Bioterrorism Preparedness Program

Biological Threat Agents

Nerve Agents

Patient Information Sheet
Adapted from publications of The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)

What are the major nerve agents?

There are four major nerve agents:

• Tabun (code name GA)Sarin (Code name BG)Soman (code name GD)
• VX

What are nerve agents?

Nerve agents are chemical warfare agents, similar to but much more potent than organophosphate insecticides. They are colorless to amber-colored, tasteless liquids that may evaporate to create a gas. GB and VX are odorless while GA has a slight fruity odor and GD has a slight camphor odor.

Where did nerve agents come from?

Nerve agents were developed in chemical laboratories as weapons of war. Since they are made from chemicals rather than viruses or bacteria, they are chemical rather than biological weapons.

How do nerve agents enter the human body?

Nerve agents are readily absorbed by inhalation, ingestion and dermal (skin) contact.

Are nerve agents infectious?

No, They are not made from living organisms. However, someone touching clothing or other objects that have been exposed to a nerve agent may be contaminated.

What immediate health effects can result from exposure to nerve agents?

Nerve agents are extremely toxic chemicals that attack the nervous system. They can cause runny nose, sweating, blurred vision, headache, difficulty breathing, drooling, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and twitching, confusion, convulsions, paralysis and coma. Symptoms occur immediately if you inhale nerve agent vapor but may be delayed for several hours if you get nerve agent liquid on your skin.

Can nerve agent poisoning be treated?

There are antidotes for nerve agent poisoning but they must be administered quickly after exposure. Immediate decontamination is critical and hospitalization may be needed.

Are any further health effects likely to occur?

Complete recovery may take several months. After a severe exposure with prolonged seizures, permanent dampage to the central nervous system is possible.

What tests can be done if a person has been exposed to nerve agents?

Activity of a blood enzyme call acetylcholinesterase can be measured to assess exposure and recovery.

Where can more information about nerve agents be found?

More information about nerve agents can be obtained from your regional poison control center, the Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), or the Rhode Island Department of Health. Links to addition web sites can be found in another section of this information on terrorism agents.