Organophosphate nerve agents toxicity

Gupta, R.C., Dettbam, W-D. (1992). Potential of memantine, d-tubocurarine and atropine in preventing acute toxic myopathy induced by organophosphate nerve agents soman, sarin, tabun and VX. NeuroToxicology 13 500-14. 

Sawyer, T.W., Weiss, M.T., Boulet, C.A., Hansen, A.S. (1991h). Toxicity of organophosphate nerve agents and related phos-phonylated oximes compared to their anticholinesterase... 

Young, R.A., Opresko, D.M., Watson, A.P. (1999). Deriving toxicity values for organophosphate nerve agents a position paper in support of the procedures and rationale for deriving oral RfDs for chemical warfare nerve agents. Hum. Ecol. Risk Assess. 5 589-634. 

One important consideration is the case of children dermally exposed to insect repellents snch as iV,iV-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEBT) which has resnlted in serious systemic toxicity and even death [154,177]. A similar issue is indicated by the studies of Loke et al. [165] as regards organophosphate nerve agents [165]. 

Organophosphates (nerve agents) require more sophistication but they too are not outside the reach of most countries, as Iraq demonstrated in the 1980s and 1990s. Terrorists probably would try to acquire the highly toxic nerve agents, which have the potential to create many casualties with great lethality and require much smaller quantities than mustard or Lewisite. 

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

Although bicyclophosphates do not inhibit acetylcholinesterase, they exhibit a synergistic toxic effect with materials that do. Individuals who have had previous exposure to cholinesterase inhibitors such as nerve agents and commercial organophosphate or carbamate pesticides may be at a greater risk from exposure to bicyclophosphates. 

Field First Aid Nerve agents are the most toxic of the known chemical warfare agents. Chemically similar to organophosphate pesticides, their method of acting is to inhibit acetylcholinesterase enzymes. Individuals whose skin or clothing is contaminated with... 

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