Throughout the history of war, techniques and use of weapons in warfare have been improved over the years. Although some weapons and certain techniques are entirely new, the use of certain weapons such as Chemical Warfare have been around since WW1. Many have thought of Chemical Weapons as being too dangerous while others think it is necessary and essential to modern warfare. What threats does Chemical warfare pose to soldiers and civilians around the world and what are the effects of this type of warfare? The possible threats that come from these weapons and effects can be viewed as “unconventional”, but some are still interested in the history of Chemical Weapons and military use as well as what the chemistry is behind these weapons, how they are made and how they became to be part of combat.
One of the most deadly forms of modern combat is the use of Chemical Weapons. Most of these weapons are now more sophisticated and complex than they were before. One of the earliest examples of the use of Chemical Weapons is when Germany used Mustard Gas to burn …show more content…
NBC (chemical, nuclear and biological warfare) are classified as “unconventional threats” to civilians and soldiers (Baglole). Military personnel are at risk when handling Chemical weapons. They are equipped with chemical protective suits and auto-administered syringes charged with two or three compartments with atropine and diazepam (Baud). But many ask what the fear is all about. During WW1 only less than 5% of the war’s casualties and fatalities were due to “poisonous gas” (Zimeta). In 1854 British Chemist, Lyon Playfair, observed that chemical weapons weren’t the weapon, but War itself was (Zimeta). “War is the Destruction… no doubt in time Chemistry will be used to lessen the suffering of combatants and even criminals condemned to death -Playfair”