Violence... The story so far

July 2002

Toxic elements and substances have always been around. Their common use came into being with the industrial revolution. To be effective a chemical weapon must be dispersed in ways that maximize the exposure of the target populace. Fortunately that is not easy though it is certainly possible. People in confined spaces are most vulnerable.

Nerve gases are also known as G gases after their country of discovery late in World War II. Nerve gases are far deadlier than the blistering agents and have already been used in a terror attack in the Tokyo subway system.Typical nerve gases include Sarin, Suman, Tabun, and VX. VX is the newest and most effective; its potency is some 100 times that of any of the others. It also requires quite rare ingredients. Nevertheless, manufacture of VX is within the ability of al Qa'ida and other terror groups as well as nations.

Typical nerve gas symptoms:

• Vomiting,
• Respiratory Failure,
• Watery Mouth and Eyes, Gastrointestinal Pain & Gas,
• Loss of elimination functions,
• Pin-Point-Size Retinas.

Nerve gas antidotes:

• Atropine/2-PAM Antidote Kit
• Cana Kit (Diazepam )
• Lilly Cyanide Antidote Kit
• M291 Skin Decontaminating Kit
• Methylprednisolone; 80mg/mL; 1mL
• Pralidoxime (2-PAM)

Acts of chemical terror are most effective in closed areas, as in the Japanese subway. Although several people died in that attack, it had limited effect on the nation. Had the terrorists realized Sarin is most effective as an aerosol, the toll and effect would have been far worse.

Some useful Links:
Center for Disease Control
Demilitarize chemical weapons
Terror Warning