Treating Chemical and Biological Agent Casualties
Lesson 1: Chemical Agents and Protection From Chemical Agents
1-7
1-7. VOMITING AGENTS
a. Types of Vomiting Agents. Vomiting agents include diphenylchlorarsine (DA), diphenylaminearsine chloride (DM, also called Adamsite), and diphenylcyanarsine (DC).
b. Methods of Dissemination. Vomiting agents are dispersed as aerosols (smoke).
c. Characteristics of Vomiting Agents. Diphenylaminearsine chloride, DA, and DC are crystalline solids that are usually dispersed by heat as fine particulate smoke. Diphenylaminearsine chloride smoke is yellow when concentrated. DA and DC smokes are white when concentrated. When diluted with air, all three smokes are colorless.
d. Absorption of Vomiting Agents. Vomiting agents are absorbed through the respiratory track and the eyes.
e. Physiological Effects. Vomiting agents produce strong irritation of the upper respiratory system, irritation of the eyes, nausea, and vomiting.
