: Cause severe chemical burns and painful blistering on contact. Mustard gas is the most well-known agent in this category.
Smells like "moldy hay"; effects can be delayed for 48 hours Historical Use in Warfare poison gas
Gases are primarily classified by how they affect the human body: : Cause severe chemical burns and painful blistering
Poison Gas: A Comprehensive Overview Poison gas is any gaseous substance that causes harm, illness, or death when inhaled or absorbed through the skin. While historically significant as a weapon of war, toxic gases are common in industrial, agricultural, and residential environments today. Major Classifications While historically significant as a weapon of war,
Poison gas was first used on a large scale during World War I to break trench stalemates. First Usage of Poison Gas - National WWI Museum
: Cause inflammation and chemical burns to the respiratory tract, eyes, and skin. Common examples include ammonia , chlorine , and sulfur dioxide .
: Absorbed into the bloodstream to damage specific organs or cellular respiration. Hydrogen cyanide is a potent systemic toxin. Common Toxic Gases and Sources Common Sources Key Characteristics Carbon Monoxide (CO) Incomplete combustion (engines, heaters) Colorless, odorless, "silent killer" Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) Manure decomposition, sewers, oil refining "Rotten egg" smell; paralyzes sense of smell at high levels Chlorine (Cl₂) Water treatment, industrial manufacturing Greenish-yellow; pungent bleach-like odor Ammonia (NH₃) Fertilizers, industrial refrigeration Sharp, pungent odor; severe respiratory irritant Phosgene (COCl₂) Plastics and pesticide production
