Mustard Gas - A dreadful chemical agent
Mustard Gas (Yperite) was first used by the German Army in
September 1917. It had disastrous affect on humans who were
exposed to this dangerous vapor. Mustard gas is a strong
compound that causes blisters. Choosing the right safety gear
like gas masks would help protect oneself from Nuclear, Chemical
& Biological agents.
Mustard gas was used in chemical warfare as early as World War I
by Germans and as late as the Iran-Iraq War in 1980-1988. There
is a high probability of it's usage by terrorists and other
non-social groups for mass attacks. Sulfur mustard is a thick
liquid, which was made for use as a chemical weapon.
The sulfur mustards, of which mustard gas is a member, are a
class of related vesicant chemical warfare agents with the
ability to form large blisters on exposed skin. In their pure
form most sulfur mustards are colorless, odorless, viscous
liquids at room temperature. The name "mustard" comes from the
smell associated with impure mustard gas, which is usually
yellow-brown in color and has an odor resembling mustard plants,
garlic or horseradish.
Sulfur mustard or mustard gas is released into the air as a
vapor, people can be exposed through skin contact, eye contact,
or breathing. Sulfur mustard vapor can be carried long distances
by wind. If sulfur mustard is released into water, people can be
exposed by drinking the contaminated water or getting it on
their skin. If you are exposed to sulfur mustard, many factors
determine whether you'll be harmed. These factors include the
dose (how much), the duration (how long), and how you come in
contact with it. You must also consider the other chemicals
you're exposed to and your age, sex, diet, family traits,
lifestyle, and state of health.
Adverse health effects caused by sulfur mustard depend on the
amount people are exposed to, the route of exposure, and the
length of time that people are exposed. Sulfur mustard is a
powerful irritant and blistering agent that damages the skin,
eyes, and respiratory tract. It damages DNA, a vital component
of cells in the body. Sulfur mustard vapor is heavier than air,
so it will settle in low-lying areas.
More information about the gas masks that has resistance against
mustard gas is at
http://www.bestsafetyapparel.com/learnmore.html#Facts%20about
and to know more about mustard gas visit
http://www.bestsafetyapparel.com/mustardgas.html
Andy Jones -Media Relations, Namebrands Retail LLC
http://www.bestsafetyapparel.com Ezine articles expert author
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