NERVE AGENT (V-Series)

TM 9-1300-275/2

2-2.7.4 DS-2 (Decontaminating Solution No. 2).

2-3.5.4 First-Aid. First-aid treatment is similar to that

This is the recommended decontaminant for small

used for G-agents (para. 2-2.5.4), except that V-agents

quantities of agent because it is a ready-to-use solution

may be removed effectively from the skin by using the

that does not require any mixing. However, it requires

M5 protective ointment. (Never use M5 protective

relatively large quantities of DS-2 (about 2.4 gallon per

ointment in or around the eyes as it is extremely

pound of agent) to neutralize the agent. Only one

irritating to the eyes.) Hot soapy water or household

application on the contaminated surface is required.

bleach may also be used for personnel decontamination.

After a 30minute wait, flush off with water and test for

2-3.6 Detection.

any remaining contamination.

Use the chemical detector kit detector tickets and ABC-

M8-VGH detector paper.

a. Wear protective gloves and mask when

2-3.7 Decontamination.

handling this solution.

Solutions are listed in order of preference for effective

b. DS-2 will cause a fire upon contact with dry

decontamination in the shortest time.

HTH-HTB or STB.

2-3.7.1 HTH-HTB Solution (Calcium Hypochlorite; High-

c. Do not allow DS-2 to contact the voicemitter-

Test Bleach).

outlet valve in the M17 protective mask. DS-2 will

a. Prepare a 10-percent concentration by mixing

destroy the mylar in this valve immediately upon

10 pounds of HTH-HTB with 12 gallons of water. Apply

contact.

to contaminated surface and, after a 5-minute wait,

2-2.7.5 Hot Soapy Water. Mix 1 pound of soap with 1

wash it off with water.

Test for any remaining

gallon of water. This solution will decontaminate as long

contamination.

as suds are maintained.

Use for personnel

b. Wear a protective mask and gloves during

decontamination.

handling because this solution gives off toxic vapors and

2-3 NERVE AGENT (V-Series).

will burn the skin.

2-3.1 Symbol VX.

c. HTH-HTB solution is corrosive to most metals

2-3.2 Description.

and will destroy fabrics.

This agent is generally a brown liquid at field purity, is

d. Dry HTH-HTB will cause oil-grease or DS-2 to

slightly thicker than water, and does not evaporate

burn on contact.

rapidly. Because of its low volatility, the vapor effect is

2-3.7.2 Commercial or Household Bleach (Sodium

limited, and the duration of effectiveness can be up to 6

Hypochlorite).

days. A persistent, highly-toxic, moderately quick-acting

No mixing is required; use the full-strength solution.

chemical, it causes muscular spasms and, if in the eyes,

Commercial laundry solutions are 10to 14-percent

it may result in death within 1 to 10 minutes.

concentrations. Household brands are 3 to 6-percent.

2-3.3 Use.

They are effective in decontamination of V-agents on

This is a moderately quick-acting casualty agent with a

the skin. Solutions normally decontaminate V-agents

normally long duration of effectiveness. It is used in

within 5 minutes after contact.

large-caliber artillery shells, sprays, rockets, and mines.

2-3.7.3 DS-2 (Decontaminating Solution No. 2).

2-3.4 Characteristics.

This is the recommended decontaminant for small

a. Boiling point is 572 .

quantities of agent because it is a ready-to-use solution

b. Freezing point is -38 .

that does not require any mixing. However, it requires

c. Duration of effectiveness can be up to 6 days,

relatively large quantities of DS-2 (approx. 1.2 gal per lb

depending upon conditions and contamination density.

of agent) to neutralize the agent. Only one application

d. Additional details on VX are outlined in FM 3-

on the contaminated surface is required. After a 30-

10B, classified CONFIDENTIAL.

minute wait, flush off with water and test for any

remaining contamination.

2-3.5 Safety Precautions.

2-3.5.1 Portal of Entry Into Body. By liquid contact with

a. Wear protective gloves and mask when

the skin or through any body opening.

handling this solution.

2-3.5.2 Protection Required. A protective mask and

b. Do not allow DS-2 to contact the voicemitter

impermeable protective clothing.

outlet valve in the M17 protective mask. DS-2 will

2-3.5.3 Symptoms. In liquid or droplet form, VX affects

destroy the mylar in this valve immediately upon

the body in a manner similar to that of G-agents

contact.

absorbed through the skin (para. 2-2.5.3)..