· Poison gas was first used in the battle of Ypres on April 22, 1915.Germans used chlorine gas against the French, who originally thought the gas attack was a simple smoke screen. Poison gas came about to harm or kill large masses of the enemy at one time, in a form that did not require artillery. It was also used in order to mobilize an otherwise stalemated war- poison gas can injure huge numbers of enemy soldiers, without ruining trenches- which is effective when attempting to gain important locations, such as Ypres. Poison gas was invented by two scientist, Lommel and Steinkopf.
There are many types of poison gas, but the three gases mainly used in World War One were phosgene, mustard gas, and chlorine gas. Mustard gas, a yellow gas, causes internal and external blisters, which are very painful and may be fatal. Phosgene, a colorless gas, does not have immediate effects, but after 48 hours, the gas embeds itself into the victims body, often resulting in death.
The use of mustard gas spurred the invention of the gas mask. Gas masks are used by soldiers to prevent inhalation of lethal gases, but often reduce visibility and air flow.
Beware when using Poison gas- the wind can cause it to change directions and flow back onto your own lines!
There are many types of poison gas, but the three gases mainly used in World War One were phosgene, mustard gas, and chlorine gas. Mustard gas, a yellow gas, causes internal and external blisters, which are very painful and may be fatal. Phosgene, a colorless gas, does not have immediate effects, but after 48 hours, the gas embeds itself into the victims body, often resulting in death.
The use of mustard gas spurred the invention of the gas mask. Gas masks are used by soldiers to prevent inhalation of lethal gases, but often reduce visibility and air flow.
Beware when using Poison gas- the wind can cause it to change directions and flow back onto your own lines!