Britannica
Sources used in this answer
- chemical weapon - Choking agents
- poison - Classification based on physical form
- drug - Dermatologic drugs
- chemical weapon - Properties of chemical weapons
- chemical weapon - On the battlefield
- eye disease - Chemical and radiation injuries
- chemical weapon - Blister agents
- occupational disease - Disorders due to chemical agents
How can chemical agents enter the human body during a chemical attack?
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chemical weapon
American soldiers participating in a simulated gas attack exercise, World War I.
During a chemical attack, chemical agents can enter the human body through three primary routes:
- Inhalation: This is a common route for agents delivered as gases, vapors, or aerosols. Once inhaled, these substances enter the respiratory tract, where they can act as local irritants or be absorbed into the bloodstream to cause systemic poisoning. Choking agents, for example, are typically inhaled as gas clouds.1234
- Dermal Absorption: Certain chemical agents, particularly nerve agent droplets or highly lipid-soluble vapors, can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream and nervous system. Blister agents can also cause damage upon contact with the skin.125
- Ingestion: While less common in a direct tactical sense, chemical agents can enter the body if they contaminate food or drink, leading to poisoning when personnel consume their meals.23
The physical state of the agent—whether it is a gas, liquid, solid, or aerosol—significantly influences how it is absorbed by the body. Protecting against these threats requires the use of gas masks and protective clothing to prevent exposure to these entry points.1265