Courtesy, wiki. Sarin gas{nerve agent} Effects and treatment Sarin has a high volatility (ease with which a liquid can turn into a gas) relative to similar nerve agents, therefore inhalation can be very dangerous and even vapor concentrations may immediately penetrate the skin. A person’s clothing can release sarin for about 30 minutes after it has come in contact with sarin gas, which can lead to exposure of other people.[13]People who absorb a non-lethal dose but do not receive immediate appropriate medical treatment may suffer permanent neurological damage.Even at very low concentrations, sarin can be fatal. Death may follow in one minute after direct ingestion of a lethal dose unless antidotes, typically atropineand pralidoxime, are quickly administered.[4]Atropine, an antagonist tomuscarinic acetylcholine receptors, is given to treat the physiological symptoms of poisoning. Since muscular response to acetylcholine is mediated through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, atropine does not counteract the muscular symptoms. Pralidoxime can regenerate cholinesterases if administered within approximately five hours.Biperiden, a synthetic acetylcholine antagonist, has been suggested as an alternative to atropine due to its better blood–brain barrier penetration and higher efficacy.[14]Sarin is estimated to be over 500 times more toxic than cyanide.[15] The LD50 of subcutaneously injected sarin in mice is 172 μg/kg.[16] Treatment measures have been described.[17]Initial symptoms following exposure to sarin are a runny nose, tightness in the chest and constriction of the pupils. Soon after, the victim has difficulty breathing and experiences nausea and drooling. As the victim continues to lose control of bodily functions, the victim vomits, defecates and urinates. This phase is followed by twitching and jerking. Ultimately, the victim becomes comatose and suffocates in a series of convulsive spasms.
Posted on: Fri, 23 Aug 2013 02:06:53 +0000
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