Detect chemical agents using M8 or M9 detector paper
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Terminal Learning Objective
Upon completion of this lesson, you will understand the procedures to detect chemical agents using M8 or M9 detector paper.
Learning Objective A
This topic will address how to use M8 detector paper to identify chemical agents.
M8 Detector Paper
In plastic bag inside chemical agent detector kits (M256/M256A1)
There are 25 sheets per booklet
Detects liquid nerve and blister agents
Color Changes
Yellow-gold indicates G (nerve) agent
Red-pink indicates H (blister) agent
Dark green indicates V (nerve) agent
If any other color or no color change, liquid cannot be identified
False Negatives
WARNING-When conducting agent tests at night, remove any colored lens because it may provide a false negative response.
False Positives
WARNING-Some decontaminants give false positive readings. The M8 paper may indicate positive results if used in an area where decontaminants have been used.
When to Use M8 Paper
See a liquid that might be a chemical agent
Observe any color change on M9 detector paper
Notice chemical agent symptoms in soldiers
Procedures to Use M8 Paper
Immediately assume MOPP4
Locate liquid contamination
Remove the M8 detector paper from mask carrier
Prepare M8 detector paper
Procedures to Use M8 Paper
Blot (DO NOT RUB) M8 paper on suspected liquid agent
Observe paper for a color change
Compare color on paper to color chart in booklet
Procedures to Use M8 Paper
Close/store booklet of M8 detector paper
Remain in MOPP4
Use other chemical agent detectors to verify test results
Report test results to supervisor
Learning Objective B
This objective will address how to detect chemical agents using M9 detector paper.
M9 Detector Paper
In a dispenser roll
Detects chemical agents
Cannot be used to identify chemical agents
Used in all types of weather/temperatures
Sticks to clothing, vehicles, other equipment
Procedures to Use M9 Paper
Attach M9 detector paper to protective clothing
Wrap M9 paper around upper arm
Wrap M9 paper around wrist of jacket
Wrap M9 paper around ankle just above boot
Overlap of M9 Paper
CAUTION: Leave at least one inch of overlap when placing paper on MOPP gear to minimize the difficulties experienced while conducting MOPP gear exchange.
Procedures to Use M9 Paper
Attach M9 paper to surfaces most likely to encounter chemical agents
Note any color changes on M9 paper
Constantly monitor M9 paper for any color change
If color changes: mask, give the alarm, decon (as necessary), assume MOPP4
