7-15. Toxins

Table of Contents

Toxins are alleged to have been used in past conflicts. Witnesses and victims have described the agent as toxic rain (or yellow rain) because it was reported to have been released from aircraft as a yellow powder or liquid that covered ground, structures, vegetation, and people.

• a . Signs and Symptoms. The occurrence of the symptoms from toxins may appear in a period of a few minutes to several hours depending on the particular toxin, the service member’s susceptibility, and the amount of toxin inhaled, ingested, or deposited on the skin. Symptoms from toxins usually involve the central nervous system but are often preceded by less prominent symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, or stomach irritation and burning sensation. Typical neurological symptoms often develop rapidly in severe cases; for example, visual disturbances, inability to swallow, speech difficulty, lack of muscle coordination, and sensory abnormalities (numbness of mouth, throat, or extremities). Yellow rain (mycotoxins) also may have hemorrhagic symptoms, which could include any or all of the following:
• • • Dizziness.
  • • Severe itching or tingling of the skin.
  • • Formation of multiple, small, hard blisters.
  • • Coughing up blood.
  • • Shock (which could result in death).
• b. Self-Aid. Upon recognition of an attack employing toxins, you must immediately take the following actions:
• • (1) Stop breathing, put on your protective mask with hood, and then resume breathing. Next, put on your protective clothing.
  • (2) Should severe itching of the face become unbearable, quickly —
  • • • Loosen the cap on your canteen.
    • • Take and hold a deep breath and lift your mask.
    • • While holding your breath, close your eyes and flush your face with generous amounts of water.

CAUTION

DO NOT rub or scratch your eyes. Try not to let the water run onto your clothing or protective overgarment.

• • • • Put your protective mask back on, seat it properly, clear it, and check it for a seal; then resume breathing.
    • • Decontaminate your skin by bathing with soap and water as soon as the mission permits.
    • • Change clothing and decontaminate your protective mask using soap and water. Replace the filters if directed.
  • (3) If vomiting occurs, the mask should be lifted momentarily and drained — while the eyes are closed and the breath is held — and replaced, cleared, and sealed.
• c. Medical Assistance. If you suspect that you have been exposed to toxins, you should seek medical assistance immediately.