Normally they are liquids or solids. Both solid substances and liquids can also be dispersed in the air in atomized form, so-called aerosols. An aerosol can penetrate the body through the respiratory organs in the same way as a gas. Some CW agents can also penetrate the skin. This mainly concerns liquids but in some cases also gases and aerosols.
Solid substances penetrate the skin slowly unless they happen to be mixed with a suitable solvent.
Effects on Vegetation Flowers and leaves of some plants may change colour if they are exposed to droplets of a CW agent in an attack. Light or matt spots may occur as well as brown discoloration, particularly on leaves. Entire trees, or parts of them, may also get brown discoloration in situations of strong exposure. The discoloration often arises within a few minutes but may also occur after some days. Classification CW agents can be classified in many different ways.