Poison Gas Apr 2026

: Cause inflammation and chemical burns to the respiratory tract, eyes, and skin. Common examples include ammonia , chlorine , and sulfur dioxide .

Poison gas was first used on a large scale during World War I to break trench stalemates. First Usage of Poison Gas - National WWI Museum poison gas

Gases are primarily classified by how they affect the human body: : Cause inflammation and chemical burns to the

: Deprive the body of oxygen. Chemical asphyxiants (e.g., carbon monoxide) interfere with oxygen transport in the blood, while simple asphyxiants (e.g., nitrogen or argon) displace breathable oxygen in confined spaces. First Usage of Poison Gas - National WWI

: Absorbed into the bloodstream to damage specific organs or cellular respiration. Hydrogen cyanide is a potent systemic toxin. Common Toxic Gases and Sources Common Sources Key Characteristics Carbon Monoxide (CO) Incomplete combustion (engines, heaters) Colorless, odorless, "silent killer" Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) Manure decomposition, sewers, oil refining "Rotten egg" smell; paralyzes sense of smell at high levels Chlorine (Cl₂) Water treatment, industrial manufacturing Greenish-yellow; pungent bleach-like odor Ammonia (NH₃) Fertilizers, industrial refrigeration Sharp, pungent odor; severe respiratory irritant Phosgene (COCl₂) Plastics and pesticide production

: Cause severe chemical burns and painful blistering on contact. Mustard gas is the most well-known agent in this category.