INCAPACITATING AGENT

TM 9-1300-275/2

b. Inhalations of high concentrations cause

a. When decontaminating fabrics, leather, and

dizziness, vomiting, dry mouth, blurred vision,

canvas, use a 5-percent solution (5 pounds caustic soda

confusion, and the inability to respond effectively or

to 12 gallons of water).

move about. If untreated, symptoms may last up to 4

b. Wear protective gloves and mask when

days before gradual return to normal.

handling these solutions.

2-7.5.4 First-Aid.

c. Caustic soda corrodes aluminum, tin, and zinc.

a. Wash contaminated skin with soap and water.

d. When mixing, add the soda to the water (not the

Flush the eyes with clean water. Contaminated clothing

water to caustic soda) to prevent boiling and splattering

should be wetted with water and removed.

because of excessive heat formed when dissolving the

b. Personnel exposed to BZ cannot sweat so that

caustic.

immediate and vigorous cooling, as for a heat stroke,

must be performed.

2-7 INCAPACITATING AGENT.

c. Move into fresh air immediately; maintain close

2-7.1 Symbol (BZ).

observation and restrictive care to prevent the victim

2-7.2 Description.

from injuring himself or others.

BZ is a solid, persistent chemical agent which affects

the brain, causing temporary physical and mental

2-7.5.5 Fire Protection. If munition is involved in a fire,

confusion when inhaled. Normally, it does not seriously

it may function as designed and disseminate the agent.

endanger life or cause permanent injury. It is packed in

munitions as a white or offwhite powder.

2-7.6 Detection.

BZ is packed (in powdered form) in munitions and is

2-7.3 Use.

white or off-white. At present, no reliable field test for

BZ agents are used to produce limited-time, delayed-

detection is available.

action incapacitation of personnel. There is eventually a

2-7.7 Decontamination.

complete recovery. These agents are used in burning

2-7.7.1 Before starting decontamination, pack up all

type ordnance to disseminate the aerosol.

visible BZ and put it in plastic bags. Seal these bags in

the M494, or similar container, for shipment.

2-7.4 Characteristics.

2-7.7.2 BZ can be removed by scrubbing or drenching

BZ is a solid and packed in munitions in micro-

with a solution of .5- to 1-percent nonionic detergent or

pulverized powder.

These particles can become

5-percent acetic acid solution.

(This solution will

suspended in air, and, in dry areas, can remain for an

remove but will not detoxify the agent; the drainage

indefinite time.

must be contained for treatment and disposal.)

Treatment

the

wash

solution

from

the

2-7.5 Safety Precautions.

decontaminating operation will normally be handled at a

2-7.5.1 Portal of Entry Into Body. By inhalation of the

depot by mixing with 5- to 15-percent caustic solution,

particles.

maintaining a caustic for 1 hour at ambient temperature

2-7.5.2 Protection Required. Protective mask only.

with more time at a lower temperature.

2-7.5.3 Symptoms (In Order of Appearance). Effects

will begin to become evident 30 to 60 minutes after

2-8 SUMMARY.

exposure. Its maximum effect is within 4 to 8 hours.

Characteristics of the foregoing chemical agents are -

a. Small doses of BZ cause an increased heart

summarized in Table 1 of Appendix A. For each

rate, dry skin and mouth, increased eye pupil size, and

chemical agent, the recommended decontaminants are

increased skin temperature.

listed in order of preference in Table 2 of Appendix A.