Final answer:
True, chemical agents are indeed used in chemical warfare to produce death, injury, and incapacitation. Chemical warfare, which is the use of chemical compounds in war, differs from biological warfare and involves various chemicals, with nerve agents being a notable example that can cause fatal disruptions in nerve transmission.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that chemical agents are used to produce death, injury, and temporary incapacitating or irritating effects is true. Chemical warfare exploits the toxic properties of substances to achieve these harms. Not to be confused with biological warfare, which uses living organisms, chemical warfare involves chemicals like nerve agents and toxins that disrupt bodily functions or cause direct damage to tissues and organs.
There are several categories of chemical warfare agents, including nerve agents that inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, causing fatal disruptions in nerve transmissions. Exposure leads to serious symptoms like convulsions and asphyxiation, often resulting in death. Household chemicals, such as strong acids and bases, can also cause severe damage if ingested or come into contact with skin.
Chemical warfare agents have been banned under international law, specifically the Geneva Protocol of 1925. Despite this, their use has historically resulted in numerous casualties and long-term environmental and health effects, illustrating the profound impact such chemicals can make outside of their intended military contexts.