The history of the chemical weapons use as a tool for diversifying military and political influence.

The article presents data on the major cases of the use of chemical weapons in military conflicts and acts of chemical terrorism from ancient times to the present. Particular attention is paid to the chronology of chemical attacks carried out in the period from 2015 to 2020. It outlined the main historical stages in the development of chemical weapons. Brief biomedical characteristics of some probable agents of chemical terrorism are given. Modern information about the international regulation of the use of chemical weapons is given. The methods of combating chemical terrorism, the primary tasks and directions of activities to counter the use of poisonous substances in armed conflicts and in the commission of terrorist acts are outlined. The importance of the readiness of medical services to provide emergency assistance to the injured and participate in the elimination of the consequences of the use of chemical weapons is shown.