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.
Signs and Symptoms
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.
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.
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.
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.
not induce vomiting. First symptoms are likely to be gastrointestinal.
Immediately administer Nerve Agent Antidote Kit, Mark I. Seek medical
Above Information Courtesy
of United States Army