Nerve Agents
By U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Posted 3/29/06
Page 3 of 3
Lessening the Impact of Tabun 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 tabun, do not induce vomiting or drink fluids.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
VX
Basic Facts
- VX can be heated to create a vapor form, but only in small amounts.
- The agent is stable in the environment.
- In average weather, VX can last on objects for days.
- In extremely cold weather, VX can sustain its potency for months.
- VX can be a long-term hazard on surfaces.
- VX is considered more toxic than other nerve agents.
VX as a Weapon
- VX is a human-made chemical warfare agent.
- The agent was originally developed in the United Kingdom in the early 1950s.
- VX may have been used in the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s.
- VX is primarily used in liquid form to contaminate water or food.
VX Illness
- People are exposed to VX by ingesting it, breathing in a VX mist, or by coming into contact with it through skin or eyes.
- The vapor form of VX can produce symptoms within seconds after exposure.
- In liquid form, VX produces symptoms within a few minutes or up to 18 hours after exposure.
- Unless washed off immediately, VX liquid on the skin can be lethal.
- Even a tiny drop of nerve agent on the skin can cause sweating and muscle twitching at the site of contact.
- VX remains potent on a person's clothing, meaning that others can be exposed.
- Within seconds or hours of moderate exposure to VX, symptoms include:
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 VX may cause:
Loss of consciousness
Convulsions
Paralysis
Respiratory failure possibly leading to death
VX Diagnosis and Treatment
- A release may not be easy to detect because VX has no odor.
- A release is confirmed by the symptoms of those exposed.
- Atropine is the preferred antidote and must be given quickly after exposure.
- People can recover completely from mild or moderate poisoning that is both rapidly and effectively treated.
- Those exposed to large doses of VX or those people ineffectively treated may not survive.
- Prolonged exposure (e.g., in a war setting) can result in long-term damage to the body.
Lessening the Impact of VX 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 VX, do not induce vomiting or drink fluids.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Rescue personnel should wear the highest level of protection in a release area until testing can be completed and the safety of lower levels of protection is confirmed.
More information on disasters and emergencies is available at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's website: http://www.hhs.gov/emergency
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