M8 Paper, M9 Tape, and M256A1 Kits
Chemical warfare agents pose a serious threat in military conflicts and acts of terrorism. These toxic substances come in various types, including nerve agents, blister agents, blood agents, choking agents, and riot control agents. In response, various detection methods have been developed to protect military personnel and civilians from these deadly chemicals. Among these products are M8 Chemical Detection Paper, M9 Chemical Agent Detection Tape, and M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector Kits. In this post, we’ll look at the differences and uses of these chemical detection methods.
M8 Chemical Detection Paper
M8 paper, also known as three-color chemical detector paper, is a simple, immediate detection tool used primarily by military personnel to identify the presence of specific liquid chemical warfare agents. It is particularly sensitive to G-Series nerve agents (such as Sarin, Soman, and Tabun), V-Series nerve agents, and blister agents like mustard gas.
What agents will M8 paper detect?
The M8 paper will change color to signal the presence of these agents: yellow or gold for G-Series nerve agents, green for V-Series nerve agents, and red or pink for blister agents. However, it cannot detect vapor or aerosolized forms of these agents, nor does it react to all chemical warfare agents, such as BZ (a psychoactive substance) or Lewisite (another type of blister agent).
M9 Chemical Agent Detection Tape
Unlike M8 paper, M9 tape can be worn on a soldier’s uniform or attached to equipment and vehicles for constant monitoring. It changes to a red or reddish color when it comes into contact with liquid or aerosolized chemical agents, either nerve or blister types.
What is the difference between M8 and M9 paper?
M8 and M9 paper are both used to detect the presence of liquid chemical warfare agents. However, they differ in how they’re used and what they can indicate.
M8 paper is a three-color detector paper used to detect and identify liquid nerve agents and liquid blister agents. It changes color depending on the type of agent detected:
- The paper will turn yellow or gold if it detects a G-series nerve agent.
- The paper will turn green if it detects a V-series nerve agent.
- The paper will turn red or pink if it detects a blister agent like mustard gas.
M8 paper is typically used by taking a small sheet and dabbing it onto a suspicious liquid to see if it changes color.
M9 paper, on the other hand, doesn’t differentiate between types of agents and cannot detect vapors. Instead, it turns a red or reddish color in the presence of any liquid or aerosolized chemical agent, either nerve or blister. By attaching it to equipment or a uniform, it provides constant and ongoing detection.
While both M8 and M9 are effective in the rapid detection of chemical warfare agents, their use is typically combined with other detection methods for comprehensive field analysis of potential chemical threats.
Does chemical detection paper and tape expire?
Yes, chemical detection paper, such as M8 or M9 paper, does have an expiration date:
- M8 Paper – Up to 10 years (Adhesive backed version – ‘3-way’ is up to 5 years)
- M9 Paper – Up to 8 years
These papers are sensitive to heat, moisture, and light, so they need to be stored properly to maintain their effectiveness. In general, they should be kept in a cool, dry place and in their original, sealed packaging until use. Once the package is opened, the detection paper should be used promptly to ensure accurate results.
M256A1 Chemical Agent Detector Kit
The M256A1 kit is a comprehensive detection tool used to identify both liquid and vapor forms of chemical agents. It’s capable of detecting and identifying nerve agents, blister agents, and blood agents. The kit consists of sampler-detectors, chemical heater assemblies, and instruction cards, all packed in a plastic wrapper.
The detection process involves several steps, including heating, crushing ampoules, and observing color changes. Though more complex and time-consuming than using M8 paper or M9 tape, the M256A1 kit provides a more comprehensive analysis of the presence and type of chemical agents. It can be used in combination with M8 paper or M9 tape to provide a thorough assessment in a given environment
Want to find out more?
Chemical agent detection is a crucial aspect of protection against chemical warfare. Find out more about our chemical testing and decontamination products for military and first responder CBRN emergency preparedness. If you have any questions about our products, please contact us for more information.