031-503-1037 (SL1) - Detect Chemical Agents Using M8 or M9 Detector Paper

1.   Use the M9 detector paper.

Note.  M9 and M8
detector paper will not detect
chemical agent vapors.

a.
Attach the M9 detector
paper to your MOPP gear and
equipment while wearing chemical
protective gloves.

(1) 
Place the M9 detector
paper on the MOPP gear, on
opposite sides of your body.

(a)  
If you are
right-handed, place a strip of
M9 detector paper around your
right upper arm, left wrist, and
right ankle.

Note.  These are
the places where a moving soldier will
most likely brush against a surface
(such as undergrowth) that is
contaminated with a liquid chemical
agent.

(b)  
If you are
left-handed, place a strip of M9
detector paper around your left
upper arm, right wrist, and left
ankle.

Note.  Do not
attach M9 detector paper to hot,
dirty, oily, or greasy surfaces
because it may give a false positive
reading.

(2) 
Place M9 detector paper
on the equipment where it will
come in contact with contaminated
objects and is visible to the
operator.

b.
Monitor the M9 detector
paper constantly for any color
change. 
If you observe a color
change-mask, give the alarm,
decontaminate as necessary, and
assume MOPP4.

WARNING:
Some decontaminants give false
positive results on the M8 detector
paper. 
The M8 detector paper may
indicate positive results if used in
an area where decontaminants have been
used

2.   Use M8 detector paper if you see a liquid that
might be a chemical agent or if you
observe a color change on the M9
detector paper.

a.
Prepare M8 detector
paper. 
Tear out a sheet from the
book (use one-half sheet if it is
perforated).

Note.  You may
want to put the paper on the end of a
stick or another object then blot the
paper on the suspected liquid agent.

b.
Blot (do not rub) the M8
detector paper on the suspected
liquid agent without touching the
liquid with your protective glove.

c.
Observe the M8 detector
paper for a color change. 
Identify the contamination by
comparing any color change on the M8
detector paper to the color chart on
the inside front cover of the
booklet:

(1) 
A yellow-gold color
indicates the presence of G
(nerve) agent.

(2) 
A red-pink color
indicates the presence of H
(blister) agent.

(3) 
A dark green color
indicates the presence of V
(nerve) agent.

(4) 
If any other color is
present or if there is no color
change, the liquid cannot be
identified using M8 detector
paper.

d.
Store the booklet of M8
detector paper.

e.
Remain in MOPP4 even if
the liquid cannot be identified. 
Use other types of chemical
agent detectors to verify test
results.

f. 
Notify your supervisor of
the test results.

Note. 
M8 detector paper reacts
positive to petroleum products,
ammonia, and decontaminating solution
#2 (DS2). 
M9 detector paper reacts
positive to petroleum products,
insecticides, and antifreeze.  Because M9 detector paper only detects but does not
identify chemical agents, verify all
readings with M8 detector paper. 
If you observe a color change
on M8 or M9 detector paper, assume it
is a liquid chemical agent. 
Confirm the presence of
contamination by using all means of
chemical agent detection available in
your area of operation, including a
visual check of your surroundings. 
If you determine that your
reading is a false positive, perform
the following actions before giving
the all-clear signal:
1. 
Ensure that every attempt has
been made to recheck the area.
2. 
Contact your higher
headquarters (HQ) or the person in
charge, and report the negative
results.
3. 
Await further guidance. 
(Higher HQ contacts all
adjacent/attached units to check the
status of contamination in their
areas. 
If all units report the absence
of contamination, the information is
reported up the chain of command.)