96 years ago, during the First World War, chemical weapons were used for the first time (the toxic gas iprite).2 photos

96 years ago
During World War I, chemical weapons were used for the first time – namely, the poisonous gas mustard gas.

On the night of July 12th to 13th, 1917, near the Belgian city of Ypres, Germany deployed chemical weapons against the Anglo-French forces in an attempt to thwart their offensive. It used liquid mustard gas, a highly toxic substance with severe skin and respiratory effects. This gas was later named “mustard gas” after the area where it was first used.

When it was first employed, 2,490 people suffered injuries of varying severity, and 87 of them died. British scientists quickly deciphered its formula, but it wasn’t until 1918 that production of this new toxic agent could begin. As a result, mustard gas wasn’t actually used in combat until September 1918 – two months before the end of the war.

Mustard gas has extremely harmful local effects; it damages the eyes, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, and skin. Once absorbed into the blood, it also causes systemic poisoning.

Both liquid and vapor form of mustard gas are capable of penetrating ordinary military and civilian clothing. Such protection did not exist at that time, so soldiers had no effective defense against this deadly weapon. --- ### Response: