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Chemical warfare agents

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Molecular, Clinical and Environmental Toxicology

Part of the book series: Experientia Supplementum ((EXS,volume 100))

Abstract

Chemical warfare agents are compounds of different chemical structures. Simple molecules such as chlorine as well as complex structures such as ricin belong to this group. Nerve agents, vesicants, incapacitating agents, blood agents, lung-damaging agents, riot-control agents and several toxins are among chemical warfare agents. Although the use of these compounds is strictly prohibited, the possible misuse by terrorist groups is a reality nowadays. Owing to this fact, knowledge of the basic properties of these substances is of a high importance. This chapter briefly introduces the separate groups of chemical warfare agents together with their members and the potential therapy that should be applied in case someone is intoxicated by these agents.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center of Advanced Studies and Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 50001, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic

    Kamil Kuča & Miroslav Pohanka

Authors
  1. Kamil Kuča
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  2. Miroslav Pohanka
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Thielallee 88-92, 14195, Berlin, Germany

    Andreas Luch

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© 2010 Birkhäuser Verlag/Switzerland

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Kuča, K., Pohanka, M. (2010). Chemical warfare agents. In: Luch, A. (eds) Molecular, Clinical and Environmental Toxicology. Experientia Supplementum, vol 100. Birkhäuser Basel. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7643-8338-1_16

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