Terrorism101 Home Page : Chemical & Biological Threats : Sarin
Sarin
What is it?
A highly toxic gas which attacks the central nervous system, Sarin was originally developed in Germany in 1938, as an insecticide. The German Ministry of Defense required that it be tested for potential military usage.
How it works:
It is chiefly absorbed through the respiratory tract; can be absorbed through the skin at higher environmental temperatures. Depending upon concentration of Sarin, toxicity can occur within minutes.
Lethal amount:
100 milligrams.
How long can it survive?
Sarin is generally non-persistent, it evaporates at approximately the same rate as water.
Symptoms:
In low levels, it causes severe headaches, increased salivation and constrict air passages to the lungs. In higher doses, it causes coughing, increased perspiration, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and breathing difficulties. Death can follow due to suffocation.
Prevention:
Gas mask.
Source: CDC & CNN [ http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/1998/iraq/9802/weapons.effects/ ]
Terrorism101 Home Page : Chemical & Biological Threats : Sarin
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