 
blistering and ulceration, 
b. Serious injury to eyes fror: droplets, with short latent period, 
c. Acute injury to nose, throat, larynx, and lungs from in- 
hale, tion, beginning shortly after exposure and developing 
in severity, v/ith sore throat, cough, loss of voice, pain 
in ohost, prostration, 
d. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, with v/atory, bloody, or 
tarry diarrhoea, with also weakness and emaciation, the 
first symptoms occurring within an hour or less after, inges- 
tion of contaminated food or other material. 
Symptoms of acute or sub-acute arsenic pensioning may result 
if ono survives tho initial acute toxic effect of the whole 
molecule, i.c, gastro-enteric ulcoration, jaundice, 
bronchitis, paralyses of legs and/or arms, scaling skin 
lesions, loss of hair and nails, etc. 
4-0998-P105-BU-COS-WP Warning, There may bo little warning of the presence of 
Lewisite in the atmosphere. The compound used may be entirely 
odorless. The presence of droplets of material on objects may 
be noted. Prompt use of the mask, and immediate decontam- 
ination of skin is necessary to afraid disabling injury. 
Food in the involved area must bo regarded as unfit for use, 
unless completely protected. Questionably contaminated food 
must be discarded, unless shown to bo safe after chemical 
examination, 
IV, Toxicity data for certain agents 
Toxicity of Vapors Inhaled 
In Milligrams per Liter of Air 
Phoseeno 
Chloropicrin Chlorine Mustard 
I i 
Lewisite 
Ethyldi- 
chlorarsine 
Sat. Vapor 
i 
Gone, 20° C 
Gas 
165 
Ga,s 
0.57 
4.50 
47.0 
j 
Fatal 30 min. 
0.36 
0.8 
2.5 
0.07 1 
I 
0.05 
0.80 
i 
Fatal 10 rain. 
0.50 
2.0 
5.6 
0.15 ( 
0.12 
0.50 
' 
Toxicity of Vapors in Contact with Skin 
In Milligrams per Liter of Air 
Mustard 
Lewisite 
Sat. Vapor Gone. 20° G 
0.625 
k. 50 
Vesicant concentration 
0.005 
0.33 
Toxicity of Liquid in Contact with Skin 
Mustard 
Lewisite 
Speed of absorption 
Latent Period of First Effect 
Lethal Dose for man 
20-30 min* 
120 min, 
? 
3 min, 
30 min, 
2,6 gram 
L-0998-P106-BU-C0S-1VP Roughly Estimated* Lethal dose when Swallowed 
Agent 
Lethal 
Do: 
sc for Man* 
Phosgene 
Chlorine 
- 
Chloropicrin 
1200 
to 
24-00 mg 
Mustard 
60 
to 
120 mg 
Lewisite 
70 
to 
150 mg 
Ethyldichlo rars ine 
300 
to 
600 mg 
* Not to bo taken as correct. Calculated indirectly from the lethal con- 
centration for inhalation. Experimental data not available. 
k-0998-P107 -NOBU-COS-WP SUBJECT: OUTLINE OF THE PREVENTION AND FIRST AID TREATMENT OF CHEMICAL 
CASUALTIES . 
Leon Goldman, M,D, 
GENERAL REMARKS: A knowledge of the chemical warfare agents will not only 
do much to dispell the fear and panic inspired by them, but also this 
knowledge will serve to show how relatively simple the outlines on both 
prevention and the very important first aid measures are, 
I. Prevention - by planning to avoid contact with the chemical warfare 
a.gonts 
A - Personnel not required to bo on streets 
X, Inside - doors and windows closed 
2, Ascending to higher floors 
3. Gas protection shelters as available 
U, Try to evacuate in advance, old people, invalids, and 
children 
B - Personnel authorized to be on streets 
1. Gas mask 
2. Protective clothing - type depending upon duties 
3. If situation warrants - a station much above street level 
II, Prevention - during and immediately after a chemical warfare attack 
A •• Personnel not required to be on streets 
1, Direction of movement - up wind; right angle to the gas cloud 
2, Go Inside house; close doors and windows tightly - turn off air 
conditioning - ascend to higher levels - avoid remaining in 
low, poorly ventilated areas, basements, etc. 
3, Improvised gas masks - wet handerchief or cheese-cloth with 
wo.ter or baking soda solution 
A, Improvised protective clothing - rain coat, collar up, sleeves 
down; heavy clothing; cover head to prevent contamination of 
scalp and hair 
3, For vesicant contamination of clothes - discard as rapidly as 
possible or go in doors and put clothes in metal container - 
(ash can or garbage can) 
if-0998-P109-BU-C0S-WP Porsoas with contaminated clothing should not be permitted in 
any public shelter. Bathing and use of any active chlorine com- 
pound .(or hydrogen peroxide for lewisite) or baking soda paste 
if these other materials are not available, 
6, For vesicant contamination of the skin do as much of the approved 
skin cleansing technic as possible after discarding the contam- 
inated clothes. To remove the agents, use soap and water. After 
mechanical removal, use prophylactic agents if available. Con- 
tamination by liquid vesicants is a definite medical emergency! 
A shower with hot water and soap after initial decontamination 
finished is always necessary, 
7, Vesicant contamination of eye is a definite medical emergency! 
Irrigate with ?/ater or baking soda solution or put face in pan 
of water. Medical attention should be obtained as soon as 
possible, 
8, Vesicant contamination of hair. Wash with soap and water and any 
active chlorine compound available. If lewisite, use hydrogen 
peroxide| cut hair off quickly if Contaminated by liquid. 
B, Civilians authorized and required to be on streets 
1. Put on gas mask in the approved fashion. 
2. Use protective clothing or protective covering as indicated. 
3. If contaminated - proceed according to instructions previously 
given. 
III. Treatment 
A. Irritants of the respiratory tract 
1. Sternutator or sneeze gas type - there may be delay in onset of 
' symptoms 
a. Remove to fresh air 
b. Smell chlorine from bottle containing bleaching powder. 
c. Sodium bicarbonate gargle and mouth wash and if necessary 
nasal irrigation, then spray with neosynephrin and pontocaine 
if available, 
2, Pulmonary irritation - phosgene group - every individual not wear- 
ing a mask exposed to nheavy” concentrations of phosgene must be 
considered as potential casualty or may be actual casualty, Rem- 
ember the onset of symptoms may bo very insidiousi At times, 
dislike of cigarette smoking or smoke may be indicative of pul- 
monary irritation. The exposed persons may pass successfully 
A-0998-P110-BU-C0S-WP through the stages a, b, and c below. The final stage reached 
will depend upon the severity of the exposure, 
a. The mild case - good color, no difficulty in breathing, vote, 
(1) Rost, heat, drinks (coffee or tea) 
(2) Stretcher evacuation 
(3) Observation in hospital for appropriate period 
b. Tho moderate case - chest pain, slight cough, etc, 
(1) Rest, heat, drinks (coffee or tea) 
(2) Should have priority in evacuation over "a" 
(3) Treatment in hospital necessary - oxygen if available, 
c. The severe case - cyanosis blue or gray (shock) type, pul- 
monary edema. 
(1) Same emergency treatment as above 
(2) Immediate evacuation to hospital 
(3) Hospital and not casualty station treatment 
(4) Oxygon, sedation, plasma, venesection if increased venous 
pressure, 
($) Long period of observation and later observation of res- 
ponse to effort. 
B, Treatment of trio lesions from vesicants - all personnel treating 
casualties contaminated with vesicants must be protected themselves 
with gas masks and some form of protective clothing* There is a 
great difference in lesions from vapor and from, liquid contact,, 
1. Eye lesions - profuse irrigation with plain water or 2% soda 
bicarbonate, in the approved fashion avoiding all pressure on 
eye. Do not use any of the strong agents recommended for decon- 
tamination of the skin* After irrigation may instill ophthalmic 
ointment of various types; 
a. Bland 
b. "Sulfa” ointment 
c. 2% Sodium bicarbonate 
k-0998~Plll-BU"C03~WP d, Kb cocaine, if local anaesthetic needed in the oye, uso 
butyn or pontocaino, Do not bandage the eyosl If lesion 
develops it is much bettor to socuro immediate consultation 
from an ophthalmologist, For any burns of the skin around 
the eye, treatment of bland therapy should be done but do 
not allow bandage to come over the eye. Remember- eye bums 
may develop insidiously also, 
2, Treatment of the skin area contaminated with vesicant before 
appearance of lesion - ideal period for lewisite five minutes 
and for mustard maximum one-half hour. Questionable whether 
protective treatment of any value with pure vapor contamination ( 
a. Removal of contaminated clothing but continued wearing of gas 
mask until main sources of contamination are removed, 
b. Determining the approximate area of cutaneous contamination, 
the approved method of cleansing technic (see above) fol- 
lowed by prophylactic materials such as protective c’rcam 
of the Chemical Warfare Service, bleaching paste mixtures, 
Chlorox, sodium hypochlorite, dichloramino, a30chieramide. 
For lewisite, hydrogen peroxide preferred to those chlorine 
compounds. Baking soda pastes may be used if none of the 
above are available. If none of those materials are avail- 
able rinse with water, since no time should be lost. If 
possible take a shower using plenty of hot water and laundry 
soap, 
3, Treatment of the actual skin lesions from vesicants - Do not 
use any medications recommended for prophylactic use vixen 
this phase develops. The treatment of the blister stage should 
bo done by medical personnel. Do not break the blisters. Do 
not cover the blisters with greasy ointments. Avoid getting 
the skin dirty. The skin may be covered with clean, dry 
bandages. 
G - Treatment of Lesions from Cyanides 
1. Artificial respiration as soon as possible - 
Use portable pulmotor apparatus if available 
2, Inhalation of amyl nitrite 
D - Treatment of burns from Incendiaries and the like 
1, Phosphorus Burns - specific emergency treatment important, 
cover immediately with 2% copper' sulphate solution, if none 
available cover with oil or warn water or 5$ soda bicarbonate 
solution until phosphorous particles can be removed. Instead 
of baking soda the following alkaline paste may be used 
Mo.gnesium oxide (heavy) 10$ 
Borax % 
Soda bicarbonate (Godding and Notion) 
1.-0998-P112-BU-G0S-WP Instea.d of the 2% copper sulphate solution the following copper 
paste may be used; 
Copper sulphate 22,5% 
Glycerine 67,5^ 
Starch 5,0% 
Water 5,0% 
2. Heat Burns 
A, Extensive - use no greases, tannic acid jollies or the 
like| cover burns with clean bandages; do not get dirty; 
keep patient warm; arrange for immediate transportation to 
medical installation, 
B, Mild - use only simple ointments here. Cover with clean 
bandages and protect from dirt 
-E03IJ-C0S-WP THE CHEMISTRY AND METHODS OF DECONTAMINATION 
By Eugene h. Scott 
Kettering Laboratory of Applied Physiology, 
College of ’Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 
Introduction 
The number of chemical agents which have boon used in war is 
relatively small considering the vast field of organic compounds that have 
toxic offsets on nan. The important factors to selection of 
practical chemical warfare agents are tho physical and chemical properties 
of the agent and its availability in large quantities. At present, there 
are twenty to tliirtg chemical c- aapounds which could be used in offensive 
and defensive warfare. In war on civilians, however, only a few of these 
compounds would bo of value, either for their demoralizing effect or for 
impairment of manufacturing facilities. Non-persistent gases such as 
phosgene and clilor 'pierin could not bo maintained in sufficient concen- 
tration in largo enough areas to bo practical. Tear gases and stemulators 
are not sufficiently toxic and incapacitating. Certainly, from a practical 
standpoint, the vesicants, such as mustard, lewisite, and the nitrogen 
mustards, should bo the chemical agents of choice for attack on a 
civilian populace. Their persistence and toxicity in low concentrations 
are arguments in their favor. 
Of the several possible methods of dissemination of the chemical' • 
agent, only two will be mentioned. The material can bo dropped from the 
air by bomb or spreyed from a low-flying airplane. In attempting to 
obtain an effective concentration of gas or liquid over a moderately largo 
area, it would seem that spraying or sprinkling would bo the most effective 
method, while for a maximum effect in a relatively small arod, bombing 
could probably be employed. According to the method used, gassed areas 
may consist of small or medium-sized areas of heavy contamination caused 
by a bomb, or fairly large areas of moderate to light contamination duo to 
springing or spraying of the gas, A further distinction, that between 
vapor contamination and liquid contamination, must also be noted. In the 
case of vapor, in most instances, decontamination is accomplished simply 
by aeration. However, contamination by liquid requires more strenuous 
measures, since' aeration alone causes only a slow destruction of vesicant 
agents, particularly mustard gas. 
Of the vesicant gases recognized as practical chemical warfare agents, 
mustard gas and lewisite are the best known, most effective, and most 
easily available. Both of these materials are classed as persistent gases 
and are very active vesicants. Their vapors are extremely irritating to 
tho lungs in low concentrations, Ethyldiclilorarsino is another vesicant 
which might bo employed although it is generally regarded as a non- 
persistent gas. The recent disclosure that the nitrogen mustards are 
effective vesicants brings a new problem to tho doc ntaainatic-n personnel. 
However, the present methods of decontamination are general rather than 
specific and arc applicable thu&e materials in most instances. 
H-O998-PII5-BU-COS-NP Chemi s tagvo f D ec o n t agination 
In order to understand the reactions involved in decontamination, some 
knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of the gases likely to 
be employed, is necessary. If the use of non-persistent gases, tear gases, 
and irritant smokes is ruled out on the basis of impracticability, then a 
discussion of the properties and reactions of mustard gas and lewisite is 
sufficient for the present purpose. All the chemical agents which closely 
resemble either of those two materials in chemical structure will show 
the same chemical reactions oven tin ugh they may differ appreciably in their 
physical and toxic properties. Very little can bo said about the nitrogen 
mustards since their formulas are secret. 
Mustard gas, 2,21-dichloroothyl sulfide, is a liquid boiling at 
217,5°. It is slightly soluble in water and readily soluble in most 
organic solvents. It is stable to air and only slowly hydrolyzed by water 
or water vapor at ordinary temperatures. At hi.,her temperatures, i.e,, 
100°, it is rapidly hydrolyzed according to the following equation. 
(C1CH2CH2)2S -?• 2H20 ">(H0CH2CH2)2S 2HC1 
The compound, hydroxys tiny 1 sulfide, is nun-toxic. Mustard reacts readily 
with oxidizing agents such as H202, and with the 
formation of a sulfoxide or sulfone, depending upon the conditions employed. 
(gich2gii2)2s -h fpj >(cich2ch2)2s = 0 
{ClCa20H2)2S -*• [0!■ --r^(ClCH2CH2)2S 
Dichloroothyl sulfone has boon reported to have vesicant action on 
the skin and therefore oxidation is not a completcly satisfactory nothud 
of decontamination, 
Mustard as a liquid reacts violently with dry chloride of lino with 
the formation of numerous products, but v/hen a slurry of bleaching powder 
is used, dichloroothyl sulfoxide is formed. 
(C1GH2GH2)2S CaOCl2--~—>(C1CH2GH2)2S = 0-r- GaCl2 
Dichloroothyl sulfide reacts v;ith chloranino-T forming a non-toxic 
sulfilinino compc und, 
(CLCH2CH2)2S 4- CH3C6H^S02 3G6H,S02N = S(CH2CII2C1)2NaCl 
Another reaction of dichloroothyl sulfide which nay bo used as the 
basis of a decontamination procoduro is that with sodium sulfide. 
C1(CH2CH2)2S-J- Na23 -^S(CH2GHQ)23 -+ 2NaCl 
The product domed, dicthyleno disulfide or dithianc, is non-toxic. 
U-0998-P116-BU-C0S-WP The reactions of lewisite with the reactants mentioned above are not 
as well worked out end in certain instances the final products are not 
known. Furthermore, although the term nlewisiten is applied to 
A-chlorovinyldichloroarsine, di(p-chlorvinyl) chloroarsine and tri (b- 
chlorovinyl) arsino arc eiso present in the material which is used cts a 
chemical warfare agent. The last mentioned compound has no vesicant or 
irritant properties, 
fi-chlorovinyldichloroarsine is readily hydrolyzed by water and is 
broken down rapidly in a damp atmosphere. 
C1CH - CHAsG12 * H20 C1GH = GHAs = 0 -*• 2HC1 
The product^-chlorovinylarsenious oxide is toxic because of its arsenic 
{group end on contact acts as a vesicant. 
Alkalies completely destroyyS-chlorovinyldichloroarsine with the 
formation of acetylene and. sodium arsenite. 
C1GH = CHAsClo “<• oNaOH >G H -f»Na As0o 3NaCl 3Ho0 
2 2 3 3 2 
Oxidising agents such as nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide react 
readily with fjf-chlorovinyldichloroarsine, forming £-chlorovinylarsonic acid. 
/OH 
C1GH = CKAsClp ■* /0 1 2HoO > G1CH » CHAs-OH -t- 2HC1 
yg-chlorovinyl arsenic acid formed, on treatment with warm concentrated 
sodium hydroxide gives sodium arsenate and acetylene. 
✓ 0H 
C1GH = CHAs-OH + 4NaOH 3AsO/ + C2H2 ■* NaCl -»• 3H20 
d 
p-chlorovlnyIdle hloroarsine reacts readily with chloride of line, but the 
reaction has not been studied and the products formed have not been reported. 
It is reasonable to assume that oxidation and hydrolysis arc the first 
steps. 
C1GH = CHAsC12 «• CaOCl2 H20 =>C1CH * CHAs03H2 * CaCl2 
Genoral Decontamination Procedures 
The reactions given above fora the basis of most of the decontam- 
ination procedures in use at present. The general effectiveness of 
chloride of line and its cheapness make it the agent of choice for chemical 
destruction of the vesicant gases on sites and articles when the effect 
of the decontamination agent is not a detoront. In many instances, how- 
ever, other decontaminating agents or procedures must be used in order to 
avoid harm to the material being decontaminated. An outline of the 
possible methods of decontamination is given below. 
A-0998-PH7-BU-COS-WP D ocontemination 
Removal 
Destruction 
Sealing 
Weathering; 
Hosing 
Burning 
Earth end 
Sand 
Sun 
Solvent 
Boiling 
Wind 
Mopping 
Chemical 
Agents 
Sodium 
Silicate 
Rain 
..Under weathering is found tho effect of the sun, wind, and rain, • 
The heat of tho sun will cause vaporization of the liquid'material from 
contaminated surfaces and dilution with air dissipates the toxic vapor 
with the aid of wind. Rain and moisture will rapidly decompose lewisite, 
but mustard is only slowly affected, • However, a contaminated area can be 
marked off as dangerous and decontamination will proceed naturally until 
after several weeks all of the gas in tho area will have been vaporized 
or decomposed by moisture. 
Sealing is another general method of decontamination. This is 
generally used as a temporary measure when it is desirable to keep a con- 
taminated area in use. Earth and sand can be used for ground areas, paths, 
and dirt roads. Brick work, concrete, arid plaster contaminated with 
liquid vesicants can bo treated with sodium silicate solution which will 
seal in the liquid and prevent its vaporization. This is a method of 
expediency and should not be used except in cases requiring a quick 
occupancy of the contaminated building. 
The third method of decontamination which can be employed is removal 
with an organic solvent or with water. Streets and concrete surfaces can 
bo vigorously hosed to wash off liquid vesicants. In the case of lewisite 
this will also decompose the chemical agent and wash off the product of 
hydrolysis. Any dichloroethyl sulfide removed in this manner, however, 
will collect in the bottom of the drains and in the bottom of pools near 
the building or area treated and evaporation of the water will permit this 
material to vaporize, causing a fresh contamination. Mopping can bo used 
for floors not equipped with drains but it is not particularly recommended. 
Metal objects which would be corroded by the use of bleaching powder 
can be wiped with rags wetted with kerosene or gasoline to dissolve the 
contaminant, The thin film of vesicant and solvent remaining can be 
removed by repeating the process several times. Solvent removal of the 
contaminant is satisfactory when care is used in the handling of tho rags 
containing tho dissolved vesicant. Frequently this method is used to 
remove the gross contamination, then a bleaching powder slurry is employed, 
and this is followed'by oil to prevent rusting. 
The most important of tho general decontamination procedures is 
destruction of tho contaminant by chemical means. This is the preferred 
method and is used unless the character of the contaminated item prevents 
its use. It has boon previously mentioned that chloride of lime is 
generally effective in destroying chemical agents. This is used in a 
4-0998-P118-BU-C0S-WP mixture with water to form a slurry or is mixed with earth and sand. 
Several other substances containing active chlorine can bo used when the 
contaminated articles would be destroyed or harmed by bleaching powder* 
These a,rc chlo r an in e -T, Clorox, and HTH, which in dilute solutions do 
not have the corrosive action of bleaching powder. Sodium sulfide can bo 
used for machinery and vehicles. Although there is no report on its 
effectiveness in destroying lewisite, it should react with this agent, 
The reaction of sodium sulfide with dichloroethyl disulfide has been 
above. Alkalies such as lye and washing soda in solution can also be 
used effectively to destroy lewisite. 
Burning is another chemical process for decontamination, Wooden 
parts badly soaked with mustard end lewisite can bo removed and burnca, 
and clothing and furniture if grossly contaminated should also be aes- 
troyed by burning. Care must be exercised in burning such materials, how- 
ever, as there is danger of producing a toxic concentration oi the vapors 
in tho surrounding atmosphere,. 
Boiling or steaming is effective in destroying both mustard^and 
lewisite and can be applied to clothing and many small metal articles. When 
clothing is steamed to remove lewisite, the product formed is still a. 
vcsicant and must bo removed by treatment with an activo cnlorine compouu 
or dilute alkali. 
Nitrogen mustards arc also decomposed by water, slowly at room 
temperature, more rapidly at higher temperatures. It may, therefore, bo 
presumed that decontamination by boiling or steaming would be effective 
in the decontamination of articles contaminated with tnese vesicants. 
In the material presented here no attempt has been made to provine 
specific methods which could be used in decontamination of all items tnat 
might become contaminated during a gas attack. All that has been attempte 
was to explain the chemistry involved in the decontamination procedures 
in use at present, and to outline those procedures in a general way so 
that they can be adapted to specific problems as they a.riso. 
References 
Sartori, Mario, The War Gasos (translation of tno Second Eaition by 
L, WT, Marrison), D. Van No strand Company, Inc,, Nov/ Yorx, 1939 
Willians, Douglas, Tho Decontamination of Buildings, J, Roy. 
Sanitary Institute, 6l, 167-70 (1911) 
Jacobs, Morris B., War Gasos, Their Identification and Decontam- 
ination, Interscience Publishers, Inc,, Nov/ York, New York, 1942 
A-0998-P119-N0BU-C0S-WP DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURES 
By R. R, McNary 
Kettering Laboratory of Applied Physiology 
College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 
The work of the decontamination squads is logically subdivided into 
the objects to be decontaminated such as streets, buildings, clothing, 
etc. First, however, let us consider briefly the personnel of the squads. 
Personnel 
Obviously individuals making up the decontamination squads must be 
trained and must be fully protected by special clothing, shoes, gloves, 
and gas mask. They should be inspected before commencing operations to 
insure that they are properly protected. Facilities should be provided 
for undressing and bathing after completion of their work, and the men 
should be taught to assist each other in removing protective clothing • 
without allowing it to touch the bare skin. Facilities for disposal or 
cleaning of contaminated do tiling should be provided. 
Decontamination Materials 
The materials most likely to be available for decontamination are; 
Earth vIncluding sand, ashes, soot, and sawdust) 
Water 
Chloride of lime 
Other suitable but less effective materials ares 
Sodium sulfide, 1% solution in water 
"Green solution," 1 lb, sodium bicarbonate dissolved in 1 
gallon sodium hypochlorite solution 
Materials for use in special cases ares 
Kerosene (gasoline) 
Aqua ammonia 
Chloramine T 
Decontamination Eguipment 
The recommended supply of equipment for a decontamination squad 
or civilian decontamination center consists of; 
4-0998-P121-BU-COS-WP 20 cans (50 lb. each) chloride of lime 
1 gallon lubricating oil, medium 
2 cans (5 gal, each) kerosene 
4 brushes, white wash (long handled) 
4 decontaminating apparatus, 3 gallon (pressure type) complete 
with paddle and funnel, M2 
1 box (12 tubes) impregnite, shoe, Ml 
10 yards cheesecloth, medium 2 feet wide 
6 shovels (long handled) 
4 rakes 
4 brushes, scrubbing 
4 picks or pick mattocks 
4 scythes or sickles 
4 brooms, stable 
8 brooms, common 
8 buckets, G,I., 14 quart 
1 can, galvanized, 15 gallon 
1 axe, single bit 
20 lb, rags, clean 
24 signs, "Danger — Gas" 
2 hoses, garden, 50 foot lengths 
25 lb, soap, issue 
4 oilers, with spout, -g- pint 
4 lanterns, kerosene 
6 flashlights 
1 screv/ driver, 6 inches 
4 curtains, gas-proof 
4-0998-P122-BU-C0S-WP In addition each squad should carry a first-aid kit consisting of? 
•g- lb. sodium bicarbonate 
3 lb. soap, issue 
■g- gallon kerosene 
4- oz, hydrogen peroxide — 3$ solution 
tt pint high tost bloach powder (mix in glass jar ono part bleaching 
powder with ono or two parts water) 
1 teaspoon 
3 medicine droppers in sterile gauze (for use as applicators) 
3 oz. 2$ sodium bicarbonate solution in w/ator 
Bleaching Powder 
The most useful neutralizing agent for both mustard and lewisite is 
bleaching powder, otherwise known as chloride of lime. This material is 
a white powder, not very stable, which readily gives up its chlorine when 
exposed to the air or moisture. Chlorine reacts with mustard to destroy 
it, but must bo brought into intimate contact with the gas. 
Bleaching powder should bo kept in air-tight containers until the 
moment of its use. Dry bleach should not bo placed directly upon liquid 
mustard gas because the chemical reaction which bakes place results in the 
evolution of heat and flame. This drives off- a high concentration of mus- 
tard vapor which may bo carried some distance by the wind, endangering 
people who would otherwise bo safe. In using bleach on mustard gas, the 
bleach is cither mixed with water as a paste or mixed with sand or earth. 
The use of bloach is affected by the percentage of available chlorine, 
which varies in the different types of bleach. Chloride of lime when 
freshly packed may have as much as 35$ available chlorine, Bloach with 
less than 15% available chlorine should not bo used except when none better 
is available. There are commercial compounds, under such name as H.T.H, 
and Perchloron, which contain as much as 70$ available chlorine. Also 
available arc commercial bleaching solutions such as Clorox and Zonito which 
contain from 5 to 15$ of available chlorine. 
In using a compound which varies from the standard of 30 to 35$ 
available chlorine, it is a safe rulo to combine with one part of bleach, 
one part of inert material for oach 10$ of available chlorine. Thus, 
with ono pound of 70$ H.T.H, or Perchloron, 7 pounds of earth may bo used; 
with ono pound of 30$ commercial chloride of lime, throo pounds of earthj 
and with one pound of 10$ chlorine, ono pound of earth. 
Slurry 
Slurry is a 50-50 mixture of. commercial 30$ chloride of lime and 
water. This proportion is obtained by mixing two gallons of water weighing 
i-0998-P123-BU-C0S-W? 16 pounds with three shovelfuls of bleach weighing about 16 pounds. With 
H.T.H, or Perchloron, one-half the amount (3 pounds) is mixed with two 
gallons of water. Thorough mixing to remove lumps is essential. First 
add about two quarts of water to the 16 pounds of bleach and work into a 
smooth paste; then add remaining water and stir thoroughly. 
Since one square yard of area requires one pound of chloride of lime 
for decontamination, the above amount, which fills a three gallon sprayer, 
will properly treat 16 to 20 square yards. 
The slurry is very corrosive to most metals and cotton fabrics. 
Therefore, it should never be used whore this corrosive action will cause 
excessive damage to material and equipment. Other less corrosive agents 
such as one per cent sodium sulfide, "Green Solution," chloramine T, or 
kerosene should bo substituted*, 
The mixing of slurry is not dangerous enough to necessitate wearing 
protective clothing, but this mixing is normally done at or near the con- 
taminated area. Consequently protective clothing is usually worn. 
Since chloride of lime is very corrosive, it must bo completely re- 
moved from the decontaminating equipment after use. To remove all traces, 
all spray apparatus, mixing buckets, brooms, and other pieces of equipment 
are washed in several changes of water. Hot soapy water will aid in the 
cleaning and a plentiful supply of strong laundry soap is an invaluable 
item in the supply list of a decontamination squad. 
Decontamination of Ground Areas 
The decontamination squad, even though fully protected with special 
clothing, should avoid all unnecessary contact with the liquid agent or 
vapor. The squad should approach a bomb crater from the upwind Side and 
commence spreading the neutralizing material at the edge of the contam- 
inated area. In the crater, the bleach mixture or whatever neutralizing 
substance is used should bo spaded into the soil to insure close contact 
with the gas. 
Pools of liquid mustard or lewisite or large visible splashes on 
ground or vegetation are rarely found. In most cases the mustard is only 
perceptible by its odor. The contamination is generally greatest in the 
bomb crater itself, while the area outside the crater is usually much more 
lightly contaminated. If this area contains high grass or brush which 
cannot be decontaminated as it stands, it should be cut down so that it 
can bo treated and disposed of. Neutralizing materials should bo most 
liberally applied to spots which are the most heavily contaminated. After 
the entire area is so treated it should be covered with a layer of fresh 
earth. All these facts should be borne in mind by the decontaminating 
detail. 
Decontaminating Streets and Roads 
Whether degassing work is practicable in the case of a contaminated 
stretch of road will depend upon the size of the affected area, the moans 
available, and the necessity for the work, whore drainage is assured, a 
contaminated hard-surfaced road may be rendered loss dangerous by wetting 
k-0998-P12^-BU-COS-WP it down with water| much of the contaminant, if it is mustard, will bo 
carried off in sowers and drainage ditches. Mustard gas will be decom- 
posed very slowly by this moans. The liquid mustard will sink to the 
bottom of pools and ditches end remain there in active form for a long time 
though the water seal will lessen the amount of mustard vapor given off. 
Consequently such a procedure is more applicable to roads and streets in 
eitics and towns whore ample drainage facilities exist. In any case, care 
should bo taken that such measures do not merely result in spreading the 
contamination. 
In the case of lewisite contamination of streets or roads, water 
will hydrolyze the gas but power flushing is needed to wash off solid 
hydrolyzatc, which is insoluble in water but is a contact vesicant. 
When time is limited, contaminated patches of paved road which cannot 
bo avoided may simply be covered with a layer of earth to render then 
comparatively safe for immediate passage over them. When time and 
facilities arc afforded, contaminated patches of paved road should bo 
covered with bleach paste and swabbed with it, A strong solution of bleach 
and water might bo used. The bleach should be allowed to stand for 24- 
hours if possible and then washed off with water. Dirt roads may be 
treated with bleach nixed with sane or earth. 
When available, a. tank truck with two spraying nozzles nay bo used 
on streets. Two men fully protected, as is the driver, ride on the front 
fenders and spray a 50-50 mixture of chloride of lime and water in advance 
of the truck. 
One tank load of slurry (1,600 lb, of chloride of lino and 200 gal, 
of water) can cover a gravel road B yards wide for a distance of 200 
yards. Since mustard and lewisite will not penetrate concrete or other 
smooth surface roads as rapidly as it does gravel, dirt, and cinder 
road surfaces, a larger area of the former (8 yards wide and 400 yards 
long) can bo decontaminated. 
If lewisite has been sprayed on a road it may bo destroyed by hosing 
it down with water, A high pressure hose is preferable, though the modern 
street flushing truck may be used for this task. The resultant product 
may be an arsenic compound which is poisonous and must bo washed away. 
If lewisite and mustard are mixed, the normal slurry load in the 
power driven apparatus will destroy both vesicants. 
Decontamination of Buildings 
Buildings may become contaminated through direct hits by gas bombs, 
by the spraying or sprinkling of chemical agents from airplanes, by toxic 
vapors blown from nearby areas, or by the entrance of persons wearing 
contaminated clothing, 
A grossly contaminated structure should be disposed of by burning if 
this can be done with safety. If it is so isolated that it will not 
become a source of danger because of the vapor escaping from it, the 
building may simply bo opened and marked with a danger sign. If it is not 
so isolated, the building should bo closed up tight (windows boarded up, etc) 
A-0998-P125-BU-C0S-WP and abandoned after a warning sign has been posted. If essential, because 
of the importance of the building and/or its dangerous location as a 
sourco of contamination, or because of the impossibility of sealing the 
doors and windows, decontamination operations should bo conducted. 
Buildings contaminated by vapor only can be cleaned by opening all 
windows and doors and allowing fresh air to circulate freely through 
thorn. In warn bright weather, the sunlight and wind will soon eradicate 
the vapor, II' ventilation is poor or if the weather is cool and cloudy, 
the mustard vapor may persist for a week or more. 
Materials suitable for decontamination of buildings aro the some 
as those used in the field, A mixture of 50% chloride of lino and 50% 
water by weight is best* 
Concrete or wooden floors readily absorb mustard and lewisite and 
should be covered with a layer of freshly prepared slurry by moans of 
brooms and loft for at least 24 hours. The slurry is then removed by 
scrubbing the floor with water (hot soapy water is preferable,) Badly 
contaminated floors and woodwork should bo torn out and replaced with new 
structure if practicable. 
Walls and ceilings of a building, if not too heavily contaminated 
with mustard, may bo neutralised by spraying and swabbing with slurry, a 
mixture of 50% chloride of lime and 50% water by weight. The 3-gallon 
decontaminating apparatus (pressure typo) is particularly suited for 
spraying walls end ceilings which cannot bo reached with brooms or brushes. 
After 24 hours, the walls and ceilings should bo washed with hot soapy 
water and the room or building aired for several hours. If mustard gas 
odors arc still present, the decontamination process should bo repeated. 
If a building is contaminated with lewisite alone, it can be decon- 
taminated with water, preferably with a high pressure hoso. The 
resulting compound is an arsenic poison and must b.; washed away. 
Heavily contaminated parts should be torn out and destroyed with 
fire. Mustard and lewisite soak into wood, plaster, wall paper, and 
concrete and aro extremely difficult to eradicate. The vapor from the 
absorbed gas is given off for a long time after the surface layer is 
removed. It may help to coat the walls, ceiling and floor with a thin 
solution of water glass (sodium silicate) after surfc.cc decontamination. 
The water glass hardens and seals in the vapors, but this is not 
necessarily a permanent treatment, especially on floors whore it will wear 
off. 
Decontamination of Household Furnishings 
Household furnishings nado of fabric such as curtains, draperies, 
linens, and rugs which are easily removed may be destroyed by burning or 
burying or they nay be decontaminated by the same methods indicated for 
clothing. Mattresses may be treated with steam in apparatus ordinarily 
used for disinfecting mattresses. This is effective for mustard. Since 
there is no record in the literature on the effect of steam on lewisite 
beyond, simple hydrolysis, stoam may be insufficient treatment in this case. 
4-0998-P126-BU-C0S-WP Upholstered furniture presents a difficult problem because the 
upholstery will soak up vapors of persistent gases as well as splashes of 
liquid agents. Decontamination is practically out of the question| hence, 
destruction by fire is normally carried out. 
Kitchen equipment made of metal may bo boiled in sodium sulfide or 
green solution or wiped off with kerosene followed by soap and water as 
described under machinery. 
Decontamination of Machinery 
Greasy or oily metal surfaces which have been contaminated with 
mustard or lewisite should first bo cleaned with kerosene or gasoline, 
(Careful, fire hazardJ) These solvents do not destroy the gases but 
dissolve thorn so that most of the poisonous material may bo removed. The 
very thin coating of contaminant remaining is then destroyed with steam, 
bleach paste, hot sodium sulfide, or Green Solution, The latter two arc 
loss corrosive than the bleach. After such treatment the surface should 
bo washed, dried, polished, and oiled. The rags,used should then be 
burned. 
Decontamination of Vehicles and Machinery 
Vehicles or other machinery may be decontaminated on the outside by 
slurry, followed by washing with hot soapy water. Bleach should not be 
used on the motors' of cars and other working parts because of its corrosive- 
ness, Such parts should bo treated in the same way as instruments, using 
alcohol or gasoline, hot water and soap, or -such other non-corrosive 
material as may be provided to remove the gas. Upholstery and other 
absorbent parts when contaminated should be torn out and burned. 
Decontamination of Clothing 
Clothing rnay be contaminated by vesicant agents such as mustard and 
lewisite end rendered dangerous to wear, either through direct contact with 
the liquid substance or through exposure to the toxic vapor. Liquid 
mustard and lewisite will penetrate ordinary clothing very quickly. Severe 
burns will result unless the contaminated clothing is imeuiaoely removed, 
or the contaminated portions cut away, and unless first-aid treatment is 
applied immediately thereafter to the affected parts of the body. 
In the case of exposure to mustard vapor, contamination is more gradual, 
the degree depending upon the concentration of the gas ana tne oime ox 
exposure, A very brief contact with mustard vapor might not cause contam- 
ination of clothing or produce a burn. On the other hand, clothing 
exposed to oven a low concentration ox mustard gas lor 1 hour '//ill oe so 
contaminated that burns would probably result from wearing it. 
In this connection, the highly insidious nature of mustard gas makes 
the protection problem a very difficult one. Vapor burns ao noo develop 
until several hours after contact and there is no pain or other immediate 
physicial indication of danger except the possible perception of the 
by its odorc The keenest sense of smell, however, gradually becomes fatigued 
by the odor of mustard gas so that after continued contact the odor may 
not, bo perceived at all. 
L-0998-P127-BU-C0S-WP It is evident that as a general rule of protection, whenever it is 
known that persons have been exposed to persistent gases they should bo 
removed as soon as possible from the contaminated area. They should bathe 
with hot water and soap raid put on fresh clothing if it is available. Other- 
wise their clothing should be decontaminated before it is worn again. 
Clothing contaminated only by the vapors of mustard nay bo decontam- 
inated by hanging up the garments so that they will be exposed to the sun 
and wind, in warm bright weather, two days’ airing will generally bo 
sufficient, Caro should be taken not to hang garments close together, 
especially not on top of one another. In cool weather this method should 
not bo relied on. Nor should this method bo used in the case of lewisite 
contamination since moisture of the atmosphere will hydrolyze the lewisite 
and leave an insoluble residue which is still vesicant on contact with 
the skin, 
A more positive method of destroying mustard gas in clothing is to 
subject it to steam. If contaminated with mustard vapor only, clothing 
nay be decontaminated by such treatment in 2 hours. If splashed with 
liquid mustard it. should be steamed for 4 to 6 hours. 
There is no accurate information available on the effect of steam 
on lewisite except that it causes simple hydrolysis* Consequently steam- 
ing of clothing cannot bo recommended until it has boon proved that no 
toxic residue remains. 
Various sorts of steam disinfectors can be improvised from materials, 
available on the spot. The simplest is merely a largo can provided with 
a false bottom. About 6 or o inches of water is placed in the can. The 
clothing is placed on the false bottom so that it does not touch the 
water. The can is covered but not so tightly as to prevent the escape of 
the steam. The capacity of such a disinfector can be increased by 
hanging additional clothing in an inverted canvas bag suspended over the 
com, the open end of the bag being tied about the sides of the can. 
Steaming, especially for wolion clothing, is much preferable to 
boiling. 
If a cylinder of chlorine and a suitable tube are available, the 
steam decontamination process can bo accelerated. The clothing is hung in 
a suspended inverted canvas bag, the open end of tho sack being tied or 
dram together. Chlorine from the cylinder is run in at the top by means 
of a rubber tube or a pipe. The sack from time to time is shaken to insure 
contact between the chlorine and all the clothing. 
Vapor-contaminated clothing should be treated with chlorine in this 
manner for 10 to 15 minutes and then steamed for half an hour. If 
splashed with liquid mustard the chlorine treatment should be given for 
30 minutes followed by one hour’s steaming. 
If chlorine is used, it is essential that it be applied first and M 
the stoexi afterward. If this process is reversed, results will not be ■ 
satisfactory. fl 
4-0998-P128-BU-COS-WP VJhon clothing which has boon splashed with liquid mustard gas is-, 
removed from the chlorine, a fduo whitish crystalline -substance will be 
seen on the cloth at the places whore it was splashed. This substance 
is the reaction product of liquid mustard and chlorine and should bo brushed 
off before the garments arc steamed. If such a substance is noted when ' 
treating clothing which was believed to have boon exposed to mustard 
vapor only, its presence is a certain indication that the clothing was 
actually splashed with the liquid agent. The clothing should then bo. 
treated accordingly, 
A considerable amount of clothing may be treated with chlorine at 
one time if hung in a tightly closed room, tent, or dugout, in which 
chlorine can bo released. This method should not bo attempted without 
expert operators end unless there is no danger of persons in the vicinity 
being gassed when the enclosure is opened. 
The method of sending men wearing gas masks into a chlorine chamber 
for chlorine treatment of the clothing they are wearing is not recommended, 
3h no case should such a method bo undertaken without supervision of an 
export who is able to gauge and control the concentration of gas in the. 
chamber. In any case, this method is not highly effective. 
Another method of do contamination is to place the contaminated 
clothing in a receptacle containing a solution of sodium carbonate (soda 
ash, washing soda). The proportion should be % lb, of soda to each 
gallon of water. This should be hoatea t-_. about SO0 G, (loO°F) for about 
2 hours. Do not allow to boil. Such treatment will cause some .deter- 
ioration of woolen cloth but will not harm cotton. This method is 
effective for lc• aisito as well as mustard, 
Little, if anything, can be done in the way of decontamination of 
shoes which are permeated with mustard. If the mustard has splashed 
only lightly and if it has not yet soaked into the leather, it may be 
neutralized by applying bleach or bleach paste. As a safety precaution 
it would be well for men subjected to mustard gas to shuffle their feet 
from time to time through a mixture of bleach and dry earth or sand. 
It is noteworthy that well-worn shoe leather absorbs mustard gas much 
more quickly than new. 
Chloramine T, when available, is useful for the decontamination of 
clothing containing mustard since the reaction is milder. However, 
details of its use arc not available. Hi .her cost is also a disadvantage. 
Ordinary dig7' cleaning will not suffice for treating contaminated 
clothes. 
Personnel engaged in decontamination of clothing should wear gas 
masks and protective suits. They should not touch contaminated garments 
with their bare hands. 
L-0998-P129-BU-C0S-WP Papers. Documents, etc, 
Papers, documents, etc, may be stored in an enclosed space for 
several days and treated with gaseous ammonia to remove mustard gas. If 
soaking with water will not destroy thorn, 1% sodium sulfide for mustard 
and sodium carbonate solution for lewisite is more effective. Only veiy 
important paper articles should be decontaminated| others should be 
burned- 
Jacobs, Morris B,, War Gases, Their Identification and Decontam- 
ination, Interscience Publishers, Inc,, New York, Nov/ York, 1942 
Prentiss, Austin M,, Chemicals in War, McGrow Hill Book Coupany, 
Now York, New York, 1937 
Sartori, Mario, Tn War Gases (translation of the Second Edition by 
L. W. Marrison), D. Van Nostrand Company, Inc., New York, Now York, 1939 
Protection Against Gas, United States Office of Civilian Defense, 
Washington, D, C, * 
A Handbook for Decontamination Squads, United States Office of 
Civilian Defense, Washington, D. C. 
Reforoneos 
h-0998-P130-Finai-BU-C0S-WP OFFICE OF CIVILIAN DEFENSE 
WASHINGTON, D. C. 
Issued: January 11, 1943. 
Effective ; Immediately. 
7 PAGES 
OPERATIONS LETTER NO. 104 
(Supplement No. 3 to Operations Letter No. 42) 
Supersedes OCD Publication 220G, which was a tentative outline prepared for dis- 
cussion at Gas Specialist Course at War Department Civilian Protection Schools 
To: Regional Directors. 
From : James M. Landis, Director. 
Subject: Duties of U. S. Citizens Defense Corps in Gas Defense. 
Special Distribution Instructions : To all State and Local Defense Councils. Attention: 
State Gas Consultants and Senior Gas Officers. 
This operations letter details the duties of 
the State Gas Consultant, the Senior (local) 
Gas Officer and his staff, and describes the 
additional duties which units of the U. S. Citi- 
zens Defense Corps must assume in the gas 
protection program. 
The duties before, during, and after a gas 
attack of all such personnel are as follows : 
State Gas Consultant 
(Duties should be authorized under the authority 
of the State Defense Council) 
Duties before gas attack: 
1. Provide technical advice to State De- 
fense Council in all matters relating to pro- 
tection of civilians within the State against, 
war gases. 
2. Organize the State gas defense program 
and provide technical advice to Senior Gas 
Officers, through Commanders 'of the U. S. 
Citizens Defense Corps, in the organization 
of their local gas defense programs. 
3. Make recommendations to the State De- 
fense Council in regard to funds necessary for 
the organization and operation of the gas de- 
fense program, including a contingent fund 
for use in an emergency. 
4. Plan the gas defense educational pro- 
gram for civilian protection personnel in 
cooperation with the U. S. Office of Civilian 
Defense, State and local authorities, and 
assist in its execution. 
5. Determine the availability and location 
of all decontaminating materials. 
6. Recommend technical qualifications and 
urge the appointment of qualified Senior Gas 
Officers by Commanders of the local U. S. 
Citizens Defense Corps. 
7. Assist Senior Gas Officers, through local 
Commanders of the U. S. Citizens Defense 
Corps, to determine the amount and nature of 
necessary equipment and to procure it. 
8. Inform Senior Gas Officers of the loca- 
tion of the Chemical Warfare Service or other 
laboratories where samples of gas are to be 
sent. 
Duties during gas attack: 
1, Be available for consultation with local 
Commanders and through them to Senior Gas 
Officers, by telephone or other method of 
communication. 
Duties after gas attack: 
1. Consult, through local Commanders of 
the U. S. Citizens Defense Corps, with Senior 
Gas Officers of attacked areas, to ascer- 
4-0882 PI of 7 bu-eos-tr-wp tain effectiveness of gas protection program 
and modifications necessary for protection 
against future attacks. Receive reports from 
local Commanders and transmit reports to 
Regional Office of OCD. 
Senior Gas Officer 
(Duties should be authorized under direction of the 
Commander of the U. S. Citizens Defense Corps) 
Duties before gas attack: 
1. Develop and organize a gas defense pro- 
gram for the local community under the 
authority of the Commander of the U. S. Citi- 
zens Defense Corps. This will include ap- 
pointment of necessary assistants as described 
in Operations Letter No. 91 (Operations Let- 
ter No. 42, Supplement No. 2). 
2. Study the meteorological and topo- 
graphical features of his area and their possi- 
ble relationships to gas attack. This may 
be based on reports of gas reconnaissance 
agents. 
3. Plan and execute a training program for 
the technical instruction of protection per- 
sonnel actively concerned with gas defense 
in cooperation with the U. S. Office of Civilian 
Defense, State, and local authorities. 
4. Make recommendations to the Com- 
mander in regard to funds necessary for the 
organization and operation of the Gas De- 
fense Program, including a contingent fund 
for use in an emergency. 
5. Determine the amount and nature of 
necessary equipment and supplies and ar- 
range for their procurement and storage in 
appropriate locations and their issue to all 
services. 
6. Arrange for issue of detector materials 
and instruct reconnaissance agents in placing 
indicators. _ 
7. Develop lay educational programs to 
promote and maintain civilian morale, and 
educate the public in self-aid against gas with 
cooperation of the Chief of Emergency Medi- 
cal- Service (Operations Letter No. 46). 
8. Arrange in cooperation with the Air 
Raid Warden Service for the development of 
an adequate gas alarm system and for the 
education of the public concerning recogni- 
tion of such alarms. 
9. Organize laboratory services for the de- 
tection and identification of war gases. This 
should be provided in cooperation with the 
Local Health Department as described in the 
section on Health Department. 
10. Cooperate with and supply technical as- 
sistance to the Chiefs of the various services 
of the U. S. Citizens Defense Corps in organ- 
izing their services and training their per- 
sonnel in gas defense. 
11. Assign an Assistant Gas Officer to each 
divisional and district control center. 
12. Assign Gas Reconnaissance Agents to 
each zone warden’s post. The air-raid war- 
den’s zone is the area of operation of the Gas 
Reconnaissance Agent. Where warden zones 
have not been established according to OCD 
recommendations, one Gas Reconnaissance 
Agent should serve an area containing a pop- 
ulation of approximately 25,000. 
13. Supervise the Laundry Officer in the 
organization of facilities for the collection, 
transportation, decontamination or destruc- 
tion, and redistribution of clothing. 
Duties during gas attack: 
1. Report at the main Control Center and 
serve as technical adviser in gas defense to 
the Commander and the individual services. 
2. Recommend to the Commander the dis- 
patching of a Gas Reconnaissance Agent from 
a zone warden post to area from which gas is 
reported. 
3. On the basis of reports of the Gas Recon- 
naissance Agents, make decisions and advise 
in regard tcv; 
A. Presence of gas. 
B. Nature of the gas used. 
C. Areas to be delineated, policed, and 
evacuated. 
D. Areas requiring immediate decontami- 
nation, and the order of their priority. 
4. Provide information to the Commander 
regarding the presence and location of gas 
and the integration of the activities of the 
various services concerned with gas defense. 
Duties after gas attack: 
1. Appraise and evaluate the extent and 
amount of contamination remaining, recom- 
mend to the Commander which areas should 
4-0882 P2 bu bo decontaminated and the order of their 
priority and which should be left for weath- 
ering. Recommend when decontaminated 
areas may safely be opened for the public. 
This will be based on information supplied by 
the Gas Reconnaissance Agent. 
2. Confer with Chiefs of all Services of the 
U. 3- Citizens Defense Corps in order to de- 
termine the effectiveness of the protection 
provided to and by those services in the previ- 
ous gas attack, and discuss plans for improve- 
ment of gas defense. 
3. Make an inventory of the protective 
equipment available for use in future attacks 
and obtain additional equipment as neces- 
sary. Experience may require new items of 
equipment as well as replacements. 
4. Obtain reports of laboratory analysis of 
gas samples and advise Health Department 
and other Services regarding action to be 
taken. Make certain that samples are for- 
warded to Chemical Warfare Service or other 
laboratory as necessary. 
5. Integrate reports of gas reconnaissance 
agents and of other protection personnel in 
regard to gas incidents in a report for the 
Commander. 
Assistant Gas Officers 
Duties before gas attack: 
Assist Senior Gas Officer in his several 
duties. 
Duties during gas attack: 
1, Report to divisional or district control 
center and serve in capacity similar to that 
of Senior Gas Officer at main control center. 
2. Report periodically to Senior Gas Offi- 
cer and obtain instructions from him. 
Duties after gas attack: 
Same as before. 
Gas Reconnaissance Agent 
Duties before gas attack: 
1. Study the meteorological and topo- 
graphical feature of his area and their possi- 
ble relationships to gas attack. 
2. Prepare painted surfaces and issue them 
to each sector post when ordered to do so by 
the Senior Gas Officer, and maintain them 
following distribution. 
3. Acquaint himself with the air-raid war- 
dens in the area and, upon their request, 
provide technical assistance to them in the 
instruction of residents in preparation 
against gas attack. 
Duties during gas attack: 
1. Report for duty at designated post. 
2. When directed from Control Center, 
proceed to suspicious area, verify or disprove 
the presence of gas and identify any chem- 
ical agents with the assistance of chemical 
detectors. 
3. Check and correct, if necessary, actions 
taken by air-raid wardens in regard to gas 
attack. 
4. Make report of incident to the Control 
Center. Report should include a statement 
as to the presence or absence of gas, nature of 
gas, boundaries of contaminated areas, and 
recommendations for decontamination and 
evacuation. 
5. Collect sample of gas for transmission 
to laboratory for analysis. 
6. Check the posting of gas warning signs 
at contaminated areas. 
7. Provide technical assistance to wardens 
on request in advising citizens in evading gas 
and the use of masks. 
8. Assist in the control of panic. 
9. Provide technical supervision of the 
emergency decontamination of the strategic 
areas as ordered from the Control Center. 
Duties after gas attack: 
1. Obtain information as to the extent and 
amount of contamination in his area and 
make written report to Senior Gas Officer. 
2. Assist Senior Gas Officer in designating 
contaminated areas and in determining the 
areas to be decontaminated, the order of their 
priority, and the areas to be allowed to 
weather. 
3. Under the authority of the Senior Gas 
Officer advise the air-raid warden as to the 
desirability of removing individuals from 
structures within the gassed area, and supply 
him with technical advice as to the means 
by which individuals may be removed. 
4-0882 P3 bu 4. Inspect decontaminated areas, build- 
ings, machinery, and vehicles (including 
chemical tests) to see that decontamination 
is adequate and recommend to the Senior Gas 
Officer the removal of restrictions. 
Laundry Officer 
Duties before gas attack: 
1. Prepare plans under the supervision of 
the Senior Gas Officer for the collection, 
transportation, decontamination or destruc- 
tion, and redistribution of clothing. This 
should include protective clothing. 
2. Assist the Senior Gas Officer in educat- 
ing the public in procedures for the home de- 
contamination of clothing contaminated with 
vapor. 
3. Supervise the training of personnel and 
the preparation of designated laundries to 
handle and decontaminate clothing, including 
protective clothing. 
Duties during gas attack: 
None. 
Duties after gas attack: 
1. Provide for the collection, transporta- 
tion, decontamination or destruction, and re- 
distribution of contaminated clothing. This 
should include protective clothing. 
2. Decontamination of laundry interiors, 
trucks, and any other necessary areas or 
objects, under the supervision of the Chief of 
Public Works. 
3. Assist civilian population in cooperation 
with air-raid warden in decontaminating 
clothing contaminated with vapor. 
Commander 
Duties before gas attack: 
1. Plan with the technical assistance of the 
Senior Gas Officer for the changes that a gas 
attack would necessitate in operation of the 
protection services of a community. 
Duties during gas attack: 
1. Administer and coordinate defense 
against gas on the basis of the technical ad- 
vice of the Senior Gas Officer. 
Duties after gas attack: 
1. Administer and coordinate defense 
against gas on the basis of the technical ad- 
vice of the Senior Gas Officer and provide that 
such defense will be effective against future 
attacks. 
Incident Officer 
Duties before gas attack: 
1. Under direction of the Commander ac- 
quaint himself with the duties and responsi- 
bilities of the Senior Gas Officer and Gas 
Reconnaissance Agents, and the special duties 
of all units of the Citizens Defense Corps dur- 
ing a gas attack. 
Duties during gas attack: 
1. With the advice of the Gas Reconnais- 
sance Agent, regulate the scope of operations 
of the services present within the gassed area. 
2. Consult with the Gas Reconnaissance 
Agent at the site of the incident, and assist 
the latter to establish “gas limits” (similar 
to fire lines) beyond which the public shall 
not approaach. 
Duties after gas attack: 
1. As a part of his report to the Com- 
mander, include a statement of the operations 
of the units present under conditions of gas 
exposure and recommend necessary changes 
to the Commander and Senior Gas Officer. 
Air-Raid Warden 
Duties before gas attack: 
1. Store and care for his personal protec- 
tive equipment. 
2. Provide for a supply of water in sector 
post for emergency cleansing. 
3. Advise residents of sector in regard to 
gas protection and use of gas masks. 
4. Be familiar with gas protection plans of 
each household in sector. 
5. Maintain a list at sector post of homes 
in sector to which persons needing self-aid 
may be admitted. 
Duties during gas attack: 
1. Place paint detector surface, distributed 
by Gas Reconnaissance Agent, outside the 
post at sound of air-raid warning. 
4 
4-0882 P4 bu 2. Suspect presence of chemical agent and 
report suspicion to the Control Center. 
3. Don gas mask and sound gas alarm if 
presence of gas is strongly suspected and keep 
people indoors until danger has passed. 
4. Rope off contaminated areas as deline- 
ated by Gas Reconnaissance Agent. 
5. Inform Gas Reconnaissance Agent re- 
garding the presence of people in buildings 
and assist in the removal of persons from 
buildings unsafe for occupancy. 
6. With the technical assistance of a Gas 
Reconnaissance Agent advise citizens con- 
cerning the methods of evading gas and the 
use of a mask in the attack. 
7. Direct contaminated persons to places in 
sector where they may administer self-aid. 
8. Provide gas casualties with all possible 
assistance and treatment, including eye irri- 
gation, without exposing himself to danger- 
ous contamination. 
9. Notify Control Center of occurrence of 
gas casualties. 
10. On advice of Gas Reconnaissance Agent 
notify householders that it is safe to leave 
their homes after a gas attack. 
11. Cleanse himself at sector post or other 
suitable location when necessary. 
Duties after gas attack: 
1. Check on materials available for protec- 
tion against further attacks and obtain neces- 
sary replacements. 
2. Assist Laundry Officer in the collection 
of contaminated clothing and its distribution 
after decontamination, and in the education 
of civilians in the handling and decontamina- 
tion of clothing contaminated with vapor. 
3. Assist persons returning to the sector 
after it has been decontaminated. 
Police Services 
Duties before gas attack: 
1. Store and care for his personal protec- 
tive equipment. 
Duties during gas attack: 
1. Police contaminated areas. 
2. Assist in removing persons from areas 
designated by Commander on recommenda- 
tion of Senior Gas Officer. 
Duties after gas attack: 
1. Police contaminated areas. 
2. Assist in removing persons from areas 
designated by Commander on recommenda- 
tion of Senior Gas Officer. 
3. Assist in the reoccupation of decontami- 
nated areas. 
Fire Services 
Duties before gas attack: 
1. Store and care for his personal protec- 
tive equipment. 
Duties during gas attack: 
1. Provide self-protection consistent with 
minimal interruption in fire defense. 
2. Protect fire-fighting equipment against 
contamination. 
3. Send contaminated vehicles and equip- 
ment vitally needed during the gas attack 
to vehicle decontamination facilities under 
supervision of public works. 
4. Perform self-cleansing at cleansing sta- 
tions or elsewhere when necessary. 
Duties after gas attack: 
1. Provide personnel and equipment for 
removing liquid contamination with water 
on request of Commander. 
2. Check on materials and equipment avail- 
able for protection against further attacks 
and obtain' necessary replacements. 
Emergency Medical Service 
Duties before gas attack: 
1. Plan with assistance of Senior Gas Offi- 
cer for the establishment of gas -cleansing 
stations for cleansing gassed patients with 
other injuries and for cleansing of civilian 
protection personnel. Each hospital of 150 
beds or more should be provided with a 
cleansing station. Cleansing stations should 
be available in the ratio of one per 50,000 
population and should be located at smaller 
hospitals or casualty stations where 150-bed 
hospitals are not available in this ratio. 
2. Recruit, train, and assign personnel to 
gas cleansing stations for cleansing services. 
3. Provide instruction, in cooperation with 
5 
4-0882 P5 bu the Senior Gas Officer, for general public and 
civilian protection personnel in self-protec- 
tion and self-cleansing (Operations Letter 
46). 
4. Provide for instruction of physicians in 
diagnosis and treatment of chemical casual- 
ties. 
5. Assist hospitals in planning for han- 
dling of gas casualties. 
6. Assure adequate distribution of protec- 
tive clothing and gas masks and other pro- 
tective equipment to members of mobile 
medical teams and train personnel in their 
use. 
7. Make provision for training drivers of 
ambulances and sitting case cars in protection 
of their equipment against liquid-gas contam- 
ination; inform them of arrangements for 
vehicle decontamination by Emergency Pub- 
lic Works Service. 
8. Arrange for the protection from con- 
tamination of the equipment used to trans- 
port contaminated casualties insofar as it is 
possible. 
Duties during gas attack: 
1. Upon advice of the Senior Gas Officer 
and under the orders of the Commander, man 
the gas cleansing stations. 
2. Advise other services of the U. S. Citi- 
zens Defense Corps in regard to first-aid 
cleansing of their personnel. 
3. Assign a mobile medical team to gas 
cleansing stations for first aid. 
Duties after gas attack: 
1. Evaluate the effectiveness of the cleans- 
ing procedures which have been used. 
2. Provide follow-up treatment of patients. 
3. Prepare inventory of protective equip- 
ment available for use in future attacks and 
obtain additional equipment as necessary. 
4. Cleanse bodies of the dead to facilitate 
identification. 
Local Health Department 
Duties before gas attack: 
1. Provide for analyses for war gases in 
samples of food and water. These tests may 
be performed in a local health department if 
laboratory facilities are adequate. In such 
case it is desirable to utilize the same labora- 
tory facilities for the analysis for war gases 
of air and other materials. Where labora- 
tory facilities other than those of the local 
health department are more suitable for use 
in the analysis of war gases, arrangements 
should be made by the local health department 
for the analysis of samples of water and food. 
2. Advise the Senior Gas Officer regarding 
the nature of instructions to the public con- 
cerning precautions to be taken in the event 
of water-supply contamination. Such in- 
structions are to be promulgated by the health 
officer. 
3. Cooperate with waterworks officials in 
planning for the protection and decontamina- 
tion of the water supply. 
Duties during gas attack: 
1. Collect samples of food and water for 
laboratory analysis if contamination is sus- 
pected. 
2. Inform the public regarding contamina- 
tion of food and water supplies, including 
recommendations in regard to self-protection. 
Duties after gas attack: 
1. Decontaminate, destroy, or otherwise 
provide for the handling and disposal of con- 
taminated food supplies. 
2. Assist the waterworks-in the treatment 
of contaminated water supplies. 
3. Advise the Senior Gas Officer in regard 
to the safety of the public water and food 
supplies and inform the public regarding con- 
tamination of such supplies, and methods of 
dealing with it. 
4. Obtain reports of analyses of samples 
of water or food and take appropriate action. 
Save specimens of contaminated water and 
food for transmission whenever necessary to 
a Chemical Warfare Service or other labora- 
tory, by the Senior Gas Officer. 
Public Works 
Duties before gas attack: 
1. Organize decontamination squads. 
2. Arrange for provision of decontaminat- 
ing equipment and materials and for their 
storage and issue. 
4-0882 P6 bu 3. Designate suitable filling stations and 
garages for decontamination of vehicles. 
Personnel of designated facilities may be en- 
rolled in the decontamination service. 
4. With advice of Senior Gas Officer train 
and instruct decontamination service per- 
sonnel. 
Duties during gas attack: 
1. Perform emergency decontamination of 
critical facilities (e. g., hospitals), emergency 
vehicles (e. g., ambulances), areas where res- 
cue is required, and vital machinery, accord- 
ing to priority as assigned by the Commander 
upon recommendation of the Senior Gas 
Officer. 
Duties after gas attack: 
1. Decontaminate streets, buildings, areas, 
machinery, and vehicles in the order of pri- 
ority assigned by the Commander, upon 
recommendation of the Senior Gas Officer. 
Public Utilities 
(Including Public Transportation Services) 
Duties before gas attack: 
1. In consultation with Senior Gas Officer 
arrange for personal and collective protection 
of personnel required to operate vital facili- 
ties such as switchboards, power plants, 
pumping stations, and control centers. 
Duties during gas attack: 
1. Perform emergency decontamination of 
areas and objects whenever necessary to 
maintain or restore service. 
Duties after gas attack: 
1. Decontaminate public transport ve- 
hicles, equipment, and gassed areas in which 
utilities are to be repaired. 
Transportation Services 
(Including Drivers) 
Duties before gas attack: 
1. Store and care for his personal protec- 
tive equipment. 
Duties during gas attack: 
1. Protect interior of vehicles and drivers 
against contamination insofar as possible. 
2. Be on alert for contamination of vehicles 
and deliver contaminated vehicles which are 
immediately necessary to designated vehicle- 
decontamination facilities operated under su- 
pervision of public works. 
Duties after gas attack: 
1. Arrange return of vehicles after decon- 
tamination. 
Emergency Welfare Services 
Provide emergency food and housing for 
persons removed from contaminated areas. 
(This will not involve technical knowledge of 
chemical agents.) 
4-0882 P7 nobu-flnal OFFICE OF CIVILIAN DEFENSE 
WASHINGTON. D. C. 
2 PAGES 
Issued: January 20,194S. 
Effective: Immediately. 
OPERATIONS LETTER NO. 106 
To: Regional Directors. 
FROM; James M. Landis, Director. 
Subject : Care and Distribution of Gas Masks. 
Special Distribution Instructions : State and local Defense Councils for the special atten- 
tion of States and communities to which gas masks have been allocated. 
Adult noncombatant masks are now being 
shipped from manufacturers and U. S. Office 
of Civilian Defense Supply Depots to com- 
munities which have received allocations of 
masks and have returned, properly executed, 
OCD Form No. 501. These will be in assorted 
sizes as follows: 9 percent large adult, 76 
percent medium adult, and 15 percent child 
(small adult). Additional masks amounting 
to 5 percent of the total number allocated are 
being sent with each shipment for training 
use. The sizes of these will be assorted as 
follows: 25 percent large adult, 50 percent 
medium adult, and 25 percent child (small 
adult). 
Valuable and critical materials are used in 
the manufacture of gas masks. Hence, care 
must be exercised in their handling, distribu- 
tion, and storage in order that the usefulness 
of the present limited supply may be pre- 
served as long as possible. , 
It is recommended that 5 percent of the 
masks other than those designated for train- 
ing purposes be held in reserve by the Local 
Property Officer and that broken and defec- 
tive masks and those with exhausted canisters 
be replaced from this reserve. It is recom- 
mended that the remainder, other than those 
designated for training purposes, be distrib- 
uted to the protective services in communi- 
ties, in accordance with “Regulations No. 1, 
Governing Loans of Equipment and Supplies 
to Civil Authorities” (paragraph 7c) approx- 
imately as follows: * Per. 
cent 
Staff (Service Chiefs, Incident Officers, Senior 
Gas Officers, Gas Reconnaissance Agents, 
Chief Technical Intelligence Officer, Water- 
works Officer and assistants, Health Officer 
and assistants. Messengers, Drivers, non- 
medical) 12.5 
Fire Service (Regular and Auxiliary Firemen) 10.5 
Police Service (Regular and Auxiliary Police- 
men) 18.5 
Air Raid Wardens Service (Wardens, Fire 
Guards) . 30.0 
Rescue Service 1.5 
Medical Service (Member of Emergency Med- 
ical Field Units, Stretcher Teams, Ambulance 
and Sitting Case Car Drivers, Cleansing Sta- 
tion Personnel) 12.5 
Public Works (Decontamination Personnel and 
other regular and emergency personnel re- 
quired in gassed areas). 9.0 
Public Utilities (all municipal and private util- 
ity personnel whose services are essential for 
emergency repairs in gassed areas or main- 
tenance of operation of utilities during gas 
attack) 5.5 
* These percentages are set forth as a rough guide 
in distribution. Variations may be necessary to suit 
local conditions. 
It is recommended that approximately 20 
percent of the number allocated to each serv- 
ice be stored by that service in places readily 
available to it, as for example, Police Sta- 
tions, Fire Stations, Sector Wardens’ Posts, 
Hospital and Casualty Stations serving as as- 
sembly points for medical teams, Rescue 
4-1127 bu-wp sultant who may, in turn, request aid from the 
Regional Director of the U. S. Office of 
Civilian Defense. 
Repair of masks is not to be attempted 
locally except in case of extreme necessity. 
Broken and defective masks or those with 
exhausted canisters should be collected by the 
Local Property Officer and returned, prefer- 
ably in lots of 20 or more, to the nearest U. S. 
Office of Civilian Defense Supply Depot listed 
below for repair and replacement: 
Salt Lake City, Utah: 341 Pierpont 
Avenue. 
Chicago, Illinois: 1750 Wrightwood 
Avenue. 
Fitchburg, Massachusetts: Willow 
Street. 
Hanover, Pennsylvania. 
Birmingham, Alabama: 503 South 22nd 
Street (Long Furniture Manufactur- 
ing Co.). 
When a Local Property Officer has masks 
which he wishes to return he should so notify 
the nearest Depot Commander who will then 
send shipping instructions and a Government 
Bill of Lading which will authorize the trans- 
portation of the damaged masks without 
expense to the locality. 
After use, masks should not be worn by 
another individual ivithout proper steriliza- 
tion. Instructions for sterilization are given 
in Office Of Civilian Defense publication, 
“Protection Against Gas.” In addition to 
formaldehyde, as recommended, certain ger- 
micides such as dimethyl benzyl alkyl am- 
monium chloride (sold under various trade 
names such as Roccal, Zephiran, etc.) or 
closely related neutral substances can be used 
for sterilization. Every mask must be ster- 
ilized by the trainee upon conclusion of the 
drill class and before the mask is returned 
to the instructor in charge. 
Depots, Public Works, and Public Utilities 
Warehouse. Storage must be in a cool, dry 
place and masks should be kept from contact 
with sunlight, oils, or corrosive liquids and 
vapors. This increment of masks should be 
held as a reserve and should not be assigned 
to individuals. It is important that this re- 
serve be decentralized as a safeguard against 
fire or bombing and also to permit rapid 
distribution in case of an emergency. 
The remaining 80 percent allocated to the 
services may be issued to individuals in the 
services but should not be carried by them 
during their daily activities. These masks 
should be kept at the posts where the indi- 
viduals will assemble during drills or enemy 
action. Under no circumstances should 
masks be assigned to individuals before they 
have received training in their use and care, 
including proper storage. 
The Commander of the Local U. S. Citizens 
Defense Corps, through his Senior Gas Offi- 
cer, should immediately arrange a gas mask 
training program for those to whom masks 
are to be issued. If no Senior Gas Officer has 
been appointed, steps should be taken to ap- 
point one in accordance with Operations 
Letters 42 and 91. Training should follow 
the Outline for Gas Defense A in Office 
of Civilian Defense publication Training 
Courses for Civilian Protection. Protection 
Against Gas, also published by the Office ol 
Civilian Defense, contains valuable informa- 
tion on training and maintenance. 
In this training program, the Commander 
and Senior Gas Officer of the Local U. S. 
Citizens Defense Corps should utilize the 
services of individuals in the community who 
have attended the War Department Civilian 
Protection Schools. If there are no qualified 
individuals in the community, assistance 
should be sought from the State Gas Con- 
4-1127 bu-final OFFICE OF CIVILIAN DEFENSE 
WASHINGTON. D. C. 
1 PAGE 
Issued: April 8, 1943. 
Effective: Immediately. 
OPERATIONS LETTER No. 124 
(Supplement No. 4 to Operations Letter No. 42) 
To: Regional Directors, 
From: James M. Landis, Director. 
Subject: Gas Cleansing Stations. 
Special Distribution Instructions: To State and Local Defense Councils and Hospital Administrators. 
1. In order to avoid confusion in use of the term 
'’decontamination,” it is recommended that the term 
be reserved for areas and objects and that hereafter 
the removal of vesicant liquids from persons be termed 
"gas cleansing.” The facilities established for this 
purpose will be called "gas cleansing stations.” 
2. The primary purpose of these facilities is the pro- 
tection of hospitals and casualty stations and their 
staffs and patients from contamination by injured per- 
sons who have been exposed to vesicant agents. Con- 
taminated persons, including Citizens Defense Corps 
members, who are not disabled, are expected to cleanse 
themselves in nearby private homes or other local 
facilities. 
3. In large cities in the target areas, it is recom- 
mended that cleansing stations be provided at or adja- 
cent to hospitals in the ratio of one station for 50,000 
inhabitants. A station should be provided at every 
hospital that has 150 beds or more, and if this does 
not bring the number up to the recommended ratio, 
additional stations should be established at smaller 
hospitals or casualty stations. At least one station 
should be established in every city of 25,000 or more 
in the target areas. 
4. Under present conditions of scarcity of mate- 
rials and manpower, construction of new facilities is 
generally not justified. Cleansing stations should be 
established in connection with casualty receiving 
hospitals by conversion of sufficient existing facili- 
ties to cleanse persons who are both injured and 
contaminated. 
The necessity of using available establishments and 
materials and avoiding requests for priorities for con- 
struction of new facilities cannot be emphasized too 
greatly. Materials such as pipe, fittings, and shower 
heads must be obtained in the community from avail- 
able stocks and from suppliers of used and reclaimed 
equipment. 
5. The chief of Emergency Medical Service and 
the senior gas officer should assist hospital superin- 
tendents in planning their cleansing facilities. In 
hospitals the facilities which should prove suitable for 
conversion to cleansing stations, roughly in the order 
of preference, are hydrotherapy rooms, nurses’ or 
internes’ locker and shower rooms, part of the out- 
patient department, garages, or other separate struc- 
tures. In the event these are not available, facilities 
must be arranged in nearby schools, gymnasiums, 
swimming pools, shower rooms, club houses, and com- 
munity centers. 
Plans should be fully made for immediate estab- 
lishment and equipment of necessary gas cleansing 
stations in event of need. It is desirable that each 
large community establish without delay at least one 
gas cleansing station for training purposes. 
6. Cleansing stations should be equipped to take 
care of one-third to one-half of the hourly casualty 
receiving capacity of the hospital to be served. The 
professional staff will consist of mobile medical teams 
assigned when the station is activated, supplemented 
by an additional staff of attendants to assist in undress- 
ing the injured, moving stretchers, caring for clothing 
and valuables, maintaining supplies, and dressing 
wounds. A detailed description of the operation of 
a typical gas cleansing station will be provided shortly 
as a Medical Division circular. 
7. The local chief of Emergency Medical Service 
is responsible for the development of these stations. 
The senior gas officer of the community should act as 
his consultant in helping to establish these facilities. 
Industrial plants working on war contracts that wish 
to provide cleansing facilities for employees should be 
given aid and advice by the chief of Emergency Med- 
ical Service and the senior gas officer. 
U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE °.r.18574 OFFICE OF CIVILIAN DEFENSE 
WASHINGTON, D. C. 
I PAGE 
Issued: May 15, 1943. 
Effective : Immediately. 
OPERATIONS LETTER No. 128 
(SUPERSEDES OPERATIONS LETTER No. 46) 
To: Regional Directors. 
From: James M. Landis, Director. 
Subject: How to Protect Yourself Against War Gas. 
Special Distribution Instructions: To State and local Defense Councils and all members of the Citi- 
zens Defense Corps, to supersede Operations Letter No. 46. 
1. Stay indoors. A tightly closed room affords 
protection against war gas. All windows and doors 
should be tightly shut, and blankets (to be soaked 
with water) or cardboard should be kept in readi- 
ness to cover and seal shattered windows. Choose 
a room on an upper floor if possible; most war 
gases are heavier than air, although they may be 
carried up with air currents, 
2. If caught outdoors in a gas attack, get out of 
the area at once. Look down and shield your eyes 
with your arm. Do not worry about any brief 
vapor exposure to which you may be subjected. 
The danger from this source is not great. 
3. Prompt action will avoid serious effects. If 
you know or suspect that you have gotten any of the 
gas on your person or clothing, do not go hunting 
for a casualty station or gas cleansing station and 
expect someone else to help you. Knock on the 
first door you come to, and take whatever steps are 
necessary. Self-aid is the quickest and safest way. 
4. This is what you should do. This routine should 
be memorized so it will be done automatically in an 
emergency: 
(a) Remove shoes and outer clothing and drop 
them outside the house, in a covered can if avail- 
able. Do not touch this clothing again except with 
sticks or gas-proof gloves. Do not cling to false 
modesty. To enter a house with contaminated 
clothing endangers everyone in it. 
(b) Get to a bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room 
as fast as possible. 
(c) If your eyes have been exposed to liquid gas 
or spray, flush them immediately. Plain water out 
of a faucet, shower-head, canteen, or douche bag 
will do, but a lukewarm dilute solution of bicarbo- 
nate of soda (heaping tablespoonful in a quart of 
water) is even better, if it is handy. Let anyone 
nearby help you. 
{d) If drops of liquid blister gas have splashed 
the skin, you can prevent serious burns by adequate 
cleansing. Promptly blot up the liquid with pieces 
of cleansing tissue, cloth, or a handkerchief, which 
should be disposed of carefully in order that it can- 
not contaminate anyone else. Then sponge the 
skin briskly with laundry bleach containing sodium 
hypochlorite, if it is at hs .id, and rinse off under the 
shower or in a tub. A thorough bath with a vigor- 
ous lathering is the final step, which should never 
he omitted. Dry the skin by patting. Do not rub. 
Dress in whatever clean clothing you can get. If 
blisters develop, you should seek medical advice. 
(e) If your nose and throat feel irritated, snuff 
and gargle with a dilute solution of bicarbonate of 
soda. If your chest feels heavy and oppressed, if 
you have any trouble breathing, or if smoking 
becomes distasteful, lie down immediately and stay 
perfectly still until you can be taken to a doctor. 
Do this even if you feel fine otherwise. 
5. Remember: Cleanse yourself quickly and 
calmly. Follow the instructions of your air-raid 
warden. 
O. S. GOVERNMENT OFFICE 529791