Soman was
discovered in Germany in 1944. GD is a lethal cholinesterase inhibitor. Doses
that are potentially life threatening may be only slightly larger than those
producing least effects. Soman is a colorless liquid when pure with a fruity
odor. The industrial version is yellow-brown with a camphor-like odor.
Symptoms of
overexposure may occur within minutes or hours, depending upon dose. They
include: miosis (constriction of pupils) and visual effects, headaches and
pressure sensation, runny nose and nasal congestion, salivation, tightness in
the chest, nausea, vomiting, giddiness, anxiety, difficulty in thinking and
sleeping, nightmares, muscle twitches, tremors, weakness, abdominal cramps,
diarrhea, involuntary urination and defecation. Severe exposure symptoms
progress to convulsions and respiratory failure.
Inhalation: Hold breath until respiratory
protective mask is donned. If severe signs of agent exposure appear (chest
tightens, pupil constriction, in coordination, etc.), immediately administer,
in rapid succession, all three Nerve Agent Antidote Kit(s), Mark I injectors
(or atropine if directed by a physician). Injections using the Mark I kit
injectors may be repeated at 5 to 20 minute intervals if signs and symptoms are
progressing until three series of injections have been administered. No more
injections will be given unless directed by medical personnel. In addition, a
record will be maintained of all injections given. If breathing has stopped,
give artificial respiration. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation should be used when
mask-bag or oxygen delivery systems are not available. Do not use
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation when facial contamination exists. If breathing is
difficult, administer oxygen. Seek medical attention Immediately.
Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with water for 10-15 minutes,
then don respiratory protective mask. Although miosis (pinpointing of the
pupils) may be an early sign of agent exposure, an injection will not be
administered when miosis is the only sign present. Instead, the individual will
be taken Immediately to a medical treatment facility for observation.
Skin Contact: Don respiratory protective mask and remove contaminated
clothing. Immediately wash contaminated skin with copious amounts of
soap and water, 10% sodium carbonate solution, or 5% liquid household bleach. Rinse
well with water to remove excess decontaminant. Administer nerve agent antidote
kit, Mark I, only if local sweating and muscular twitching symptoms are
observed. Seek medical attention Immediately. Ingestion: Do not
induce vomiting. First symptoms are likely to be gastrointestinal. Immediately
administer Nerve Agent Antidote Kit, Mark I. Seek medical attention Immediately.