Known chemical agents

Nerve Agents are the most toxic of the known chemical agents. Solids, liquids or vapors from these agents are hazardous and can cause death within minutes after exposure. Nerve Agents disrupt the function of the nervous system by interfering with the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. The major effects will be on skeletal muscles, certain organs, and the central nervous system. These compounds are similar to, but much more deadly than, agricultural carbamate pesticides. 

Application of well-known chemical agents in terrorist acts as complex compositions with other compounds may significantly to hamper their identification in the air and on the ground with use of usual analytical methods. In this case we can expect that clinical course of intoxication of victims will be atypical and curing effect of known antidotes and other medications will be brought to nothing. Practical confirmation of such application of chemical agent in terrorist purposes with use of sarin took place in Japan (Matsumoto, 1994 Tokyo Subway, 1995). 

The wrap protects patients from all known chemical agents for up to six continuous hours. It is a single-use item, intended for discard after use. The wrap is a sturdy lightweight 2.7kg item. Although the protective wrap is permeable to both oxygen and carbon dioxide, the rate at which carbon dioxide is produced by a typical patient exceeds the rate at which gas passes through the wrap. The patient should not be left in the wrap for longer than six hours. 

Vth file lists the known chemical agents currently in military applications worldwide. 

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