Poison gas

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/poison-gas

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the primary classification of cwas?Nerve agents, blister agents, choking agents, and blood agents
2. What is the mechanism of sarin?Irreversibly inhibits acetylcholinesterase, leading to nervous system overstimulation
3. What is poison gas and how does it hurt people?Poison gas is a chemical that can be invisible and make people very sick or hurt them. It can kill, injure, or stop people from moving or breathing.
4. Why did people start using poison gas in wars?People started using poison gas in World War I. Germany first used chlorine gas in 1915, and both sides made more gases like phosgene and mustard gas.

Chemical Warfare Agent (CWA): A toxic chemical substance designed for use in warfare to cause death or severe harm.
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor: A substance that blocks the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine, leading to nerve overstimulation.
Pulmonary Edema: The accumulation of excess fluid in the lungs, impairing breathing.