Although the development, production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons are prohibited by the UN Convention, occupiers may violate these obligations and use prohibited substances against both military and civilian populations. We offer you recommendations on identifying signs of the use of chemical weapons, preventing injuries and providing first aid. Official announcements about a chemical attack
Chemical weapons are extremely harmful, and their use cannot always be quickly identified. That is why it is important to follow the reports of official sources of information and strictly follow the instructions they provide. Such messages must contain:
announcement of signs of use of chemical weapons;
the main characteristics of the detected chemicals;
the territory of their application;
recommendations for injury prevention and first aid provision;
contact methods for affected persons and numbers of emergency services;
instructions for persons who need evacuation from the affected area;
Basic chemical alert messages are common to all chemical categories. Once the use of specific types of chemical weapons is confirmed, official notices and instructions will be detailed.
Signs of the use of chemical weapons
If you are in a war zone, pay attention to the following external signs of the use of chemical weapons:
two or more persons became incapacitated for unexplained reasons,
unknown liquids, powders or vapors are found,
incomprehensible smells or tastes are felt,
found unknown and/or unattended materials, devices or equipment,
mass rapid death of small animals (birds, insects) is observed,
there is a mass manifestation of physical symptoms of damage by chemical substances (read more about physical symptoms below).
Any of these signs could be an indicator of the use of chemical weapons. The presence of several signs at the same time indicates an increased likelihood that the incident is related to the use of chemicals. Immediately report the presence of such signs by calling the single number of emergency services (the dispatcher will call the brigade of the required service) – 112.
Importantly! If you suspect the use of chemical weapons, respond appropriately to reduce potential harm to yourself and others. Do not expose yourself to danger!
Primary actions in the zone of chemical damage
What to do if you find yourself near the area affected by chemical weapons:
If you are outside:
Leave the affected area. The shorter the contact with chemicals and the further you are from the epicenter of the damage, the less potential damage from them will be.
Try to move quickly, but don’t run. Your breathing should be calm and slow to inhale as little poison as possible.
Find shelter nearby. If possible, return to your accommodation.
If you are indoors during a chemical alarm:
If possible, go to the highest floor and find a room with as few windows and doors as possible. Chemicals are generally heavier than air, so the air will be cleaner on the upper levels of buildings.
Reduce the flow of air from the outside to the inside. Close windows, doors, vents, and anything else that helps bring air into the room from the outside.
Do not eat or drink anything that may have been exposed to chemicals.
Tune in to the news on the radio, TV or online for up-to-date health and safety messages. You should be told when it is safe to go outside.
If you are in your car and cannot leave the affected area, minimize your exposure to the chemical by:
Pull over to the side of the road so as not to block or obstruct the movement of emergency vehicles.
Turn off the engine and close all vents that draw in outside air, including air conditioner vents. Starting the engine and driving draws outside air into the vehicle and can expose you to chemicals.
To minimize the amount of chemical you inhale, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth such as a scarf or handkerchief.
Listen for further instructions from emergency personnel at the scene or listen to the news on the radio or follow official sources on the Internet.
Symptoms of chemical damage and primary safety measures
The main physical symptoms of the use of chemical materials:
miosis (excessive narrowing of the pupils),
disorientation and sweating,
twitching and convulsions,
respiratory tract irritation and difficulty breathing,
eye and skin irritation,
nausea and vomiting,
loss of consciousness
What to do if you develop symptoms of chemical exposure, or think you may have been exposed to a chemical (within 15 minutes of exposure):
Remove the top layer of clothing.
If possible, put the clothes in a bag and seal it. Place this sealed bag inside another bag and seal with duct tape. Instructions for its disposal or cleaning will be provided later.
If you have signs or symptoms of exposure to caustic or irritant substances – such as red, itchy and burning eyes or