To the Editor:—The interesting article by Flaishon et al. included prospective data on the difficulties of performing anesthetic and critical care duties in mass casualty situations. An additional factor to consider is the challenge of continuing to perform one’s duties while wearing full antichemical protective gear. As a member of the Air National Guard, I am obligated to perform chemical war...

As one of the most important vesicant agents, the destructive properties of mustards on the skin, eyes and respiratory system, combined with a lack of antidote, makes them effective weapons. Such weapons are inexpensive, easily obtainable and frequently stockpiled. Sulphur mustard (mustard gas) has been used as a chemical warfare agent in at least 10 conflicts. In this article, the use of musta...

We investigated the association of 15 exposures, 10 stressors, and 18 life events with illness symptoms reported by 978 veterans who believe they suffer from Gulf War-related illnesses. A mail survey was completed by veterans (60% response rate) from the Gulf War Health Registry. Variables most associated with high symptom group membership were reported chemical/biologic warfare (CBW), concerns...

Introduction Remediation of environment polluted with toxic chemical warfare agents (CWA) is a challenging task for authorities who deal with public health and environmental safety. Abnormal health symptoms appear when the human beings are exposed to these hazardous chemicals. Decontamination of surface or environment tainted with these toxic chemicals is the main job we have to do, to avoid he...

Kerr Eby was initially a member of the Ambulance Corps in the U.S. Army in World War I, then transferred to the Engineers, and went to the front lines in France. His painting depicts a group of soldiers blinded during a gas attack. Whereas the neuropsychiatric casualties of other forms of warfare may present as individuals, the casualties of nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare are most of...

An overview is given of biological markers of exposure to chemical warfare agents. Metabolites, protein, and/or DNA adducts have been identified for most nerve agents and vesicants and validated in experimental animals or in a small number of human exposures. For several agents, metabolites derived from hydrolysis are unsatisfactory biomarkers of exposure because of background levels in the hum...

On-site monitoring and detection are necessary in the crisis and consequence management of wars and terrorism involving chemical warfare agents (CWAs) such as sarin. The analytical performance required for on-site detection is mainly determined by the fatal vapor concentration and volatility of the CWAs involved. The analytical performance for presently available on-site technologies and commer...

Psychological trauma may result in depression. Veterans are particularly prone to development of depression. 100 male veterans (39 injured by chemical and 61 by non-chemical warfare) with 30% to 70% of physical disability were compared with 100 age- and sex-matched individuals selected from general population serving as comparison group. The diagnosis of depression was made according to the DSM...