Organophosphorus nerve agent prevention

Important measures in prevention of military casualties include adequate detection measures, physical protection, chemical prophylaxis and proper treatment. In the terrorist context, proper emergency planning is key. Treatment of poisoning by organophosphorus nerve agents is dealt with in other chapters in this volume. 

Toxicity The agents GA, GB, and VX are rapidly acting, lethal nerve agents. They directly affect the nervous system and are toxic as liquids and vapors. They are organophosphorus esters that inhibit acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that prevents the accumulation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the nerve synapses. When too much acetylcholine is present, convulsion and death may result. 

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