The Ministry of Defense commented on the possible use of chemical weapons in Mariupol.

“As of now, we are checking this information, trying to understand what. According to preliminary data, there is speculation that it was most likely phosphorus munitions. Maybe.
The final official information will be later. But we need to understand that the risk of using chemical weapons does exist and it is quite high"

– stated Anna Malyar

***Phosphorus ammunition — type of incendiary or smoke munitions equipped with white phosphorus. During the combustion of white phosphorus, hot dense white smoke is formed, consisting mainly of phosphorus oxide (V) in the form of an aerosol. Field concentrations are usually harmless, but in the case of large accumulations, smoke can cause temporary irritation of the eyes, nasal mucosa and respiratory tract.(Material from Wikipedia)

It will be recalled that there is a possibility that the aggressor country will use chemical weapons in Mariupol, which is prohibited by the Convention on the Use of Chemical Weapons, namely at the Azovstal plant. Three Ukrainian servicemen were injured, but without catastrophic consequences. Sourse

The Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons was adopted on 3 September 1992 and entered into force on 29 April 1997. (Material from Wikipedia).
As of March 2021, 193 states have become parties to the Convention and have accepted its commitments. Israel has signed but not ratified the agreement, while three other UN member states (Egypt, North Korea and South Sudan) have not signed or acceded to the treaty.
The main points of the Convention are:

– Prohibition of the production and use of chemical weapons;
– Destruction of all stockpiles of chemical weapons.

Description of chemical weapons that were previously in the arsenal of the aggressor country:

Novichek – refers to the fourth generation of solid (rarely in the form of liquid) neuro-paralytic substances. Chemical weapons Newcomer enters the human body by inhalation, ingestion, as well as skin contact.

Sarin – odorless and tasteless liquid, which is extremely toxic. Sarin's chemical weapon is used as a neuro-paralytic substance. Sarin can enter the human body in various ways: touching a substance or an infected surface, inhaling, eating poisoned food and water. This chemical can be absorbed by surrounding objects and tissues.

Mustard gas – has an oily shape, colorless and odorless (in its pure form). In technical form, mustard has a yellow-brown color and garlic-mustard odor. It dissolves poorly in water, but combines well with gasoline, alcohol, fat, oil. Mustard gas is often used in conjunction with other chemicals. In particular, ethyldichloroarsin, luisite and phenyldichloroarsin. Mustard gas quickly penetrates into textiles, paper, building materials, rubber. You can also be poisoned by skin contact with the affected object.

VX– neuro-paralytic oily substance of amber color, which has no smell or taste. It is considered one of the most toxic of all chemicals used in hostilities. VX is used to infect closed bodies of water. However, they remain toxic for a long period of time (up to six months). The greatest danger of the substance is in winter, when it remains on the ground for 30-60 days. In summer it works 1-3 days.

Louisite – has an irritating odor and dark brown color. It is a liquid with skin-abrasive action and high resistance. Irritating, primarily to the respiratory system and mucous membranes.

Soman – in its pure form has a slight fruity odor. It is a colorless liquid that is very toxic. Technical Zoman can look straw-yellow due to various impurities. It is noted that the chemical Zoman is three times more toxic than Sarin.

Do not ignore air alarms. When you hear the alarm you need to go down to a safe place. Remember, during the war, the enemy uses weapons of mass destruction.