Terrorism101 Home Page : Chemical & Biological Threats : VX
VX
What is it?
VX was originally developed in the United Kingdom in the early 1950s, and was given to the United States for military development. Considered one of the most lethal chemical weapons, it is a colorless and odorless liquid that turns into a gas on contact with oxygen.
How it works:
VX is primarily toxic through the skin, but can also prove fatal when inhaled. VX is fast-moving, virtually undetectable, and can spread through air as well as water. In its liquid state it is roughly the same density as water. It blocks the transmission of impulses along the central nervous system, causing convulsions, respiratory paralysis, and death.
Lethal amount:
10 mg (just a drop).
How long can it survive?
VX is extremely persistent, when dispersed heavily, it can persist for long periods under average weather conditions. In very cold conditions, VX can persist for months. It evaporates at least 1,500 times slower than water.
Symptoms:
Increased salivation, coughing, runny nose, headache and nausea.
Prevention:
Gas mask, protective clothing.
Source: CDC & CNN [ http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/1998/iraq/9802/weapons.effects/ ]
Terrorism101 Home Page : Chemical & Biological Threats : VX
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