Chemical weapons are weapons that use toxic chemicals to harm or kill humans, animals, or plants through direct contact, inhalation, or skin exposure. Primarily used in warfare or terrorism, they are classified as Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), alongside nuclear and biological weapons.

Types of Chemical Weapons

Chemical weapons are categorized based on their effects:

1. Nerve Agents:
   • Examples: Sarin, VX, Tabun
   • Effects: Disrupt the nervous system, causing muscle spasms, breathing difficulties, and death within a short time.
2. Blister Agents:
   • Examples: Mustard Gas, Lewisite
   • Effects: Cause severe burns and blisters on skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.
3. Choking Agents:
   • Examples: Chlorine, Phosgene
   • Effects: Damage the respiratory system, leading to suffocation or death.
4. Blood Agents:
   • Examples: Cyanide
   • Effects: Prevent oxygen transport in the blood, causing rapid death.
5. Incapacitating Agents:
   • Examples: Tear Gas, BZ
   • Effects: Cause temporary unconsciousness or incapacitation without killing.

History of Use

• World War I (1914–1918): Chemical weapons like Mustard Gas and Chlorine were widely used in European battlefields, resulting in millions of deaths and injuries.
• World War II: Although less common, Nazi Germany used poison gas in concentration camps during the Holocaust.
• Modern Conflicts: Examples include the use of Sarin in Syria (2013) and an assassination attempt using VX in Malaysia (2017).

Impacts

• Immediate Impacts: Chemical weapons can cause death or severe injury quickly, depending on the type and level of exposure.
• Long-term Impacts: Survivors may suffer chronic illnesses, such as respiratory issues, cancer, or organ damage.
• Environmental Impacts: Chemicals can contaminate soil, water, and air, harming ecosystems.
• Psychological Impacts: Cause fear and mental trauma to victims and communities.

International Agreements

• Geneva Protocol (1925): Prohibits the use of chemical weapons in warfare.
• Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC, 1993): Bans the production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons, enforced by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Many countries have committed to destroying their chemical weapon stockpiles.

Current Challenges

• Illegal Use: Despite bans, chemical weapons have been used in conflicts, such as in Syria.
• Terrorism: Terrorist groups may use easily accessible chemicals, like Chlorine, to create threats.
• Clandestine Development: Some countries or groups may secretly develop chemical weapons.
• Defense: Developing effective defenses (e.g., gas masks or antidotes) remains a challenge.

Differences from Nuclear Weapons

• Scale of Destruction: Chemical weapons have less destructive power than nuclear weapons but are easier to produce and use.
• Production: Toxic chemicals can be made in small laboratories, while nuclear weapons require complex technology.
• Regulation: Chemical weapons are monitored by the OPCW, while nuclear weapons are governed by treaties like the NPT.

Chemical weapons remain a threat to global security despite international efforts to eliminate them