Persistent nerve agents

There are seven sites in the United States where U.S. Unitary Chemical Stockpile exists. Below they are listed by chemical weapon as follows GB, sarin H, mustard HD, mustard HT, mustard VX, persistent nerve agent GA, tabun L, lewisite TGA, thickened tabun TGB, thickened sarin. 

Benton et al. (2006b, 2007) experimentally determined the LCtso and LC50 in male and female adult SD rats exposed whole body to VX vapor for 10, 60, and 240 min in a dynamic exposure chamber (Table 6.3) study protocol was similar to that for agent GB in the studies conducted by Mioduszewski et al. (2001, 2002a). Experiments testing the role of decontamination less than 24 h post-exposure provided clear evidence for percutaneous toxicity induced by whole-body vapor exposure to the persistent nerve agent VX. For severe and lethal VX vapor exposure effects, females were not more susceptible than males for the exposure durations examined. 

Nerve agents are absorbed both through the skin and via respiration. Because VX is an oily, nonvolatile liquid it is well absorbed through the skin (persistent nerve agent), although it can also be absorbed by inhalation. Thus, VX is more of a percutaneous threat than by inhalation, whereas the G agents (nonpersistent), which are also liquids, pose more of an inhalation hazard because of their vapor pressure. Sarin (GB) is the most volatile, but evaporates less readily than water, while cyclosarin (GF) is the least volatile of the G agents. 

The second new concept was a drinking tube. The drinking capability allowed a soldier to drink from his canteen in a contaminated battlefield without unmasking. This was considered critical because of the longer times required to wear protective gear around persistent nerve agents and the possible use of the mask in desert and tropical climates.30... 

Three types of chemical mechanisms have been used for decontamination water/soap wash oxidation and acid/base hydrolysis.9 Mustard (HD) and the persistent nerve agent VX contain sulfur molecules that are readily subject to oxidation reactions. VX and the other nerve agents (tabun [GA], sarin [GB], soman [GD], and GF) contain phosphorus groups that can be hydrolyzed. Therefore, most chemical decontaminants are designed to oxidize mustard and VX and to hydrolyze nerve agents (VX and the G series).1 Water and Water/Soap Wash... 

Mask-Only Command Only the protective mask is worn. The mask-only command is given in these situations 1. When riot control agents are being employed and no chemical or biological threat exists. 2. In a downwind vapor hazard of a nonpersistent chemical agent. The mask-only command is not appropriate when blister agents or persistent nerve agents are present. 

Persistent nerve agent (o-ethyl S-[2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl]-methylphosphorofluoridate)... 

Would warfighters be able to "fight through operations that use conventional agents (for example, persistent nerve agents) deployed in conventional w ays In innovative ways (for example, on suicide bombers) With unconventional agents ... 

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