In 1936,
Germany first developed Tabun as an insecticide. Dr. Gerhard Schrader first
noticed the effects of nerve agents on humans when he and his lab assistant
began to experience shortness of breath and contraction of the pupils. Tabun
was the first nerve agent discovered. GA is a clear colorless and tasteless
liquid with a slightly fruity odor.
The
symptoms are: runny nose; tightness of the chest; dimness of vision and pin
pointing of the eye pupils; difficulty in breathing; drooling and excessive
sweating; nausea; vomiting, cramps, and involuntary defecation and urination;
twitching, jerking, and staggering; and headache, confusion, drowsiness, coma,
and convulsions. These symptoms are followed by cessation of breathing and
death. Symptoms appear much more slowly from a skin dosage than from a
respiratory dosage. Although skin absorption great enough to cause death may
occur in 1 to 2 minutes, death may be delayed for 1 to 2 hours. Respiratory
lethal dosages kill in 1 to 10 minutes, and liquid in the eye kills almost as
rapidly.
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.