Sarin
What is it?
The chemical name for sarin is isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate.
Sarin is a nerve agent and very dangerous, it acts and dissipates more quickly than other nerve agents. It is a colourless and odorless gas. It is lethal in doses as small as 0.5 milligrams, experts say sarin is more than 500 times as toxic as cyanide. This chemical weapon is most known for the terrorist attack in the Tokyo subway system by the Aum Shinrikyo religious cult.
What are the symptoms of this type of attack?
The first symptoms of exposure to sarin are sweating, muscular twitching and miosis (Constriction of the pupil of the eye). Runny nose, tightness of the chest, shortness of breath and dimness of vision may also be experienced. In more severe cases, a victim may experience headache, cramps, nausea, vomiting, involuntary defecation and urination, twitching, jerking, staggering, convulsions, drowsiness, coma and respiratory arrest. Inhalation exposure to even a small dose of sarin can cause death from anytime for one to ten minutes.
Treatment of Victims
Atropine is the classic antidote for nerve agents. If administered immediately, it relieves symptoms and helps keep the nervous system functioning. Another family of drugs, known as oximes, helps restore muscle control. In many countries, armed forces carry auto-injectors containing a combination of atropine and an oxime.
University of Bristol Link
For more information on the chemistry of atropine from the University of Bristol go to:
http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/motm/atropine/introch.htm