LIQUID FROM NEW GERMAN SHELL.
Chemical and physiological examination has shown this
liquid to consist principally of dichlorethyl sulphide, the
other constituents being apparently only ordinary impurities
resulting from the process of manufacture. The vapour, even
when highly dilute, attacks the eyes and causes conjunctivitis,
but the results are not felt until some hours after the
exposure. If the vapour is breathed in sufficient quantity
it also attacks air passages, and may lead to death from
pneumonia.
If the liquid comes into contact with the skin and is not
perfectly removed at once, after a few hours it causes blisters
which as a rule are very persistent. The great danger of
blistering is from the spray of a bursting shell falling on the
clothes, or from sitting on the ground or on objects which have
received some of the liquid.
The most likely cause of the eyes or respiratory system
being attacked is omission to put on the mask during a shell
attack; or after the attack is over, during occupation of the
ground; remaining for any considerable time in a dug-out into
which the liquid has penetrated is almost sure to cause affection
of the eyes, chest or skin, or all.
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