What type of Chemical Warfare Agent primarily attacks the airway and lungs?

The type of chemical warfare agent that primarily attacks the airway and lungs is known as a choking agent. Choking agents, such as chlorine gas and phosgene, work by causing damage to the respiratory system, leading to suffocation and a breakdown of lung function. These agents often cause immediate irritation of the respiratory tract, resulting in symptoms like coughing, choking, and difficulty breathing. The primary mechanism of choking agents is their harmful effects on the lungs, making them particularly lethal in a warfare context where incapacitating or killing large numbers of exposed individuals is the goal.

Other types of agents mentioned have different effects. Blister agents, for example, damage skin and mucous membranes, leading to severe burns and blisters rather than directly targeting the respiratory tract. Blood agents impact the body’s ability to use oxygen by disrupting cellular respiration, mainly affecting the blood and tissues rather than attacking the lungs directly. Psychochemical agents aim to affect mental states and behaviors, thereby serving a different purpose altogether. Overall, choking agents are specifically designed to compromise the respiratory system, making them distinct in their effects compared to the other agent types listed.