| Chemical |
Agent Name |
Characteristics |
Initial Effects |
| Nerve Agent |
Sarin GF
Sarin GB
Sorman GD
Tabun GA
VX
|
Pinpoint pupils (Miosis)
Large amount of secretions
Muscle twitching |
- Pinpoint pupils
- Blurred / dim vision
- Headache
- Nauesa, vomiting, diarrhea
- Large amount of secretions
- Muscle twitching
- Breathing difficulty
- Seizures
|
| Blood Agent |
Arsine
Cyanogen chloride
Hydrogen cyanide
|
Possible:
Cherry red skin
Blue skin (cyanosis) |
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Patients may gasp for air, similar to asphyxiation but more abrupt onset
- Seizures prior to death |
| Choking Agent |
Chlorine
Hydrogen cloride
Nitrogen oxides
Phosgene |
Chlorine: Greenish- yellow gas with pungent odor
Phosgene: Smells like newly- mown hay or grass |
- Eye and skin irritation
- Airway irritation
- Difficulty breating
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Chest tightness |
| Blister Agent |
Mustard/Sulfur
Mustard gas (H)
Nitrogen mustard
Lewisite (L)
Phosgene oxime (CX) |
Mustard (HD) has an odor like burning garlic or horseradish
Lewisite (L) has an odor like penetrating geranium
Phosgene oxime (CX) has a pepperish or pungent odor |
- Severe irritation
- Redness and blisters of the skin
- Tearing, conjunctivitis, corneal damage
- Mild respiratory distress to marked airway damage
- May cause death |
