“The United States determined Russia used the chemical weapon chloropicrin against Ukrainian troops and riot control agents (RCA) as a method of warfare in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).” -US Dept of State, Global Engagement Center, June 7 2024
“The Ukrainian General Staff reported on January 18 that Russian forces used ammunition equipped with chemical agents banned by the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) 434 times in Ukraine in December 2024, contributing to a total of 5,389 documented cases since February 2023. Ukraine's radiation, chemical, and biological intelligence units are monitoring Russia's use of banned chemical agents, which include using regulated K-51 and RG-VO grenade launchers to launch munitions containing chemical agents and ammunition containing unspecified hazardous chemicals that are banned in warfare under the 1925 Geneva Protocol and CWC. Ukrainian officials have previously reported on increasingly common instances of Russian forces using chemical substances in combat that are banned by the CWC, to which Russia is a signatory, and the Ukrainian General Staff noted that such violations have been systematic in the Russian military since February 2023.” -ISW
RF is using Chloropicrin (PS) against Ukrainian targets. PS- an industrial pesticide- is a clear, oily substance, with an extremely sharp, sweet, irritating odor. Inhalation of concentrated vapors and skin/eye contact are hazardous.
As a powerful irritant, chloropicrin can cause immediate, severe inflammation of the eyes, nose and throat, as well as significant upper and lower respiratory tract injuries, following acute exposure. Symptoms include burning of the nose and throat, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache and extreme eye irritation. Following low level exposures, symptoms usually subside within 15 minutes, after removal from exposure. Ocular symptoms may persist longer if the eyes are rubbed. Skin contact with chloropicrin vapor or liquid results in immediate burning or stinging pain followed by redness. Chloropicrin exposures may also cause nausea and vomiting.
Human exposure data for other types of choking agents suggest that acute lung damage from chloropicrin exposure could result in the development of chronic bronchitis, asthma and emphysema, particularly if respiratory tract infections complicate recovery.
Chloropicrin was used by both sides in WWI, and is now listed as a banned choking agent by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
Treatment: Remove and bag contaminated patient gear+ clothing. If accidental, acute skin contamination occurs during transport, wipe clean and flush skin with at least 1L fluid. Use vent fan and/or windows during transport if needed. Be prepared to manage airway & breathing complications & irrigate eyes if needed.
