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http://crystal.biol.csufresno.edu:8080/projects/200.html Question: What is Mustard Gas
Mustard "gas",C4H8Cl2S is irritating and deadly chemical weapon developed at the beginning of the century and first used in 1917. During the World Wars, the United States formed a stock pile of This Viscous liquid which is now stored in eight locations and scheduled to be destroyed in the next year, 1997. This sticky, amber-black substance is soluble in some environments but is only slightly soluble in water making it hard to wash off. Its odor has been described as freshly cut hay, horseradish, or garlic, hence, "mustard gas". Mustard gas has a chemical name 1,1'-thiobis [2-chloroethane] and a molecular weight of about 160 grams per mole. When an individual comes in contact with mustard gas, the skin may blister and redden; become sore, especially in areas with a lot of sweat glands are located. The eyes will burn and could be damaged if exposed for too long. If a person inhales this chemical as a mist, the blisters will form in the lungs, causing a number long and short term symptoms. In cases of extreme exposure, mustard gas is fatal. It has now been classified as a carcinogen Symptoms usually begin to take effect 4-24 hours after initial contact. The long term effects on a individual may include sensitization, chronic lung impairment, cough shortness of breath, chest pain, cancer of the mouth, throat, respiratory tract, and skin. It has been linked to causing Leukemia and Birth defects. Mustard gas has again come into controversy with the war at the beginning of the decade. Although the United States never used this weapon, Tons of the chemical was produced by many countries. In the war between Iran and Iraq from 1984-1988, both sides used the chemical, sometimes against their own people. There were a number of reports sitting traces of mustard gas and other chemicals in the recent Gulf War. One American soldier, Private First Class David Allen Fisher was ordered to explore an enemy bunker complex. He developed signs of mustard gas exposure after about four hours, symptoms similar to a sunburn. He was treated and sent back to his command post. Minimum safety requirements for handling mustard include using rubber butyl gloves and protective Goggles. PFC Fisher wore only only nomex overalls and a protective vest when he searched this enemy bunker. Gulf War Syndrome is a condition that is increasable being reported from soldiers of the Gulf War and their families. Unusual symptoms including: chronic fatigue, rashes or hair loss, headaches, muscle pains and respiratory problems. It has just been recently that the Department of Defense stated for the record that there was exposure of chemical weapons in the Gulf War. It was confirmed that mustard gas was released into the air when U.S. troops destroyed an Iraqi weapons storage facility. Before this confirmation, The Department of Defense strongly denied there was any trace of chemical exposure to U.S. troops. Ironically, medals were issued to soldiers who were injured as a cause of chemical weapons. Some Veterans who complained of these symptoms were given lifetime psychiatric care. There has now strong evidence suggesting a correlation between the chemicals found in the Gulf War and The symptoms of Gulf War Syndrome. Mustard Gas is a simple weapon that is subtle and deadly. At least some of the long term symptoms are identical to the symptoms of Gulf War Syndrome: respiratory problems, cancer, and birth defects. Mustard is probable not the only contributor to the mysterious illness, but there is definitely a connection. Don't save files to your hard drive unless you know what going on! References:
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