MUSTARD GAS Meaning and
Definition
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Mustard gas, also known as sulfur mustard or Yperite, is a powerful and highly toxic chemical compound with a distinct yellow-brown color and a strong, garlic-like odor. It is a blistering agent that belongs to the family of chemical warfare agents known as vesicants. Mustard gas derives its name from its mustard-like smell and was extensively used during World War I as a devastating chemical weapon.
The chemical formula for mustard gas is C₄H₈Cl₂S, and it is classified as an organic compound. It can be produced by the reaction of ethylene with sulfur dichloride and subsequently hydrolyzed, resulting in the formation of thiodiglycol. Mustard gas is usually dispersed in liquid or aerosol form and may rapidly evaporate, turning into a vapor that can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
Upon exposure to mustard gas, it primarily affects the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. The compound has the ability to cause severe chemical burns on the skin, leading to painful blister formation. Inhalation of mustard gas vapors can severely damage the respiratory tract, causing respiratory distress and lung damage.
Efforts to develop effective treatments for mustard gas exposure have been made, including the use of protective clothing to minimize skin contact and respiratory exposure. Decontamination procedures involve thorough washing to remove any traces of the chemical and administration of specific medications to alleviate symptoms and mitigate potential long-term effects.
Due to its extreme toxicity and persistent nature, mustard gas is classified as a banned chemical weapon under the Chemical Weapons Convention. The production, stockpiling, and use of mustard gas are strictly prohibited, ensuring global efforts to prevent its use in armed conflicts.
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• Dichlorethyl sulphide, a poisonous gas first used by the Germans in the world war; it causes intense irritation of the eyes, air passages, and skin, followed by blistering and sloughing of the skin and bronchopneumonia.
• Dichlorethyl sulphide; see under gas.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MUSTARD GAS
- nustard gas
- kustard gas
- justard gas
- mystard gas
- mhstard gas
- mjstard gas
- mistard gas
- m8stard gas
- m7stard gas
- muatard gas
- muztard gas
- muxtard gas
- mudtard gas
- muetard gas
- muwtard gas
- musrard gas
- musfard gas
- musgard gas
- musyard gas
- mus6ard gas
Etymology of MUSTARD GAS
The word "mustard gas" originated during World War I (1914-1918). Its etymology comes from the yellow-brown color and the pungent odor of the gas, which was similar to the condiment mustard. The gas was first used as a chemical weapon during that period, predominantly by the German army. Various sulfur-based mustard gases were developed, including sulfur mustard, or more specifically bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide. Although the term "mustard gas" is colloquially used, the chemical compound itself is not related to the condiment mustard, and it does not contain any mustard seed or mustard plant derivatives.
Similar spelling words for MUSTARD GAS
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