What is Chloropicrin, the chemical allegedly used by Russia on Ukraine?

On severe exposure, Chloropicrin may lead to pulmonary edema, possibly causing death.

Chloropicrin is an irritant like a tear gas. (AP photo/file)

The United States has accused Russia of using ‘Chloropicrin’, a chemical agent, on Ukrainian troops as a “method of warfare”, as per reports by Reuters. In a statement, the State department claimed that the “use of such chemicals was not an isolated incident.”

The use of the Chloropicrin violates Russia’s obligation to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which bans use of chemical weapons. However, Russia has denied the allegations.

What is Chloropicrin?

As per the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Chloropicrin is a chemical compound used broadly as a fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, nematicide and antimicrobial. In appearance, it is a colourless to yellow oily liquid.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the chemical is an irritant with characteristics of a tear gas. It has an intensely irritating odour, and can be absorbed through inhalation, ingestion, and the skin.

What happens if you come in contact with Chloropicrin?

Chloropicrin causes severe irritation to eyes, skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract on contact. Some effects include eye damage, burning in the mouth, esophagus and stomach, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, and bluish discolouration of the skin. On severe exposure, it may lead to pulmonary edema, a condition in which fluids build up in the lungs, possibly causing death, according to CDC.

Persons exposed to the chemical once become more sensitive to subsequent exposures. However, according to NIH, it is not classifiable as a carcinogen and hence, the potential for chloropicrin to cause developmental or reproductive toxicity through chronic or repeated exposure remains uncertain.

Has Chloropicrin been used before as warfare agent?

The answer is Yes. The military designation for chloropicrin is ‘PS’. As per CDC, “It was used in large quantities during World War I and was stockpiled during World War II. However, it is no longer authorized for military use.”

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