1-3

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1-3. BLOOD AGENTS

Blood agents (cyanogens) interfere with the normal exchange of oxygen between the red blood cells and the body's tissues. The central nervous system is especially susceptible to this type of interference.

a. Types of Blood Agents. The principle blood agents are hydrogen cyanide (AC) and cyanogen chloride (CK). Both are deadly and can produce immediate casualties.

b. Methods of Dissemination. Blood agents can be delivered by artillery shell, mortar shell, rocket, aircraft spray, and bomb. Hydrogen cyanide can be disseminated in either vapor or liquid form. Cyanogen chloride is disseminated as a vapor.

c. Characteristics of Blood Agents. Both AC and CK are colorless and are highly volatile in liquid form. AC smells somewhat like bitter almonds. Cyanogen chloride has a pungent, biting odor, but the odor may not be detected because of the irritation caused by CK when it is inhaled. All blood agents are nonpersistent, but CK is more persistent than AC.

d. Absorption of Blood Agents. Blood agents are primarily absorbed into the body through the respiratory system. They quickly enter the blood circulatory system where they interfere with oxygen exchange. In high concentration, AC may cause death after a few breaths.

e. Physiological Effects. Once the agent enters the circulatory system, it reacts rapidly with enzymes that are vital in the absorption and release of oxygen. The first organ to be impaired from the decrease in oxygen is the brain. These agents can cause unconsciousness, coma, and death. Death from AC leaves the blood well-oxygenated and the casualty's skin has a pinkish look similar to that of carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition to interfering with oxygen exchange, CK also attacks the respiratory system and causes eye irritation.

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