Classify CW agents.
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Chemical Warfare (CW) agents are classified into several categories based on their chemical properties, mechanism of action, and toxic effects. The main classes of CW agents include:
Nerve Agents: Nerve agents are highly toxic organophosphate compounds that disrupt the normal function of the nervous system by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), leading to excessive accumulation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at nerve synapses. Examples of nerve agents include sarin, soman, tabun, VX, and Novichok agents.
Blister Agents (Vesicants): Blister agents cause severe chemical burns and blistering of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract upon exposure. These agents are classified as sulfur mustards (e.g., sulfur mustard or mustard gas) and nitrogen mustards (e.g., nitrogen mustard or mechlorethamine). Other vesicants include lewisite and phosgene oxime.
Blood Agents: Blood agents are cyanide-containing compounds that interfere with cellular respiration by binding to cytochrome oxidase, preventing the utilization of oxygen by cells. Cyanide-based blood agents include hydrogen cyanide (AC) and cyanogen chloride (CK).
Choking Agents (Pulmonary Agents): Choking agents cause severe respiratory distress and pulmonary edema upon inhalation. These agents include chlorine, phosgene, and diphosgene, which react with water in the lungs to form acidic compounds that damage lung tissue.
Riot Control Agents (Tear Gases): Riot control agents are non-lethal irritants used for crowd control and law enforcement purposes. These agents cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract, leading to tearing, coughing, and temporary incapacitation. Examples include CS (ortho-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile), CN (chloroacetophenone), and CR (dibenzoxazepine).
Incapacitating Agents: Incapacitating agents produce temporary incapacitation or impairment of cognitive and motor functions without causing permanent injury or death. These agents are designed to render individuals unable to perform military or civilian tasks effectively. Examples include BZ (3-quinuclidinyl benzilate) and fentanyl derivatives.
Each class of CW agents possesses distinct toxicological properties and requires specific countermeasures for effective protection, detection, and medical treatment. Understanding the classification of CW agents is essential for developing strategies to mitigate their effects and enhance preparedness for chemical warfare scenarios.