Posted on 04/07/2003 11:54:20 AM PDT by Sabertooth
Nerve agent (excerpt) Nerve agents are organophosphate compounds. Nerve agents are normally divided into G-agents (fluorine- or cyanide-containing organophosphates) and V-agents (sulfur-containing organophosphates). The principal nerve agents are tabun (GA), sarin (GB), soman (GD), cyclosarin (GF), and VX Nerve agents are all viscous liquids, not gases per se. However, the vapor pressures of the G-series nerve agents are sufficiently high for the vapors to be rapidly lethal. GB is so volatile that small droplets released from a shell exploding in the air may never reach the ground. This total volatilization means that GB is largely a vapor hazard. G-agents are potent inhibitors of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which is required for the function of many nerves and muscles. People poisoned by G-agents may display the following symptoms: difficulty breathing, drooling, excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, cramps, twitching, jerking, staggering, headache, confusion, drowsiness, coma, and convulsions. The number and severity of the symptoms depend on the quantity and route of entry of the nerve agent into the body. When a nerve agent is inhaled, a prominent symptom is the pinpointing of the pupils (miosis) and a dimness of vision. Nerve agents are cumulative poisons. Repeated exposure to low concentrations, if not too far apart, will produce symptoms.
Organophosphate Pesticides - Introduction (excerpt) The organophosphates have replaced DDT as the leading pesticides because of their rapid breakdown into environmentally safe products. However, they have far more immediate toxicity than DDT and other related products. There are more than 40 organophosphate pesticides on the market today and all can have acute and sub-acute toxicity. They are used in agriculture, homes, gardens, and in veterinary practice. They are all inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and cause similar symptoms. In 1999, more than 13,000 cases of organophosphate poisoning were reported to US poison centers, with more than 3000 cases seen in the emergency department (ED) and 83 fatalities. Carbamate insecticides have a similar action of inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. However it is a temporary bond, usually lasting less than 12 hours. Additionally, the carbamates have less penetration across the blood-brain barrier than the organophosphates.
Gulflink
Kentucky Regional Poison Center
A quick search suggests Rhone-Poulenc , aka Rhone Poulenc-Rorer, aka Hoechst AG / Rhone - Poulenc Rorer, ( etc., etc. ) is one of those lovely International cartels, involved in everything from HMO's to "dual-use" insecticides. Their actual " home " might be Switzerland , but they have tentacles in the USA as well.
Thank you for this. Your timing is timely, as I was just at MSNBC as they showed their exclusive video of the dirt covered cannisters and Lester Holt (who seems like a good enough guy) cautioned the substance may turn out to be "just" pesticide.
Ah, Brit just said they'll discuss. I forgot his show starts now. We in Arizona do not change our clocks so these cable shows that air at once all over the country come on one hour earlier now. They just said testing continuing. I also see there is a thread that claims these containers have already been proven to be "only" pesticide. Well, there are the missiles equipped with warheads that contain something. Odd place to store "pesticide". There are several sites under investigation, that I know of.
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