Personal protection against gas / issued by the Home Office (Air Raid Precautions Department).

Date:
1938
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Personal protection against gas / issued by the Home Office (Air Raid Precautions Department). Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    In this. state exertion will cause’ “the ‘patient to collapse from want of oxygen, and death is then frequently the result. There is frequently a period of “‘ well being ’’ be- tween the initial effects caused by exposure to phosgene and the appearance of the more serious symptoms. This is the meaning of the so-called ‘‘ delayed action ’”’ of phosgene. (d) BLISTER GASES (1) Mustard gas (2Q’—d-chloro-di-ethyl sulphide) (Persistent).—This substance is an oily liquid, probably dark brown in colour, with a faint but characteristic smell. Some people consider this smell like mustard, others associate it with hcrseradish, onions, or garlic. Some persons cannot detect the smell except in high concentrations. It is readily soluble in certain liquids such as oils, benzene and methylated spirits, and also in tar and fat. Owing to its solubility in fat, it is quickly absorbed by the skin with subsequent injurious results. Simi- larly it is readily absorbed in the tar surface of roads. It evaporates slowly at ordinary temperatures and is very persistent. It is a powerful irritant, and this effect can be caused by either the vapour or the liquid. Naturally the liquid is more effective than the vapour when brought in contact with the body. Mustard gas differs from the gases previously dealt with since it may be dangerous in a number of ways. The principal sources of danger are given below :— (1) WSen the ground or other objects have been splashed with liquid mustard, vapour is given off which may injure the eyes, the lungs or exposed parts of the body. (ii) The vapour may also be absorbed by clothing and gradually penetrate to the skin, causing burns even after the wearer has moved out of the dangerous area.