Fatal Airs: The Deadly History and Apocalyptic Future of Lethal Gases That Threaten Our World [Hardcover]

This is the first book to examine the deadly history and potential apocalyptic future of both natural and man-made lethal gases that threaten our world.

Fatal Airs: The Deadly History and Apocalyptic Future of Lethal Gases That Threaten Our Worldrelates the fascinatingand appallingstories of the discovery, development, applications, and occupational and public health hazards of natural and man-made gases. Some of these gases have figured in mass extinctions. Others have created havoc through their use in chemical warfare or their accidental release.

Among the hundreds of man-made lethal gases, several have been singled out for attention, including chlorine, phosgene, mustard gas, lewisite, hydrogen cyanide, and the nerve agents tabun, sarin, soman, VX, and methyl isocyanate. The book also examines some naturally occurring gases, such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, methane, and radon. Colorful accounts capture the characteristics and history of each of these mysterious substances, focusing on key episodes in scientific discovery and exploration since World War I.

Preface
1. Agents of the Gods
2. Plucky Pioneers
3. Volcanoes: Carbon Dioxide, Sulfur Dioxide, Hydrogen Sulfide
4. Nitrous Oxide: This Wonder-Working Gas of Delight!
5. First World War
6. Hydrogen Cyanide: The Gas Chamber Is Born
7. The Attack That Never Came
8. Holocaust: Carbon Monoxide, Zyklon-B Hydrogen Cyanide
9. Nerve Agents
10. Carbon Monoxide (CO): The Silent Killer
11. Radon (Rn): Out of the Basement
12. Accidents and Disasters
13. Worst Gassing since the Holocaust: Mustard, Tabun, Sarin, VX, Cyanide
14. Terrorist Attacks and Threats
15. Disposal and Control
16. From Stink to Extinction: Methane (CH4), Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Timeline
Glossary
Appels&