GV-Series

Human toxicity data for these nerve agents have not been published or have not been established. 

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GV-series agents are not specifically listed in the CWC, nor are they covered by the language of the general definitions. However, because of their toxicity and lack of commercial application, they would be prohibited based on the Guidelines for Schedules of Chemicals. 

Liquid GV-series agents are not as stable as either G-series or V-series agents and tend to decompose during storage. Purified salts are stable over extended periods. Agents can be stored in glass containers. 

Depending on the properties of the specific agent, unmodified GV-series agents are classified as either moderately persistent or persistent by the military. Evaporation rates range from near that of light machine oil down to that of motor oil. 

GV-series nerve agents Agents produce HF when hydrolyzed. Additional products, depending on the pH, include amines and complex oiganophosphates that should be considered to be extremely toxic. 

GV-series nerve agents Volatile decomposition products may include HF, NO, PO, as well as potentially toxic organophosphates. In addition, toxic phosphate residue may remain. 

These agents are readily destroyed by high pH (i.e., basic solutions). Use an aqueous caustic solution (minimum of 10% by weight sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate) containing 20% alcohol or use undiluted household bleach. However, hydrolysis of GV-series agents produces acidic by-products therefore, a large excess of base will be needed to ensure... 

Solid hypochlorites (e.g., HTH, STB, and Dutch powder) are also effective in destroying GV-series agents. Reaction with hypochlorites, including household bleach, may produce toxic gases such as chlorine. 

Although specific data have not been published in the unclassified literature, preliminary studies indicate that reactive oximes and their salts, such as potassium 2,3-butanedione monoximate found in commercially available RSDL, are extremely effective at rapidly detoxifying GV-series nerve agents. Basic peroxides (e.g., a solution of baking soda, 30-50% hydrogen peroxide, and an alcohol) also rapidly detoxify GV-series agents. 

In contrast to either the G-series or V-series agents, the observable signs and symptoms of exposure to the GV-series agents are more insidious and tend to be very mild and transient. Even convulsions occurring just prior to death are usually milder than with G-series or V-series agents. 

This material is a binary constituent in G-series and GV-series nerve agents. 

This material is a precursor for some G-series, GV-series, and V-series nerve agents and is also commonly found as a decomposition product/impurity resulting from hydrolysis of Tabun (C01-A001). 

This material is a precursor for some GV-series and V-series nerve agents. 

Nitrogen blister agents (C09), V and GV-series nerve agents (C02, C03) Arsenical blister agents (COS, CIO), arsenical blood agents (C13), and vomiting agents (C20)... 

GV" series Nerve Agents are hazardous through inhalation, skin and eye exposure, ingestion, and abraded skin (e.g., breaks in the skin or penetration of skin by debris). 

Most of the "GV" series Nerve Agents decompose slowly in water. A significant change in the pH (either higher or lower) increases the rate of decomposition considerably. 

Military Information on detection of "GV" series Nerve Agents is... 

Binary Nerve Agents may be either nonpersistent or persistent. Evaporation rates, decomposition rates, and permeation rates in porous material of the crude Nerve Agents may be different from the standard "G" series, "V" series, or "GV" series agents because of the presence of unreacted components and reaction byproducts. 

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