What agent makes the M8 detector turn red?

What agent makes the M8 detector turn red?

• A. Nerve agent
• B. Blister agent
• C. Blood agent
• D. Choking agent

Answer: (B)

The M8 detector is a colorimetric device designed to react specifically to vesicant (blister) agents. When these agents come into contact with its sensing coating, a chemical reaction occurs that produces a red color. That red signal tells you that a blister agent may be present, so you can take appropriate protective actions and isolate the area. Other chemical classes—nerve agents, blood agents, and choking agents—do not produce this red change on M8, so this color cue is not used to identify them.

The M8 detector is a colorimetric device designed to react specifically to vesicant (blister) agents. When these agents come into contact with its sensing coating, a chemical reaction occurs that produces a red color. That red signal tells you that a blister agent may be present, so you can take appropriate protective actions and isolate the area. Other chemical classes—nerve agents, blood agents, and choking agents—do not produce this red change on M8, so this color cue is not used to identify them.