What are nerve agents and how do they work?
Nerve agents are considered the most dangerous of the chemical warfare agents. Nerve agents can cause loss of consciousness and convulsions within seconds and death within minutes of exposure. The most common nerve agents are Tabun, Sarin, VX, and Soman. Although many of the nerve agents are called gases, they actually are oily liquids, which can be released as an aerosol spray or mixed with other liquids. A nerve agent works by signaling glands in your body to turn on. However, the glands no longer can turn themselves off. As a result, the body produces copious secretions, runny nose, watery eyes, excess saliva. The nerve impulses cause uncontrollable muscular movement and in the final stages, seizures and convulsions. Exposure to nerve agents can occur via inhalation (breathing), skin contact or ingestion (digestive tract). All nerve agents are readily absorbed through the skin and eyes in liquid form. In vapor form, they are readily absorbed into the respiratory tract and eyes. Inge
