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Chemical warfare equipment

Chemical warfare equipment

Chemical warfare equipment includes protective items such as gasmasks and suits, as well as detection kits for gases, medication and auto-injectors in case of exposure to chemicals, etc. The main risk with these collection items: the exact chemical reagents involved are not established.

  1. Unknown chemicals | Whenever chemicals are not exactly identified, the risks involved remain unclear. This is e.g. the case with chemical detection kits.
  2. Unknown substances | Medical equipment used when exposed to chemicals, such as an auto-injector.
  3. Asbestos | Equipment used for protection against chemicals containing asbestos, e.g. gasmasks.

1. Chemical detection kits

Chemical detection kits were mainly used during the Cold War to detect the presence of gases such as phosgene, hydrogen cyanide and cyanogen chloride. The main risk associated with these objects is the uncertainty regarding the specific chemical reagents present in the test kit. Unfortunately, Belgian army archives do not contain further information on these objects and their contents.

To further investigate the potential presence of hazardous substances, it would be prudent to analyse the contents of these detection kits in a laboratory.

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How to protect yourself?

It is best to avoid contact with the unknown chemical agents. This can be achieved by not opening the packaging and by wearing nitrile gloves and a lab coat. The use of a gasmask and safety goggles or face shield is recommended if the container is damaged.

2. Auto-injectors

The collection also contains both auto-injectors (to be used in the field in case of chemical contamination) and training auto-injectors. The main risk associated with such objects is the accidental administration of the auto-injector.

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How to protect yourself?

The best way to avoid such accidents is to create barriers. One way to achieve this is by not removing the auto-injector from its packaging. Storing the objects properly and clearly so that the auto-injector cannot be discharged accidentally is another solution.

3. Asbestos

For all information related to asbestos, please check this page.

Table of content

Heavy metals | Old pesticides  | Medical equipment  | Chemical warfare equipment  | Asbestos