The psychochemicals temporarily prevent an
individual from carrying out assigned actions. These
agents may be administered by contaminating food or
water, or they may be released as aerosols.
The
following are characteristics of the incapacitants:
High potency (i.e., an extremely low dose is
effective) and logistic feasibility
Effects produced mainly by altering or
disrupting the higher regulatory activity of the
central nervous system
Duration of action comprising hours or days,
rather than momentary or transient action
No permanent injury produced
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE.
The first symptoms appear in 30 minutes to several
hours and may persist for several days. Abnormal,
inappropriate behavior may be the only sign of
intoxication.
Those affected may make irrational
statements and have delusions or hallucinations. In
some instances, the victim may complain of dizziness,
muscular incoordination, dry mouth, and difficulty in
swallowing.
The standard incapacitant in the United States is
3-quinuclidinyl benzilate (BZ), a cholinergic blocking
agent, which is effective in producing delirium that
may last several days. In small doses it will cause an
increase in heart rate, pupil size, and skin temperature,
as well as drowsiness, dry skin, and a decrease in
alertness. As the dose is increased to higher levels,
there is a progressive deterioration of mental
capability, ending in stupor.
TREATMENT.The first aid is to prevent
victims from injuring themselves and others during the
toxic psychosis. Generally, there is no specific therapy
for this type intoxication. However, with BZ and other
agents in the class of compounds known as glycolates,
physostigmine is the drug treatment of choice. It is not
effective during the first 4 hours following exposure;
after that, it is very effective as long as treatment is
continued. However, treatment does not shorten the
duration of BZ intoxication, and premature
discontinuation of therapy will result in relapse.
Riot-Control/Harassment Agents
Riot-control agents is the collective term used to
describe a collection of chemical compounds, all
having similar characteristics which, though relatively
nontoxic, produce an immediate but temporary effect
in very low concentrations. These agents are used to
harass enemy personnel or to discourage riot actions.
Generally, patients require no therapy; removal from
the environment is sufficient to effect recovery in a
short time.
There are two classes of riot-control/harassment
agents: lacrimators and vomiting agents.
LACRIMATORS.Lacrimators (or tear gases)
are essentially local irritants that act primarily on the
eyes. In high concentrations, they also irritate the
respiratory tract and the skin. The principal agents
u s e d
a r e
c h l o r a c e t o p h e n o n e
( C N )
a n d
orthochlorobenzilidine malanonitrile (CS). Although
CS is basically a lacrimator, it is considerably more
potent than CN and causes more severe respiratory
symptoms. CN is the standard training agent and is the
tear gas most commonly encountered because it is not
as potent. CS is more widely used by the military as a
riot-control agent.
Protection against all tear agents is provided by
protective masks and ordinary field clothing secured at
the neck, wrists, and ankles. Personnel handling CS
should wear rubber gloves for additional protection.
S i g n s a n d S y m p t o m s o f E x p o s u re .
Lacrimators produce intense pain in the eyes with
excessive tearing. The symptoms following the most
severe exposure to vapors seldom last over 2 hours.
After moderate exposure, they last only a few minutes.
Treatment.First aid for lacrimators is generally
not necessary. Exposure to fresh air and letting wind
blow into wide open eyes, held open if necessary, is
sufficient for recovery in a short time. Any chest
discomfort after CS exposure can be relieved by
talking.
An important point to remember is that this
material adheres tenaciously to clothing, and a change
of clothing may be necessary. Do not forget the hair
(both head and facial) as a potential source of
recontamination.
VOMITING AGENTS.Vomiting agents
comprise the second class of agents in the riot-control
category.
The principal agents of this group are
diphenylaminochloroarsine (Adamsite (DM)),
diphenylchloroarsine (DA), and diphenylcyanoarsine
(DC).
They are used as training and riot-control
agents. They are dispersed as aerosols and produce
their effects by inhalation or by direct action on the
eyes. All of these agents have similar properties and
pathology.
8-9