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The Syrian government and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant or ISIL, most commonly known as ISIS, have been accused use of prohibited chemical weapons used in war today and other biological weapons.

The most recent attack in Syria, which was alleged to be the doing of the Syrian government, was an attack with the use of chemical weapons in a rebel-held town in Idlib province. The attack killed more than 80 people, with hundreds more wounded. However, despite accusations, the Syrian government has denied such claims, the Aljazeera  reports.

The Geneva Protocol in 1925 banned the use of chemical weapons that were widely used in World War I and the Biological Weapons Convention then expanded the Geneva Protocol in 1975 which prohibits the development, production and stockpiling of an entire category of mass destruction.

Various chemical weapons used in war today are at hand and terrorists who aim to cause destruction are always on the move in formulating it, The National Interest  noted.

Below are the five (5) chemical weapons in war today and the harms it cause.

1. Choking Agents like Chlorine.

Symptoms and Effects: Choking caused by the build-up of fluid in the lungs.

2. Blistering Agents (e.g. Sulfur Mustard)

Symptoms and Effects: Blistering on exposed skin, burning of the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. There is also a possible internal blistering.

3. Blood Agents (e.g. Hydrogen Cyanide)

Symptoms and Effects: Exposure prevents blood tissues from using the body's oxygen which often leads to convulsions, paralysis, and heart failure.

4. Nerve Agents (e.g. Sarin)

Symptoms and Effects: One may suffer from seizure, muscle paralysis and loss of body control. This type of chemical can kill within minutes.

5. Riot Control Agents (e.g. Tear Gas)

Symptoms and Effects: This is the most common type of chemical weapon that is used in raids and wars. Symptoms include coughing, tears, irritation of mouth, skin, and eyes.

Chemical weapons used in war today and the harms it cause, range from fear-driven attacks to some fatally gruesome effects. The Organization for the Prohibitions of Chemical Weapons is reinforcing ways to control the use of these dangerous chemicals.