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In 2012, an effort to establish a zone in the Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction ran out of momentum. In 2013, a chemical attack in the outskirts of Damascus nearly brought about US intervention in the Syrian civil war and ultimately led to Syria’s accession to the Chemical Weapons Convention. Against this backdrop, some have suggested that the time is right to establish in the region a zone free of chemical weapons. Authors from three countries—Emily B. Landau of Israel (2014), Mostafa Elwi Saif of Egypt, and John Hart of the United States (2014)—explore whether a chemical-weapon-free zone in the Middle East might contribute to regional security and whether it could revitalize the initiative to rid the region of all weapons of mass destruction. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In 2012, an effort to establish a zone in the Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction ran out of momentum. In 2013, a chemical attack in the outskirts of Damascus nearly brought about US intervention in the Syrian civil war and ultimately led to Syria’s accession to the Chemical Weapons Convention. Against this backdrop, some have suggested that the time is right to establish in the region a zone free of chemical weapons. Authors from three countries—Emily B. Landau of Israel, Mostafa Elwi Saif of Egypt (2014), and John Hart of the United States (2014)—explore whether a chemical-weapon-free zone in the Middle East might contribute to regional security and whether it could revitalize the initiative to rid the region of all weapons of mass destruction. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A wide range of chemical warfare agents and their simulants are catalytically decontaminated by a new one-dimensional polymeric polyniobate (P-PONb), K12[Ti2O2][GeNb12O40]⋅19 H2O ( KGeNb) under mild conditions and in the dark. Uniquely, KGeNb facilitates hydrolysis of nerve agents Sarin (GB) and Soman (GD) (and their less reactive simulants, dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP)) as well as mustard (HD) in both liquid and gas phases at ambient temperature and in the absence of neutralizing bases or illumination. Three lines of evidence establish that KGeNb removes DMMP, and thus likely GB/GD, by general base catalysis: a) the k(H2O)/k(D2O) solvent isotope effect is 1.4; b) the rate law (hydrolysis at the same pH depends on the amount of P-PONb present); and c) hydroxide is far less active against the above simulants at the same pH than the P-PONbs themselves, a critical control experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) is one of the most widely used molecules to simulate chemical warfare agents in adsorption experiments. However, the details of the electronic structure of the isolated molecule have not yet been reported. We have directly probed the occupied valence and core levels using gas phase photoelectron spectroscopy and the unoccupied states using near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to study the electronic structure, assign the spectral features, and visualize the molecular orbitals. Comparison with parent molecules shows that valence and core-level binding energies of DMMP follow trends of functional group substitution on the P center. The photoelectron and NEXAFS spectra of the isolated molecule will serve as a reference in studies of DMMP adsorbed on surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of weapons of mass destruction for military purposes is a problem that has its origins in the early history of humanity. Many substances were used as weapon but the chemical ones were the first to be used in history. The first use of chemical agents dates back to 7th century B.C. during the siege of Cirrha, a Greek city. In the literature of that time there are many examples of the use of chemicals, for example in Thucydides' papers, in which the Greek author describes how the Spartans had burned trees previously soaked with sulphur to produce toxic gases that would have reduced the Plataea city's protections. Unfortunately, their plan failed when the wind direction suddenly changed, poisoning their troops instead. Even the Middle Ages offer many testimonies of the use of chemicals as weapons. A real large-scale use of these substances took place in many other events, for example: during the American Civil war (1861-1865) when General Gilmore used explosive shells against the Confederates. In 1865, when Napoleon used hydrogen for military purposes and in 1900, during the Crimean war, when sulphuric gas was used against the Russian troops near Sevastopol. However, the highest levels of use of chemical agents were achieved during World Wars I and II (WWI and WWII). During these years of wars, the international community deemed necessary to regulate the use of this kind of substances and for this aim a couple of conferences were organized in 1899 and 1907 in The Hague to discuss the regulation of chemical agents' use during war. The most important conference took place in Geneva in 1925 where the Chemical Weapons Convention was born. This work is a review of the historical events involving dangerous chemical agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biohazards represent an important issue in the field of security, both for the destructive potential and the psychological, economic and social impact that the use of biological agents for biowarfare could have on populations. Early identification of an intentional biological event is essential to ensure correct management and response to the emergency. Much effort for the development of innovative equipment that permit prompt and remote detection of biological warfare agents are needed to achieve this goal. In this work, the different detection systems suitable in the CBRN context for biological agents will be analyzed, focusing on non-specific and specific point-detection systems, and stand-off detection systems, evaluating the pros and cons of each technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An array of fluorogenic probes is able to discriminate between nerve agents, sarin, soman, tabun, VX and their mimics, in water or organic solvent, by qualitative fluorescence patterns and quantitative multi-variate analysis, thus making the system suitable for the in-the-field detection of traces of chemical warfare agents as well as to differentiate between the real nerve agents and other related compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solvent extraction process is regarded amongst other known methods to be applicable for decontamination of sensitive equipment components, especially in cases the components are contaminated in-depth with chemical warfare agents. Viability of the solvent extraction method was evaluated on coupons of butadiene rubber contaminated by sulphur mustard before decontamination by the solvent extraction. The contaminated coupons were extracted in a flow cell, which the solvent (ethoxynonafluorobutane) passed through. Three following specific operational factors, namely the temperature, the flow rate, and the power of ultrasound bath, were assessed for the extent of influencing upon the respective observed extraction efficiencies. The paper describes the results of the evaluation of the solvent extraction effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fundamental understanding of the surface chemistry of chemical warfare agents is needed to fully predict the interaction of these toxic molecules with militarily relevant materials, catalysts, and environmental surfaces. For example, rules for predicting the surface chemistry of agents can be applied to the creation of next generation decontaminants, reactive coatings, and protective materials for the warfighter. Here, we describe a multifunctional ultra-high vacuum instrument for conducting comprehensive studies of the adsorption, desorption, and surface chemistry of chemical warfare agents on model and militarily relevant surfaces. The system applies reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry to study adsorption and surface reactions of chemical warfare agents. Several novel components have been developed to address the unique safety and sample exposure challenges that accompany the research of these toxic, often very low vapor pressure, compounds. While results of vacuum-based surface science techniques may not necessarily translate directly to environmental processes, learning about the fundamental chemistry will begin to inform scientists about the critical aspects that impact real-world applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On-site monitoring and detection are necessary in the crisis and consequence management of wars and terrorism involving chemical warfare agents (CWAs) such as satin. The analytical performance required for on-site detection is mainly determined by the fatal vapor concentration and volatility of the CWAs involved. The analytical performance for presently available on-site technologies and commercially available on-site equipment for detecting CWAs interpreted and compared in this review include: classical manual methods, photometric methods, ion mobile spectrometry, vibrational spectrometry, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, sensors, and other methods. Some of the data evaluated were obtained from our experiments using authentic CWAs. We concluded that (a) no technologies perfectly fulfill all of the on-site detection requirements and (b) adequate on-site detection requires (i) a combination of the monitoring-tape method and ion-mobility spectrometry for point detection and (ii) a combination of the monitoring-tape method, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry with counterflow introduction, and gas chromatography with a trap and special detectors for continuous monitoring. The basic properties of CWAs, the concept of on-site detection, and the satin gas attacks in Japan as well as the forensic investigations thereof, are also explicated in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent turmoil and volatile situation in many countries and the increased risk of terrorist activities have raised alarm bells for the field of defense against toxic chemical/materials. These situations poses threats to society as terrorists can take advantage of such situations to strike and cause public mayhem. A number of chemicals have the potential of being used as chemical warfare (CW) agents. CW agents could immediately kill or incapacitate the affected individuals even when they are present in very low concentration. CW agents should be removed quickly to minimize their deleterious health effect. There is no single decontamination system that can be used against all types of chemical warfare (CW) agents. The review briefs about different decontamination processes and approaches for chemical decontamination and also discusses about various decontamination products available globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim in this study was to collect the experiences of Iranian researchers about sulfur mustard (SM) and provide a guideline for the prevention of abuse for this dangerous agent. We searched valid national and international databases using related key words in the two languages. We found 193 articles which had been published in medical journals. Among them, 25 articles had some implications about prevention measures. In this study, we have mentioned 8 preventive points before the attacks, 10 points during and 2 points afterwards, we also found 12 points for the prevention of people who were exposed with SM and suffering from respiratory, ocular, dermatologic and psychological complications. In conclusion, most of the published studies on chemical war victims in Iran are focused on diagnosis and treatment of late SM-induced complications. Hence, a research should be conducted separately in relation to the prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the current threat of toxic chemicals and chemical warfare agents, personal protection is important for soldiers and first responders, as well as the civilian population. This paper describes the development of a cotton non-particulate nonwoven composite fabric and the evaluation of its adsorption capability for protection against toxic chemical ingress which can be harmful or lethal. In addition, this paper focuses on the evaluation of toxic chemical adsorption capabilities of various chemical protective substrates that have the potential to be used in military applications. The development of a three- layered cotton based decontamination wipe and its adsorption of 0.1 % w/v pinacolyl methylphosphonate in butanol, is presented. Adsorption is quantified using a modified gravimetric procedure developed using a thermogravimetric analyzer. The results demonstrate the adsorption performance of a new cotton-based, non-particulate flexible composite that has a high potential to be used as a portable decontamination wipe. This research is unique in the area of individual protection and addresses the requirements of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for seeking and evaluating highly efficient, non-particulate, and skin-friendly materials that provide necessary chemical protection while minimizing any discomfort or irritation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine cancer morbidity in members of the armed forces who took part in tests of chemical warfare agents from 1941 to 1989. Design Historical cohort study, with cohort members followed up to December 2004. Data source Archive of UK government research facility at Porton Down, UK military personnel records, and national death and cancer records. Participants All veterans included in the cohort study of mortality, excluding those known to have died or been lost to follow-up before 1 January 1971 when the UK cancer registration system commenced: 17 013 male members of the UK armed forces who took part in tests (Porton Down veterans) and a similar group of 16 520 men who did not (non-Porton Down veterans). Main outcome measures Cancer morbidity in each group of veterans; rate ratios, with 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for age group and calendar period. Results 3457 cancers were reported in the Porton Down veterans compared with 3380 cancers in the non-Porton Down veterans. While overall- cancer morbidity was the same in both groups (rate ratio 1.00, 95% confidence interval 0.95 to 1.05), Porton Down veterans had higher rates of.ill defined malignant neoplasms (1.12,1.02 to 1.22), in situ neoplasms (1.45,1.06 to 2.00), and those of uncertain or unknown behaviour (1.32,1.01 to 1.73). Conclusion Overall cancer morbidity in Porton Down veterans was no different from that in non-Porton Down veterans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two primary goals of infrared spectroscopic detection are chemical identification and quantification. In order to accomplish these goals, a comprehensive and quantitative spectral library suitable for digital manipulation is required. To a large degree, the contents of such a library depend on the application. Since the primary application of the PNNL/DOE spectral library is for environmental monitoring, we have focused our efforts on hazardous pollutants, as well as a large variety of natural and anthropogenic chemicals. As a spin-off project and in collaboration with Dugway Proving Ground, we also had the opportunity to analyze a limited set of chemical warfare agents (CWAs). An example of such data appears below. Infrared optical properties of VX [O-ethyl S-(2-diisopropylaminoethyl) methylphosphonothioate] in the vapor and liquid phases. Refractive index data (top traces) are critical for modeling aerosol and reflection phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An approach for the passive standoff detection of surface contaminants by differential polarization FTIR spectrometry is proposed. The surface radiance modeling associated with the method is given. Unpolarized and polarized sensing measurements obtained with the CATSI sensor for the standoff detection of liquid agent VX deposited on high-reflectivity surfaces are presented. The analysis of results indicates that the differential polarization approach is well suited to mitigate sky radiance drifts, which favours unambiguous surface contaminant detections. An experimental and modeling study initiated to address the spectral polarization phenomenology is outlined. The design of an optimized FTIR sensor for differential polarization spectrometry measurements is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a method to detect fluoride ion generated O-ethyl methylphosphonofluoridate (VX-G) in Göttingen minipig red blood cells (RBC) following whole-body exposure to VX vapor utilizing a gas chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometer (GC-MS-MS). Dose-response curves for VX exposure are generated after applying the fluoride ion reactivation assay to the RBC fraction of serially collected whole blood samples that are taken after whole-body exposures that varied in both duration and concentration. GC-MS-MS analyses of RBC samples following VX exposure demonstrate this technique has both adequate sensitivity and specificity to indicate the severity of exposure.

The article presents a study examining the long-term psychological impact of chemical warfare on civilians. A cross-sectional randomized survey was conducted in three towns in northwestern Iran that were exposed to warfare during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq War, including Oshnaviyeh, Rabat, and Sardasht. Posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis as well as symptoms of depression or anxiety were examined. The study found that chemical warfare exposure is a traumatic event that results in long-term negative mental health consequences.

The article offers information on the controversy regarding the ethical issues associated with classified research in chemical and biological warfare in the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Information is provided on the ways by which it came out in the public and the different administrative policies of the university regarding this issue through different times. It is informed that agitations against these projects rose to such a level that the trustees had to intervene to cancel the projects altogether. It has been observed that these movements gave rise to the question of the faculty's minimal say in administrative matters in the universities.

Sulfur mustard (mustard gas) is an alkylating agent used widely against Iranians during the 8-year Iraq–Iran war. This agent causes various late-occurring respiratory, skin and eye complications. A 37-year-old Iranian man exposed to the agent in vapor form 16 years prior to the date of this writing was given a clinical and pathological evaluation for late-occurring skin lesions. Hypo and hyperpigmentation, atrophic, and vascular changes (cherry angiomas) were observed at the site of mustard scarring on the left anterior thigh. Histological studies showed mild papillomatosis and acanthosis changes along with pigmentation of basal layer in epidermis and atrophy of adnexal structures along with fibrosis and sclerosis in dermis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on classified contract research in the U.S. universities and the ethical issue related to them with detailed description of the situation at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Information is provided on Project Spicerak and Project Summit, are two secret research projects going on in the university concerned with chemical and biological warfare and financed by the U.S. Dept. of Defense. Information is also provided on the several set guidelines for conducting research with affiliation to the university. The issues related to secrecy of a project are also discussed.

The article presents a brief about the Russian Scientist Igor' Vladimirovich Rybal'chenko, who turns sixty on 23 November 2006. The article presents that the study of Professor Rybal'chenko is associated with the behavior of poison gases in different physicochemical and biological systems. The article concludes with the various positions being held by the professor.