d. M8 and M8A1 Automatic Chemical Agent Alarm System.
The M8 Automatic Chemical Agent Alarm System is an automatic chemical agent laboratory which
continuously samples the air. It sounds an alarm and shuts off its pump when chemical agent vapors are
detected.
The system is comprised of two components: M43 Detector Unit and M42 Alarm Unit. The M43
Detector Unit detects the presence of chemical agent vapors. The M42 Alarm Unit, which is connected
by wire to the detector unit, provides both an audible signal and a visible flashing light to indicate the
presence of chemical agent vapors.
The M8 Alarm is designed to detect chemical agents: V/G, Nerve; AC/CK, Blood; and CG, Choking;
inhalable vapors and aerosols of nerve, blood, and choking agents; and high concentrations of CX,
Blister Agent. The M8 is vulnerable to false alarms in the presence of non-chemical smokes, engine
exhaust, nuclear explosions, and rabbit urine.
The newer model of the automatic alarm system is the M8A1 Automatic Chemical Agent Alarm
System. This alarm system provides a method of automatic detection of nerve agents in vapor form.
The system can be utilized for nerve agent detection while vehicle mounted, backpacked, or ground
emplaced.
This system is also comprised of two components. The M43A1 Detector Unit automatically detects
nerve agents in the air. The M42 Alarm Unit, which is connected by wire to the detector unit, provides
both a warning light and a horn to signal presence of nerve agent vapors. The M8A1 will send out a
false alarm in the presence of screening smokes, signaling smokes, engine exhaust, rocket/missile
propellant smokes, and electromagnetic pulse (EMP).
WARNING
The M43A1 Detector Unit of the M8A1 Alarm System is a radiation
hazard. This unit contains Americium (AM 241).
Correct positioning of these automatic alarm systems is vital in order for them to provide the earliest
possible warning. Exact positioning must be determined based on wind speed, wind direction, terrain,
and tactical situation.
e. Chemical Agent Monitor (CAN).
Our newest item of chemical agent detection equipment is the Chemical Agent Monitor (CAM). The
CAM is a portable hand-held instrument designed to determine and indicate the hazard from
2-6
CM 2506
Previous Page
