Advanced Chemical Weapons
Everything you ever wanted to know about Chemical Weapons...
...But didn't know who, what, or where to ask
by: James M. Atkinson
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Introduction
This text is written and presented as a Granite Island Group textbook to be used for the instruction on the use of chemical weapons for personal defense.
This text was written as a supplement for a formal leader led course of classroom instruction and is not intended as a replacement for such training.
The target audience for this text is law enforcement personnel, protective security specialists, and medical personnel involved in treating subjects exposed to chemical weapons.
The author and publisher take no responsibility for the use or misuse of the material herein. This text is intended ONLY for use by qualified and experienced security and law enforcement personnel, and is not intended to replacing existing policies
The author may be contacted via:
Email: jmatk@tscm.com
Web Page: http://www.tscm.com/
Telephone: (978) 546-3803
Advanced Chemical Weapons
Everything you ever wanted to know about chemical weapons...
...But didn't know who, what, or where to ask
“1. A heavy medieval war club with spiked or flanged metal head to crush armor.
2. A ceremonial staff borne or displayed as the symbol of authority of a legislative body.
3. An aromatic spice made from the dried waxy, scarlet or yellowish covering that partly encloses the kernel of the nutmeg.
4. An alternate trademark for Chemical Mace
5. To attack or defend by spraying Chemical Mace
6. Chemical Mace, A trademark for a mixture of organic chemicals used in aerosol form as a weapon to disable with intense burning pain, blepharospasm, acute bronchitis, and respiratory irritation. “
-- American Heritage Dictionary, 1991
Mace is an aerosol weapon used to disable violent attackers.
When properly used, the product can temporarily convert a rational violent attacker into "a blind man, who cannot breath or fight" and will allow a victim the opportunity to escape or defend against attack.
While not absolutely fool-proof, Mace gives a victim the advantage over an attacker by depriving the attacker of the ability to breath and see. It also causes an intense burning pain to the attacker, further disorienting him.
Contrary to what you may have heard, or seen on television, Mace does not instantly drop an attacker in his tracks. It can take several seconds to work, and once it does the results are quite dramatic.
Imagine a blind man, with severe asthma,
who has just dipped his face into a deep fat fryer
Only one company makes Mace, which is a registered trademark.
That company is:
Mace Security International
160 Benmont Avenue
Bennington, VT 05201 USA
(800) 639-4530
There are over a hundred companies out there manufacturing products similar to Mace, many of the products look like Mace, and many manufactures state that their product "...is as good as, or better than Mace."
Keep in mind that the defense spray industry is a profitable retail business to engage and is full of con-men and rip-off artists. Most of the people selling the sprays have very little actual knowledge of the product or how it works. Their interest is in making a quick buck and nothing more... so Buyer Beware!
Always ask the person selling protective sprays to you, or teaching you to use the product the following questions:
1) What teaching qualifications do they have?
... will they give you a copy of their CV or resume?
... does the instructor have a criminal record? (it’s amazing, many do)
... are his credentials limited to “classified military training” (a hoax)
... did he actually serve in the active military or just the reserves?
... has he been accepted as an expert witness by any court? why not?
... what research has he personally conducted or been involved with?
... what textbooks has he personally written?
... will they give you an actual textbook to work with and take home?
... will they provide you with a course outline to review before class?
2) Are they legitimate, certified tactical trainers?
... or unemployed cops, security guards, or “Rambo wannabe's”?
... or glorified salesmen (little more than used car salesmen)?
... members of the American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers?
... members of the Police Marksman’s Association?
... members of the Association of Security Educators and Trainers?
... why not?
3) Were they trained by the factory?
... if so, for how many weeks (at least two weeks)?
... or was it a quick one day introductory course?
... have they received training and certification while in the military?
... why not?
4) Are they certified to teach the subject matter?
... by Smith and Wesson?
... by Mace Security International?
... by Federal Laboratories?
... by Defense Technology Corporation?
... by Aerko International?
... by Olin-Winchester/Athea Labs?
... by Israeli Military Industries/ISPRA in Nazareth?
... by Hayley and Weller? Pains-Wessex? Alsatex in France?
... why not?
5) Was the training given to them by?
... a salesman?
... a factory trained and legitimate professional tactical trainer?
... before or after the shutdown of the training department?
... by instructors with relevant credentials?
6) Have they been sprayed with the product?
... what was their experience?
... was it a religious experience?
... would they enjoy repeating the experience?
... will you be sprayed with the products during training?
... why?
... why not?
7) When they are finished training you, ask
... will they issue you a letter or a certificate of training?
... will the certificate be signed?
... how long is your certificate good?
... how long is the refresher training?
... is a certificate also issued by: Mace, Federal Labs, Def-Tec, or Aerko?
... will their credentials and the training you receive “back in court”?
... do they only teach law enforcement? if so why?
... What is the law regarding chemical weapons in your state?
... will they give you copies of the laws as part of the class?
... if not, then why?
If they cannot, or will not answer these questions honestly then buy their products and training with great caution (do not risk your time, money, or life on a fraud).
All legitimate trainers and schools issue formal certificates
M.S.D.S - Material Safety Data Sheets
Always insist on a M.S.D.S (Material Safety Data Sheet) for the defensive spray you purchase. This document is an official statement by the manufacture of the potential health risks associated with the product.
All legitimate retailers keep current Material Safety Data Sheet on file for all products they sell.
What Is Mace and Other Chemical Weapons Made Of? (Formulations)
CN (Original Mace)
CR
CS
CN/OC Blend
CS/OC Blend
OC 5.5%
OC 10%
OC Foam
“Tear gases is the common name for substances which, in low concentrations, cause pain in the eyes, flow of tears and difficulty in keeping the eyes open. Tear gases are used mainly in military exercises and in riot control, etc., but have also been used as a method of warfare. Irritating gases have been used in war since ancient times but it was not until after the Second World War that a more systematic search for effective substances was started.
Among a long series of substances, three have become of greater importance than the others. They are effective and imply low risks when used.
These substances are:
chloroacetophenone (codename CN)
orto-chlorobenzylidene-malononitrile (codename CS)
dibenz (b,f)-1,4-oxazepine (codename CR)
CN was formerly the most widely used tear gas. Today, CS has largely replaced CN and is probably the most widely used tear gas internationally.
All tear gases have in common that they cause almost instant pain in the eyes, flow of tears and cramp of the eyelids. The strongly irritating effect leads to a more or less pronounced incapacitation of exposed persons. Apart from the effects on the eyes, most tear gases cause irritation in the nose and mouth, throat and airways and sometimes also in the skin, particularly in moist and warm parts. In situations of massive exposure, tear gas, which if swallowed, may also cause vomiting.
Disagreeable sensations caused by exposure to tear gas are so strong that victims cannot behave rationally, which explains why tear gases cause incapacitation. The irritating effect remains as long as there is sufficient concentration of tear gas present but disappears fairly quickly (15-30 min.) after exposure has ceased.
The irritating properties of tear gases depend on nerves in mucous membrane and skin being affected. Sensitivity to tear gases varies considerably between different individuals. Factors influencing individual reactions may be emotional state, motivation, physical activity, ambient temperature and humidity. “
-- Source: A FOA Briefing Book on Chemical Weapons, 1992
CN -- omega-Chloracetophenone C6H5COCh2C1
Lacrimator Agent
Invented by the German chemist Graebe in 1869
The name MACE is derived from Methyl chloroACEtophenone
This was the original Chemical Mace product
Smith and Wesson made the original Chemical Mace
Widely regarded as the original “tear gas”
Also known as:
alpha-Chloracetophenone
1-Chloracetophenone
2-Chloracetophenone
Phenacyl Chloride
alpha-Phenacyl Chloride
Phenyl Chlormethyl Ketone
Chloromethyl Phenyl Ketone
2-Chloro-1-Phenylethanone
Phenacylchloride
CAF
CAP
NCI-C55107
Colorless, gray, or clear yellowish brown solid
Poorly soluble in water, dissolves in organic solvents
Floral or fruity odor similar to apple blossoms
Early versions mixed with alcohol, kerosene and/or Freon
Reaction time is 30 to 120 seconds for full symptomatic effects
Effects last 5 to 30 minutes, fully clears in 1 to 2 hours
Exposure to CN for more than five minutes is considered dangerous
Rarely used except as a crowd or riot control tear gas
75% of the effects are psychological, not physical
Works poorly on individuals taking medications
Works poorly on individuals taking illegal drugs or alcohol
Works poorly on enraged, assaultive, or violent individuals
Slow acting (Upper respiratory tract, lachrymatory, eyes)
Affects warm, moist areas of body (primarily the eyes)
Relatively toxic, especially if exposed to open flame
When heated to decomposition CN to break down into toxic fumes
Essentially toxic -- the body tries to get rid of it
Medically considered a “pseudo irritant”
Relatively long time to take effect (must evaporate to work)
CN is biodegradable (but it can take several days)
CN requires a water and washing soda solution to decontaminate
Frequently causes a severe headache which will last for several days
U.S. Department of Transportation considers CN a toxic poison
DOT classification number: UN1697 - Poison
U.S. EPA classifies CN as a marine pollutant
CN is being rapidly replaced with OC
Popular nickname: Captain Nice, Captain Nixon
Proper trade name: Mace or Mace CN
Other trade names: Curb, Phaser
Commonly used in military training environments
(U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA Database)
NM : alpha-Chloroacetophenone
REV : 19920824
SYN : Phenacyl chloride
omega-Chloroacetophenone
Chloromethyl phenyl ketone
Phenyl chloromethyl ketone
Tear gas
CN
Phenacylchloride
IMIS : 0618
CAS : 532-27-4
NIOSH : RTECS A - Poison
DESC : Colorless to gray solid with a sharp, irritating odor.
MW: 154
BP: 477 F
VP: 0.012 mm
MP: 138 F
OSHA : 0.05 ppm, 0.3 mg/m3
TLV : 0.05 ppm, 0.32 mg/m3 TWA
REL : 0.05 ppm TWA
SYMPT : Eye, skin, respiratory system irritation; pulmonary edema
HLTH : Irritation-Eye, Nose, Throat, Skin---Marked (HE14)
ORG : Eyes, skin, respiratory system
SLC1 :
MEDIA: Two Tenax-GC Tubes in series (First tube 35 mg
section, second tube 17 mg section. Both 35/60
mesh)
ANL SOLVENT: Methanol
MAX V: 12 Liters MAX F: 0.2 L/min
ANL 1: High Performance Liquid Chromatography /UV
REF: 1,2 (OSHA Modified NIOSH 291)
CLASS: Partially Validated
COND. :
Column: C18
Mobile Phase: 60:40 Methanol: Water
Detector Wavelength: 254nm
Detection Limit: 0.02 mg/m3
SS : 226900
High concentrations can cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract, inflammation of the skin with vesicle formation, visual impairment and pulmonary edema.
Drops or splashes in the eye may cause corrosive burns, corneal opacity and even permanent visual impairment.
Drops or splashes on the skin may cause papulovesicular dermatitis and superficial skin burns.
Ingestion of food or water contaminated with CN causes ulcers, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
The very young (0-14), the elderly (60+), pregnant women, and those with respiratory conditions are at extreme health risk.
Hydrolysis of CN is very slow in water solution, even when alkali (soap) is added. CN is difficult to decompose or decontaminate under practical conditions, whereas CS can easily be inactivated by means of a water solution.
Primary Effects (relatively mild)
Lacrimation (Tears or running of the eyes)
Conjunctivitis (Inflammation of the eye membranes)
Sneezing
Coughing
Temporary blindness and blurred vision caused by flowing tears
Nasal irritation and running nose (due to tears)
Irritating to the skin (mild burning and itching sensations)
Secondary Effects (relatively mild)
Blepharospasm (Involuntary spasms and closing of the eyes)
Salivation
Congestion of the nose
Congestion of the Wall of Pharynx
Feeling of Suffocation
Nausea if exposed to large quantities
Severe emotional reaction
Since CN has a melting point of around 130 degrees a contaminated area can be easily cleared if the temperature can be raised to that level and held for at least four hours. This method of decontamination is only practical in prison environments (which is why is it very popular in correctional facilities).
CR -- dibenz (b,f)-1,4-oxazepine
Lacrimator Agent
CR, CN, and CS are the top three commonly used “tear gases”
At room temperature, CR is a white solid substance
Stable when heated, and has low vapor pressure
Generally dispersed as an aerosol or powder
Low solubility in water; can be dissolved in several organic solvents.
CR is hydrolyzed only to a negligible extent in water solution.
Hydrolysis of CR is very slow in water solution, even when alkali (soap) is added. CR is difficult to decompose or decontaminate under practical conditions, whereas CS can easily be inactivated by means of a water solution.
Historically used in U.S. Embassies and federal buildings in the form of a small glass bubble (grenade), which could be burst with a small electrically initiated explosive charge (blasting cap).
Also known as:
dibenz (b,f)-1,4-oxazepine
CS -- Ortho-chlorbenzalmalononitrle C1C6H4CHC(CN)2
Irritation Agent
Developed by the British, B.B. Carson and R.W. Stoughton (1928)
The initials CS come from the names Carson and Stoughton
Developed as a safer, more effective replacement for CN
Initially adopted by the British in 1957-1958
Used initially by the British (1961) in Cyprus
Popular with law enforcement since 1965, as a replacement for CN
Large quantities used by the United States during the Vietnam War
Strong white, crystalline, micro-pulverized irritant
Morton Thiokol and Aldridge Chemicals - primary U.S. producers
Also known as:
[(2-Chlorophenyl) methylene] propanedinitrile
Reaction time is 20 to 60 seconds for full symptomatic effects
Effects last 10 to 30 minutes
75% of effects are psychological, not physical
CS effects may be delayed or prolonged up to 5-7 days
Water or moisture strongly enhances effect
Works poorly on individuals taking medications
Works poorly on individuals taking illegal drugs or alcohol
Works poorly on enraged, assaultive, or violent individuals
The body can get rid of CS better than CN
CS will invoke a more violent reaction than CN
Essentially toxic and poisonous -- the body tries to get rid of it
Medically considered a true-irritant
CS is biodegradable (but it can take months)
CS requires special equipment (HEPA vacuum) to decontaminate
U.S. Department of Transportation considers CS a toxic poison
Amnesty International considers CS usage to be inhumane
Releases hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide when burned
May cause death by cyanide poisoning within 4-5 minutes
May cause first, second, and even third degree burns if left on skin
CS is being rapidly replaced with OC
Popular nickname: Captain Strong, Captain Green
Proper trade name: Mace CS
Other trade names: Chemical Shield, Freeze-M, and Saber
C.A.S number: 2698-41-1
(U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA Database)
NM : o-Chlorobenzylidene Malononitrile
REV : 19921119
SYN : OCBM
CS
o-Chlorobenzylidene Malonitrile
IMIS : 0623
CAS : 2698-41-1
NIOSH : RTECS OO3675000; 46982
DOT : 2647 Poison
DESC : White solid with a pepper odor.
MW: 189
BP: 590 to 599 F
VP: <1 mm
MP: 199 to 203 F
OSHA : 0.05 ppm, 0.4 mg/m3
TLV : 0.05 ppm, 0.39 mg/m3 Ceiling (Skin)
REL : 0.05 ppm Ceiling (Skin)
SYMPT : Painful, burning eyes, lacrimation, conjunctivitis, erythematic eyelids, blepharospasms; irritated throat, cough, chest constriction; headaches; erythmatic vesiculation of skin
HLTH : Irritation-Eyes, Nose, Throat, Skin---Marked (HE14)
ORG : Respiratory system, skin, eyes
SLC1 :
MEDIA: Polytetrafluoroethylene (FA) Filter (1.0 micron) in
series with Standard Size Tenax GC Tube (70/35 mg
sections, 35/60 mesh).
ANL SOLVENT: 20% Methylene Chloride in Hexane
MAX V: 90 Liters MAX F: 1.5 L/min (TWA)
MIN T: 15 Minutes MAX F: 1.5 L/min (Ceiling)
ANL 1: High Performance Liquid Chromatography/UV
REF: 1 (NIOSH 304)
SAE: 0.17
CLASS: Fully Validated
COND. :
Column: CN
Mobile Phase: 20: 80 Methylene Chloride: Hexane
Detector Wavelength: 298 or 305nm
Detection Limit: 0.4 mg/m3
SS : 227100
Primary Effects
Blepharospasm (Involuntary spasms and closing of the eyes)
Intense burning of the eyes and nose
Profuse lacrimation (Tears or running of the eyes)
Blurred vision caused by flowing tears
Strong stinging or burning sensation on all moist skin
Conjunctivitis (lasting up to 30 minutes)
Erythema of the eyelids (lasting about an hour)
Violent lachrymation (lasting over 10-15 minutes)
Intense burning of the entire respiratory tract, if inhaled
Profuse lacrimation (Tears or running of the eyes)
Blurred vision caused by flowing tears
Rhinorrhea -- Severe nose irritation, running nose (due to tears)
Irritating to the skin (severe burning and itching sensation)
Profuse salivation
Dyspnea -- Difficulty breathing and feeling of suffocation
Tightness in the chest and throat (lung and bronchial irritant)
Dizziness or swimming of the head due to breathing difficulty
Photosensitivity/Photophobia - Fear or discomfort of bright light
Secondary Effects
Productive cough
Violent and persistent sneezing
Allergic contact dermatitis
Retching
Nausea (1-3% of subjects will vomit)
Epistaxis (5-8% of subjects will have a nose bleed)
Diarrhea (2-3% of subjects may have diarrhea up to 7 days later)
Pulmonary edema if exposed to larger quantities
Sense of taste is often distorted for several hours
Severe emotional reaction
May cause severe gastroenteritis if ingested, whether directly or as a result of ingesting mucus secretions containing CS from oral inhalation.
Studies by the Israeli government indicate that exposure to CS may result in spontaneous abortion or premature delivery in pregnant women.
The very young (0-14), the elderly (60+), pregnant women, and those with respiratory conditions are at extreme health risk.
CS is rapidly hydrolyzed in water solution (half-life at pH 7 is about 15 min. at room temperature) and extremely rapid when alkali (soap) is added (half-life at pH 9 is about 1 min.).
OC -- Oleoresin of Capsicum C18H27NO3
Inflammation Agent
Reportedly used during India/China wars (around 2,000 BC)
Introduced to the west by Columbus after his second voyage in 1494
Mentioned by Samuel Thomson (1769 - 1843) in his Materia Medica
Successfully synthesized in the 1930's
Capsaicin has long been used in folk medication
Used by U.S. Post Office as a dog repellent since 1961
Popular with law enforcement since 1976, Introduced in 1974
Gardner Whitcomb created initial OC law enforcement product
Gardner Whitcomb went on to start the company Capstun
Federal law enforcement agencies have been using heavily since 1989
Developed as a military munition in 1931, problems encountered
Used by intelligence agencies since late 1950’s (to aid in interrogations)
Still used in some U.S. schools and prisons for corporal punishment
Capsaicin occurs naturally in cayenne peppers (it's a resin and oil)
Oleoresin is the fatty oil in the pepper plant
Capsaicinoids found primarily in the pepper's placenta, seeds, and ribs
CN and CS is being rapidly replaced with OC
Also know as:
N-Vanillyl-8-methyl-6-(E)-noneamide
Capsaicin
N-[(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)methyl]-8-methyl-6-nonenamide
trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide
N-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl)-8-methyl-non-trans-6-enamide
Odor is "Peppery"
White to off-white powder
Sparingly soluble in water, but very soluble in fats, oils and alcohol
Medically considered a neurotoxin extracted from the cayenne pepper
Reaction time is 3 to 15 seconds
Effects last 20 to 30 minutes
Works very well on people taking medication, illegal drugs or alcohol
Works extremely well on enraged, assaultive, or violent subjects
Physical effectiveness -- 78-83% overall
Psychological effectiveness -- 97.3% or greater
5.5% works best for ballistic streams
10% works best for foggers and foams
Repeated exposure leads to subsequent desensitization
Never use a product “hotter” than one million Scoville Heat Units
Frequently referred to as Fortified Mace, Pepper Mace, Pepper Foam...
Essentially non-toxic -- the body considers it a food and tries to absorb it
Approximately .005% of the population is allergic to OC
OC is biodegradable
OC takes 1-3 hours to clear the air in a building with high speed fans
OC only requires soap and water for clean-up and decontamination
Popular nickname: Captain Red, Big Red, Officer Red, Sgt. Pepper
Proper trade name: Pepper Mace, First Defense
Other trade names: CAP-Stun, BodyGuard, PepperGas and HotTM
C.A.S number: 404-86-4
(U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA Database)
NM : Capsaicin
REV : 19940712
SYN : trans-8-methyl-N-vanilly-6-nonenamide
Mace
IMIS : R206
CAS : 404-86-4
DESC :
MW: 305.42
MP: 62-65 deg C
SLC1 :
MEDIA: Glass Fiber Filter
ANL SOLVENT: Methanol
REC V: 30 L
REC F: 1 L/min
ANL 1: High Performance Liquid Chromatography/UV
REF: 2 (OSHA In-House File)
CLASS: Not Validated
COND. :
Column: C18