Chemical weapon
Chemical Weapon
A Chemical Weapon (pronunciation: /ˈkɛmɪkəl ˈwɛpən/) is a specialized device or munition that uses chemicals formulated to inflict death or harm on humans.
Etymology
The term "Chemical Weapon" is derived from the English words "chemical", which comes from the Medieval Latin chymicus meaning "of alchemy", and "weapon", which originates from the Old English wǣpen meaning "instrument of fighting and defense".
Definition
Chemical weapons are classified as Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) and are distinguished by their use of toxic properties of chemical substances rather than their explosive or kinetic energy. These weapons can be deployed in various ways, including aerial bombs, artillery shells, or missile warheads.
Types of Chemical Weapons
Chemical weapons can be categorized into several types:
- Nerve Agents: These are the most toxic and rapidly acting of the known chemical warfare agents. Examples include Sarin, Soman, and VX.
- Blister Agents: These cause severe skin, eye and mucosal pain and damage. Examples include Mustard and Lewisite.
- Blood Agents: These are poisons that affect the body by being absorbed into the blood. Examples include Hydrogen Cyanide and Cyanogen Chloride.
- Choking Agents: These cause physical injury to the respiratory tract. Examples include Chlorine and Phosgene.
International Law
The use of chemical weapons is considered a war crime under international law, as outlined in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The CWC is an arms control treaty that outlaws the production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons and their precursors.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chemical weapon
- Wikipedia's article - Chemical weapon
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