Nerve Agents
By U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Posted 3/29/06
Page 2 of 3
Soman Diagnosis and Treatment
- The odor of soman may be a signal of a release.
- Treatment of soman poisoning with antidotes (atropine and pralidoxime) is recommended as soon as possible (ideally within minutes).
- Long-term supportive healthcare may be necessary.
- Mild or moderately poisoned people who are treated both rapidly and adequately usually recover completely.
- Severely exposed people or those victims who are ineffectively treated may not survive.
Lessening the Impact of Soman Exposure
- Move away from the site of exposure immediately, and move to higher ground for fresh air.
- Remove outer layer of clothing, place it in a plastic bag, and seal as soon as possible.
- Immediately wash body thoroughly with soap and water.
- Flush irritated eyes with plain water for 10 to 15 minutes.
- If you have ingested soman, do not induce vomiting or drink fluids.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
Tabun
Basic Facts
- Tabun is also known as GA.
- Tabun is a clear, colorless, tasteless liquid with a faint fruity odor.
- Tabun can become a vapor if heated.
- Tabun is not found naturally in the environment.
- Tabun is toxic and affects the body rapidly.
Tabun as a Weapon
- Tabun is human-made for chemical warfare.
- Tabun was originally developed by Germany in 1936 as a pesticide.
- Tabun was possibly used in the 1980s during the Iran-Iraq War.
- Tabun could be released through the air.
- Tabun could be used to poison water.
- Tabun could be used to contaminate food.
Tabun Illness
- People can become ill after breathing in tabun, ingesting it, or through contact with skin or eyes.
- People can get sick by eating food contaminated with tabun, by drinking contaminated water, or by coming into contact with contaminated water.
- After exposure to tabun in vapor form, symptoms should appear within a few seconds.
- Exposure to tabun in liquid form produces symptoms within a few minutes or up to 18 hours later.
- Tabun can remain active on a person's clothing, leading to exposure of others.
- A tiny drop of this nerve agent on the skin can cause sweating and muscle twitching at the site of contact.
- People exposed to a low or moderate dose of tabun may experience some or all of the following symptoms within seconds to hours after exposure:
Runny nose
Watery eyes
Small, pinpoint pupils
Eye pain
Blurred vision
Drooling and excessive sweating
Cough
Chest tightness
Rapid breathing
Diarrhea
Increased urination
Confusion
Drowsiness
Weakness
Headache
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
Slow or fast heart rate
Abnormally low or high blood pressure - Exposure to a large dose of tabun may result in:
Loss of consciousness
Convulsions
Paralysis
Respiratory failure, possibly leading to death
Tabun Diagnosis and Treatment
- The fruity odor of tabun may provide warning of a release.
- Atropine and pralidoxime are antidotes that can be given for poisoning. They should be administered as soon as possible.
- Other supportive care in a hospital setting should be given as needed (such as oxygen, assistance with breathing, etc.).
- A complete recovery is likely for those with mild or moderate poisoning who are treated both rapidly and adequately.
- Those who inhale or are contaminated with large amounts of tabun or those who are ineffectively treated can die.
- Repeated exposure to tabun can result in long-term damage to the body.
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