Dr. Hamad Al-Hasawi Gives a Talk at AUK About Chemical Warfare Agents

The Department of International Relations at AUK organized a lecture discussing chemical warfare (CWF) and methods of protecting oneself against it. The lecture was held by Dr. Hamad Al-Hasawi, an expert in the field of chemical & biological warfare and an ex-Chemical Warfare Defense Advisor for the Kuwait Ministry of Defense. Dr. Al-Hasawi's lecture came as part of a series of lectures designed to educate the society and bring awareness to the hazards associated with CWF and how to prepare for it.

Chemical Warfare Agents are toxic substances that can pass into the human body through inhalation. An example of those agents is Sarin, a colorless, odorless agent that attacks the nervous system resulting in lung muscle paralysis, eventually leading to death in severe instances. He added that Sarin was most recently in Syria, which caused a high death toll among civilians. Dr. Al Hasawi also listed Cyclosarin, Soman, VX, and Novichoks as examples of chemical agents.

The lecture pointed out that the key danger associated with CWF's is that some are extremely difficult to detect. "It is not like traditional weapons. It is a disguised killer that gets into your system without you noticing it," said Dr. Al Hasawi.

The mass killing nature of CWF generates a lot of fear among civilians, which can lead to panic in cases of attacks. Thus, the purpose of this lecture is to educate the public about CWF to clear the myths and misconceptions associated with it. Dr. Al-Hasawi explained that controlling and treating CWF exposed civilians can tremendously decrease fatality rates "The chances of survival in CWF attacks could be a lot higher than the chances of survival in gunshots," said Dr. Al Hasawi.

The lecture triggered many questions by the audience members who were keen to learn about the ways of protection against CWF, as well as the treatments that can limit its effect. Dr. Al Hasawi explained that special antidotes can limit the effects of CWF if administered quickly to the affected victims. He also assured the attendees that the government of Kuwait has always been taking measures to protect civilians. Shelters, treatments, and protective masks are available for distribution to the public in cases of emergencies. In addition, learning and raising awareness about CWFs can clear any exaggerated misconceptions, and limits panic during emergency situations.

Dr. Al-Hasawi is also an expert in the assessment of chemical and biological warfare protective, monitoring, and decontamination equipment. His expertise includes the design and use of chemical and biological weapons, prediction and control of downwind hazard, the environmental fate of chemical warfare agents, and individual personal protective equipment testing. He has degrees in Chemical Engineering, and Civil Engineering: Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, as well as a Ph.D. in Management and Organizations.

Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 26th September 2013