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Final answer:
Phosgene gas caused severe respiratory issues and was responsible for most gassing deaths in WWI, leading to a prolonged and horrific form of warfare. Its insidiousness was compounded by its delayed symptoms and colorless nature. The aftermath of its use included chronic health issues for survivors and contributed to the development of international bans on chemical weapons.
Explanation:
Effects of Phosgene Gas in WWI
The use of phosgene gas during World War I had devastating effects on soldiers and civilians alike. Unlike chlorine gas, phosgene was colorless and took hours to manifest symptoms, making it particularly insidious. Historians estimate that phosgene was responsible for approximately 85 percent of gassing deaths during the conflict. The gas attacked the respiratory system, leading to coughing, choking, and ultimately, respiratory failure, often resulting in death.
Moreover, phosgene's introduction into warfare epitomized the industrial scale of death and destruction prevalent in WWI. Gas masks became an essential part of a soldier's equipment, as they needed to be worn at the first warning of an attack. Yet, these masks were uncomfortable, limited vision, and were not always effective against gas exposure.
The terror and prolonged suffering caused by gas attacks, such as phosgene, added another layer of horror to trench warfare, which already included the perils of mud, shelling, and machine gun fire. The long-term effects for survivors often included chronic lung problems and psychological trauma.
In response to the horrors of chemical warfare, international efforts led to the banning of chemical weapons with the Geneva Protocol in 1925. Yet, the legacy and lessons of the use of chemical weapons like phosgene in WWI continue to influence military and international policy to this day.
