Nerve Agents

What are Nerve Agents?

Nerve agents are poisonous chemicals that prevent the nervous system from working properly. They were originally manufactured to be used as pesticides. They are now considered the most toxic of the known chemical warfare agents, Their use as chemical weapons was prohibited in 1925 as part of the Geneva Protocol and again in 1997 as part of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Unfortunately, nerve agents are still used by modern terrorist and authoritarian regimes.

The Chemical Weapons Convention required all member states to “destroy all chemical weapons it owns, possesses, or that are located in any place under its jurisdiction or control” by 2012. In July 2023, the US destroyed its entire stockpile of declared chemical weapons.

Types of Nerve Agents

• Tabun – clear, colorless, tasteless vapor, slightly fruity odor.
• Sarin – clear, colorless, tasteless, odorless vapor, most volatile.
• Soman – clear, colorless, tasteless vapor, camphor-like odor.
• Cyclohexyl Sarin (aka: Cyclosarin) – clear, colorless, tasteless, odorless or slightly fruity vapor.
• VX – clear, amber-colored, odorless, oily liquid, least volatile.
• Fourth generation agents (aka: Novichok, Soviet V) – less volatile and more toxic than other nerve agents.

How to Protect Yourself

Nerve agents are internationally outlawed, making accidental exposure extremely rare. However, people can be exposed to nerve agents in the event of a terrorist attack or an accidental release. Because nerve agents are often dispersed through the air, the most common ways people could be exposed are through inhaling them or skin and eye contact.

• Follow the instructions of police, fire, health, and other officials.
• Position yourself so that the wind is blowing fresh air toward you, if possible.
• Pay attention to the radio, television, mobile news apps, and/or text message alerts.

If Outdoors:

• Move away from the source to breathe fresh air.
• Go indoors to shelter in place, if the exposure is outdoors. Close windows and turn off ventilation systems.
• Move to higher ground if you cannot get indoors.

If Indoors:

• Exit the building.
• Take any pets with you.

Health Effects of Nerve Agents

Nerve agents are highly toxic. Even small amounts are harmful to your health. Exposure to nerve agents can be deadly and produce harmful effects in seconds to minutes. If you believe you have been exposed any nerve agent, seek medical attention immediately! Getting antidotes and care quickly is critical.

Exposure Route
	Moderate Effects	Severe Effects	Treatment
Inhalation	Small or pinpoint pupils Runny nose Feeling tightness in the chest Fluid build-up in the lungs Shortness of breath	Loss of consciousness Seizures Muscle twitching Paralysis Increased fluid build-up in lungs and digestive tract Breathing stops Death	Report any breathing difficulties to medical professionals. Do not provide mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to anyone who inhaled a nerve agent.
Skin	Within 30 minutes: Excessive sweating Local muscle twitching Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Weakness	Within 18 hours: Loss of consciousness Seizures More severe muscle twitching Paralysis Increased fluid accumulation in lungs and digestive tract Breathing stops Death	Remove contaminated clothing. Decontaminate skin with warm water and a soap solution. Monitor site of exposure for sweating and twitching; report to medical professional.
Eye	Small or pinpoint pupils Red or irritated eyes Pain in and around the eyes Blurry vision Nausea and vomiting may occur.		If exposed to liquid nerve agents, immediately flush eyes with slightly warm water for 5-10 minutes. If exposed to nerve agent gases, eye flushing isn’t needed. Do not cover eyes with bandages.
Ingestion	Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Stomach pain Muscle cramps		Do not force vomiting. Do not eat or drink anything.

Additional Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ATSDR Information Center (1-800-232-4636)
• Centers for Disease Control Emergency Response for state and local health department assistance (1-770-488-7100)
• Regional Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222)
• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. ToxFAQs for Nerve Agents (PDF)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chemical Threats and Toxins Laboratory
• New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Office of Counter Terrorism
• New York State Department of Health. Chemical Terrorism Preparedness and Response Card (PDF)
• New York State Department of Health. Chemical Terrorism Wall Chart (PDF)
• New York State Department of Health. Additional Fact Sheets for Chemical Emergencies