Sarin was
developed in 1938 in Germany as a pesticide. Its name is derived from the names
of the chemists involved in its creation: Schrader, Ambros, Rudriger and van
der Linde. Sarin is a colorless non-persistent liquid. The vapor is slightly
heavier than air, so it hovers close to the ground. Under wet and humid weather
conditions, Sarin degrades swiftly, but as the temperature rises up to a
certain point, Sarin’s lethal duration increases, despite the humidity. Sarin
is a lethal cholinesterase inhibitor. Doses which are potentially life
threatening may be only slightly larger than those producing least effects.
Symptoms of
overexposure may occur within minutes or hours, depending upon the 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,
difficulty sleeping, nightmares, muscle twitches, tremors, weakness, abdominal
cramps, diarrhea, involuntary urination and defecation, with severe exposure
symptoms progressing 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.