ABSTRACT
This chapter presents certain ideas on possible ways and means of the prohibition of the development, production and stockpiling of chemical agents and weapons. The greater threat posed by chemical weapons today derives from the discovery and manufacture of new, more toxic compounds, whereas bacteriological (biological) agents already exist in nature and can be selected for use in warfare. A great number of toxic substances are known that do not contain phosphorus but the utilization of which as chemical weapons is very likely on various grounds, including tactical grounds. The last few years have seen the start of a practical application in agriculture of certain oximes and derivatives, the toxicity of which is close to the toxicity of war agents, though the utilization of elementary means of protection has made it possible for them to be used safely in agriculture without any harmful consequences.
