Chemical Agent Detector Paper
Chemical Agent Detector Paper is a type of paper used for detecting the presence of chemical agents, including nerve agents, mustard agents, and blister agents. The paper typically change color in the presence of a chemical agent. The U.S. Military and first responders typically use the paper.
M8 Detector Paper
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M8 Detector Paper is used to detect the presence of V and G type nerve agents and H type blister agents. It works by detecting chemical agents from a liquid splash. Each sheet of paper has three separate detection dyes. The yellow color appears when exposed to G nerve agents, the dark green color appears when exposed to V nerve agents, and the red color appears when exposed to H blister agents.[1] The M8 detector paper does not detect agents in the form of aerosols or vapors.
The M8 was a Canadian invention, being first standardized in 1963.[2] By 1964 it entered US service as part of the M15A2 Chemical Agent Detector Kit, with about 67,000 of these kits being produced from 1965-1969, with most other NATO nations also purchasing the M8.[2]
M9 Detector Tape
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M9 Detector Tape or paper is used to detect the presence of nerve (V- and G- types) and mustard (H, HD, HN, and HT) agents.[3] It cannot identify what particular agent it is being exposed to. The tape is typically a dull cream color when not exposed to chemical agents, but will turn red in the presence of chemical agents.[4] The tape is made from Mylar, which is the sticky backing, and a red agent detection dye. The detector tape does have false positives, which can be caused by antifreeze, petroleum-based products, and liquid insecticide.
The M9 was adopted by the US Army in 1980, although prior testing showed the dye used in the tape was mutagenic and possibly carcinogenic.[2] Adoption nonetheless proceeded and the Army was able to find a replacement dye that was not mutagenic.[2]
Chemical Detection Kit
[edit]The M256/M256A1 Chemical Detection Kits include not only M8 Detector Paper for detecting the presence of toxins, but also enzyme-based "tickets" for identifying which agent is present. The M18 kit includes M8 sheets, "tickets", and test tubes loaded with colorimetric reagents for measuring the concentration of toxins.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ "M8 Chemical Detection Paper | Chemical Kits". Luxfer Magtech. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
- ^ a b c d Smart, Jeffery K. "History of Chemical and Biological Detectors, Alarms, and Warning Systems". Homeland Security Digital Library. U. S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command. Retrieved 21 November 2021.
- ^ "M9 Chemical Detection Tape | Chemical Kits". Luxfer Magtech. Retrieved 2021-04-04.
- ^ "210.pdf" (PDF). United States Marine Corps. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2016-12-22. Retrieved April 4, 2021.
- ^ Incidents, Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on R&D Needs for Improving Civilian Medical Response to Chemical and Biological Terrorism (1999). "Detection and Measurement of Chemical Agents". Chemical and Biological Terrorism: Research and Development to Improve Civilian Medical Response. National Academies Press (US).
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