Chlorine Gas Attacks - Advisory
Since October 2006, there have been seven attacks in Baghdad involving the use of chlorine gas in an effort to increase lethality of IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices).
There have been no fatalities as yet which are directly attributable to the use of chlorine, although many injuries have been caused by the inhalation of the gas.
Chlorine is a pulmonary irritant with intermediate water solubility, which accounts for its effects on the upper airway and lower respiratory tract. In fact any areas of the body that are moist lend themselves vulnerable to the effects of the gas. The skin, nose, mouth and the areas surrounding the eyes are prime targets, although it is rare that the eyes themselves are damaged to any great degree. In basic terms, when chlorine mixes with water, it forms hypochlorous and hydrochloric acids.
It is a greenish yellow colour, has a distinctive smell (like bleach) and is non-combustible.
The effects of the gas depends on four elements:
- Concentration of the gas
- Duration of exposure
- Moisture content of the tissue exposed
- Individual susceptibility
Immediate effects include coughing, shortness of breath, choking, dizziness and headache.
The main treatment if exposed to chlorine gas is
- Get away from the toxic area
- Commence primary decontamination of eyes and skin
- Seek hospital treatment if exposed for any length of time.
Reagent strips can determine the PH of the affected areas and saturating this area with a saline solution can help enormously.
The use of nebulized sodium bicarbonate has proved very successful in the treatment of inhalation but to date there have been no clinical trials carried out.
As we are dealing with a chemical that converts to acid on contact with moisture, in administering a mild alkali to neutralise it seems to be the best emergency treatment available.
Topical anaesthetics can help with pain and antibiotic ointment can help with corneal abrasions.
As previously stated, the presence of chlorine in IEDs is unlikely to increase the lethality of the device significantly. It will in all likelihood increase the number of inhalation injuries, chemical burns and irritation to the eyes and skin.
It is possible the trend may continue due to the availability of the chemical in Iraq country and the fact that it does cause so many attendant injuries. Additionally it is another terror tool to further frighten the populace.
The military in Baghdad don't appear to be issuing any new clothing due to the use of chlorine and they are still carrying their standard respirators, which are more than adequate to deal with the problem.
For those concerned about the attacks, we recommend consideration be given to the issue of respirators. The respirators must be a good fit to the face (i.e. sealed) in order for them to be effective.
From Centurion’s safety advisors in Iraq.
