Adamsite or DM is an organic compound; technically, an diphenylaminechlorarsine, that can be used as a riot control agent. DM belongs to the group of chemical warfare agents known as or .[ First synthesized in Germany by Heinrich Otto Wieland in 1915, it was independently developed by the US chemist Roger Adams (for whom it is named) at the University of Illinois in 1918.
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Composition
DM is an odourless compound with a very low vapour pressure. The colour of the crystals ranges from bright yellow to dark green depending on the purity. It is readily soluble in some organic solvents (e.g., acetone, dichloromethane), but nearly insoluble in water. In vaporous form it appears as a canary yellow smoke.[ Adamsite (DM) Vomiting Agent. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. August 22, 2008. Retrieved December 22, 2008.]
Effects
Adamsite is usually dispersed as an particulate, making the upper respiratory tract the primary site of action. Although the effects are similar to those caused by typical riot control agents (e.g. CS gas), they are slower in onset but longer in duration, often lasting for 12 or more hours.[ After a latency period of 5–10 minutes irritation of the eyes, lungs and mucous membranes develops followed by headache, nausea and persistent vomiting.][Committee on Review and Evaluation of the Army Non-Stockpile Chemical Materiel Disposal Program, U.S. National Research Council. Disposal of Chemical Agent Identification Sets, ( Google Books), p. 15, National Academies Press, 1999, ().]
Usage
DM was produced and stockpiled by the British and the United States at the end of World War I. It was used by the British during the incursions at Murmansk and Arkhangelsk.[ When Chemical Weapons Were First Dropped From the Air, North Russia 1919 Simon Jones. Imperial War Museum Review. No. 12, 1999. Retrieved September 3, 2015.] It is now regarded as obsolete and has been widely replaced by riot control agents such as CS gas which are less toxic and more rapid in the onset of symptoms. Early battlefield use was intended to be via "adamsite candles". These were large metal cans or tubes (weighing approximately ) which contained a smoke composition made of adamsite plus a slow burning pyrotechnic composition. A series of candles were lit and the adamsite-laden smoke allowed to drift towards the enemy.
In the United States, it was used against the Bonus Army who demonstrated in Washington, D.C., in 1932, reportedly causing the death and serious injury of several children who had accompanied their parents on the protests. It was again used in the Vietnam War.
Japan's Unit 731 exposed victims to adamsite, amongst other chemical and viral agents.
In 2003, North Korea was reportedly producing adamsite at its Aoji-ri Chemical Complex in Haksong-ri, Kyonghung County for stockpiling.[ Chemical Agents: Adamsite . Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI). March 2003.] DM was allegedly used by Venezuelan authorities in the 2014–17 Venezuelan protests and described as "green gas"
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