choking agent
chemical compound
Quick Summary
Choking agents are a type of chemical weapon used for their toxic effects, primarily through inhalation. These agents, such as chlorine, phosgene, and hydrogen cyanide, cause fluids to build up in the lungs, leading to asphyxiation or oxygen deficiency. In World War I, choking agents like chlorine were first used by the German army, and phosgene was responsible for a significant portion of chemical warfare deaths during that conflict. Effective gas masks are the primary defense against these agents.12
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