Gases in WW1

There were four main types of gases used in the first World War. They were: tear gases, chlorine, phosgene, and mustard gas.

Tear Gas:



First used by the French, tear gases were the weakest chemical weapons, as the main goal of the gas was to temporarily inhibit the target. Symptoms from this gas included irritation in the eyes, mouth, throat, and lungs, and also forced breathing problems, coughing, and crying. The estimated casualties caused by this gas was 0 because it wasn't capable of killing, and most symptoms disappeared 30 minutes after leaving the affected area.


Chlorine Gas:



Initially used by Germany, this was a step up from tear gas, as it was capable of killing people. The way it killed people was by reacting with water in the lungs, which created hydrochloric acid. At low concentrations, it caused vomiting and eye irritation. At very high concentrations, however, it caused rapid death. The casualty estimation for this gas a little greater than 1,100 people. This is because chlorine gas was effective for a short while until gas masks were developed, lowering its effectiveness.


Phosgene Gas:



First used by the Germans, phosgene gas was one of the most effective gases in the first World War. The chemicals in the gas reacted with proteins in the "lung alveoli" and caused suffocation. It caused the same symptoms as the other gases, like coughing, inhibited breathing, and irritation to the eyes and throat. However, this gas could have delayed effects that weren't evident for the first 48 hours, like fluid in the lungs and death.


Mustard Gas:



Also used by the Germans first, mustard gas was very effective because it was invisible and had no distinct smell. A very powerful gas, it caused blistering and intense damage to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. It also formed "intermediates" that reacted with DNA and caused cell death.