CHEMICALS USED BY FRANCE
By: Diana Varela, Jaylyn Guzman, and Kevin Nunez
Tear Gases
Ethylyl Bromoacetate, Chloroacetone, & Xylyl Bromide
France mainly used three tear gases; Ethyl Bromoacetate, Chloroacetate, and Xylyl Bromide. These tear gases were used for the first time in August 1914, the French forces had used tear gas grenades against Germany. Tear gases irritate mucous membranes in the eyes, mouth, throat and lungs, leading to crying, coughing, breathing difficulties, and temporary blindness. Both Ethyl Bromoacetate and Chloroacetone are colourless to light yellow liquids with a fruity, strong smell. While Xylyl Bromide is a colourless liquid with a pleasant, aromatic odour.
Mustard Gas
Mustard gas is colourless and odourless. Mustard gas attacks the skin, eyes, and lungs irritation also gastrointestinal tract. This chemical was first used by the French basically, during the same time as when they started to use tear gases in the first month of
war, August 1914.
CHLORINE
Chlorine is a yellow-green gas with a strong bleach-like odour. This chemical causes coughing, vomiting, and irritation to the eyes. Chlorine was also used in the year 1914 during the first month of war.