4 Acetylcholine will accumulate at all cholinergic junctions and cause a loss of function at those junctions. These agents combine with acetylcholine to prevent the synaptic transmitter functions of acetylcholine at the neuroreceptor junction.
Nerve agents irreversibly inhibit acetylcholinesterase. It is considered a "persistent nerve agent." All four of the agents may be well-absorbed through the skin. VX is an oily liquid that persists on scene for weeks or longer. The vapor pressures of the "G" agents make them significant inhalation hazards in any warm climate or with droplet aerosols. Neither ambulance personnel nor hospital staff had any protection. Many of the hospital staff also required treatment.
Of the ambulance personnel taking care of these victims, 135 developed symptoms and 33 were hospitalized. 2,3 The concentration in the rail cars with the containers was high, but the agent was not spread well through the subway system, and most exposures were mild. In all, 5000-6000 people were exposed, 3227 were evaluated in emergency departments (EDs), 493 were admitted to hospitals, and 12 people died as a result of this terrorist exposure. More recently, five containers of the nerve agent sarin were placed on three Tokyo subway lines in 1995. 1 Since the discovery of VX, there have been only minor developments in the toxic science of lethal chemicals. Although the Nazis had these agents during World War II, they never were used.Īnother, more persistent nerve agent, code-named VX, was discovered by the British chemist R. The first three agents, the so-called "G" agents, are highly toxic organophosphate compounds that were developed between World War I and World War II.
Nerve agents in current use, storage, or production include tabun (GA), sarin (GB), soman (GD) ("G" for German-found in German military stores after World War II), and VX. This article will cover nerve agents, blood agents, and protective gear.- The Editor Part I focused on choking agents, vesicants, and halogenated oximes. This issue is the second and final part in a series on chemical warfare agents. Medical Center Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA Jonathan L.īurstein, MD, FACEP, Director of Disaster Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Of Emergency Medicine Director, Clinical Toxicology Services, University of
Aaron, MD, FACMT, FACEP, Associate Professor Stewart, MD, FACEP, Emergency Physician, Colorado Part II: Nerve Agents, Blood Agents, and Protective GearĪuthor: Charles E.
0 kommentar(er)
