Chemical Warfare Agents: Toxicity at Low Levels [Hardcover]

Satu M. Somani (Editor), James A. Romano Jr. (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0849308720 | ISBN-13: 978-0849308727 | Publication Date: December 7, 2000 | Edition: 1

Many books cover the emergency response to chemical terrorism. But what happens after the initial crisis? Chlorine, phosgene, and mustard were used in World War I. Only years after the war were the long-term effects of these gases realized. In the 60s, 70s, and 80s, these and other agents were used in localized wars. Chemical Warfare Agents: Toxicity at Low Levels explores the long range effects of, protection against, and remedies for chemicals used during war and the chronic problems possibly resulting from toxic exposures during the Persian Gulf War. The book discusses the toxicities of chemical agents at low-levels. It focuses on the effects on military personnel after exposure to low levels of sarin - a chemical suspected to have been present during the Gulf War. It also covers factors such as stress, surrounding, and other chemicals that can enhance or decrease the toxicity of chemical warfare or protective agents. It discusses the effects of stress on the blood-brain permeability of pyrodostigmine and polar compounds, and describes how circulating scavenger enzymes or enzymes covalently bound to sponges can detoxify chemical agents. Acute toxicity is easy to observe and treat but low-level toxicity is difficult to identify - and can present and persist months and years after the initial exposure - making its treatment that much more difficult. Written by experts known for their contributions to the science of toxic chemicals, Chemical Warfare Agents: Toxicity at Low Levels gives you the latest information about the pathophysiology of chemical warfare agent injury at low concentrations.

Editorial Reviews

Review

…there is something here for everyone with an interest in chemical warfare agents. I recommend it for those interested in research or for those who are formulating plans for response to terrorism.
- in Wilderness & Environmental Medicine

This book is a must-read for any scientist interested in the role of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The detailed references along with nonjudgmental descriptions as to any causal relationship for the development of chronic neuropsychiatric disease make this a valuable informational source... The book is a valuable addition to the field.
-Doody's Publishing

Product Details

• Hardcover: 464 pages
• Publisher: CRC; 1 edition (December 7, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849308720
• ISBN-13: 978-0849308727
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,589,228 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars amazing research, February 12, 2008

By 

Chemistry One "Retired Professor" (Indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chemical Warfare Agents: Toxicity at Low Levels (Hardcover)

I did not read the whole book, which was quite technical.
There was a section describing the nerve agent soman, and the separation of its four stereoisomers by capillary gas chromatography. There was also research described in which the four stereoisomers were separated and had their individual toxicities determined in animals. This section was fascinating and its contemplation gave me the shivers to think of the danger involved handling this dreadful poison.
One thing I would criticize( as a neophyte in this area of research) is the constant use of acronyms. A glossary would be very helpful.
I noticed one error : the authors characterized dieldrin and aldrin as organophosphates, which they are not.