(1) Detection Using the M256 Chemical Agent Detector Kit. AC is used
as a quick-acting casualty agent and can be detected by using the M256
Procedures for detection using the kit are
described in the following steps.
Step 1.
MASK.
Step 2.
Remove one detector sampler from the kit.
Step 3.
Tear the protective bag and remove the sampler.
Step 4.
Perform steps 1 -12 as described on the protective bag and
the kit instruction cards.
Step 5.
The blood agent section of the sampler will turn pink or
blue if a blood agent is present.
(Colorless or tan is
safe).
WARNING
Do not use an outdated sampler, because it will give unreliable
test indications.
(2) Decontamination.
Decontamination is not required under field
conditions.
b. Blood Agent (CK).
Blood agent CK (Cyanogen Chloride) is a
colorless, highly volatile liquid. Although only slightly soluble in water,
it dissolves readily in organic solvents. Its vapor, heavier than air, is
very irritating to the eyes and mucous membrane surfaces.
CK's pungent
biting odor is masked by its irritating and lacrimatory properties.
Normally CK is nonpersistent.
CK is a quick-acting casualty agent.
It also causes degradation of
more vulnerable to a subsequent lethal agent attack. CK acts in two ways.
Its systemic effects are similar to those of AC, but it also has local
irritant effects on the eyes, upper respiratory tract and lungs. CK damages
the respiratory tract resulting in severe inflammatory changes in the
bronchioles, and congestion and edema in the lungs. The fluid in the lungs
may accumulate much faster than in phosgene poisoning. All concentrations
of CK produce eye irritation and lacrimation.
CK can be detected by the
same methods as those for AC. In addition, decontamination is not required
under field conditions.
CM3404
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