| Chemical Properties | Back Directory | [Appearance]
Sarin (GB), a nerve agent, is one of the most
toxic of the known chemical warfare agents. Exposure to
sarin can cause death in minutes. A fraction of an ounce
(1 to 10 mL) of GB on the skin can be fatal. GB is an
odorless, colorless, tasteless, nonflammable liquid @ 15 ℃
and 1 atm. GB has no warning properties, especially when
pure, and it can take away your sense of smell. |
| Hazard Information | Back Directory | [Chemical Properties]
Sarin (GB), a nerve agent, is one of the most
toxic of the known chemical warfare agents. Exposure to
sarin can cause death in minutes. A fraction of an ounce
(1 to 10 mL) of GB on the skin can be fatal. GB is an
odorless, colorless, tasteless, nonflammable liquid @ 15 ℃
and 1 atm. GB has no warning properties, especially when
pure, and it can take away your sense of smell. | [Potential Exposure]
GB is used as a quick-acting chemical
warfare nerve agent; nerve gas. Both the liquid and the
vapor can kill you. Very small amounts can hurt you in one
minute or less, and can quickly lead to death. A single
drop, if vaporized, can kill everyone in a room ! Sarin is
26 times more deadly than cyanide gas and 20 times more
deadly than Potassium cyanide. | [First aid]
Administration of antidotes is a critical step in
managing a patient/victim. However, this may be difficult
to achieve in the Red Zone, because the antidotes may not
be readily available, and procedures or policies for their
administration in the Red Zone may be lacking. Do not
administer antidotes preventatively; there is no benefit to
doing so. Diazepam (or other benzodiazepines) should be
administered when there is evidence of seizures, usually
seen in cases of moderate to severe exposure to a nerve
agent. Remember, physical findings of localized exposure
often precede systemic exposure and physical findings .
Inhalation: Hold breath until respiratory protective mask is
donned. If severe signs of agent exposure appear (chest
tightens, pupil constriction; a lack of coordination; etc.),
immediately administer, in rapid succession, all three
Nerve Agent Antidote Kit(s), Mark I injectors (or atropine
if directed by the local physician). Injections using the
Mark I kit injectors may be repeated @ 5 to 20 minutes intervals if signs and symptoms are progressing until three
series of injections have been administered. No more injec-
tions 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 approved
mask-bag or oxygen delivery systems are not available. Do
not use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation when facial contami-
nation 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 (pinpoint-
ing 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 the medical treatment facility for observa-
tion. 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 decon-
taminant. Administer an intramuscular injection with the
Mark I Kit injectors only if local sweating and muscular
twitching symptoms are observed. Seek medical attention
immediately. | [Shipping]
UN2810 Toxic liquids, organic, n.o.s., Hazard
Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poison Inhalation Hazard, Technical
Name Required. Driver shall be given full and complete
information regarding shipment and conditions in case of
emergency. AR 50-6 deals specifically with the shipment
of chemical agents. Shipments of agent will be escorted in
accordance with AR 740-32. Passenger aircraft/rail:
FORBIDDEN; Cargo aircraft only: FORBIDDEN. The
packaging and shipping of samples are subject to strict
regulations established by the Department of
Transportation (DOT), Center for Disease Control, United
States Postal Service, OSHA, and International Air
Transport Association). Military driver shall be given full
and complete information regarding shipment and condi-
tions in case of emergency. AR 50-6 deals specifically with
the shipment of chemical agents. Shipments of agent will
be escorted in accordance with AR 740-32. | [Incompatibilities]
Attacks tin, magnesium, cadmium plated
steel; and some aluminums. GB decomposes tin, magne-
sium, cadmium-plated steel, and aluminum. Slightly corro-
sive to brass, copper, and lead. No attack on 1020 steel,
Inconel, and K-Monel. Hydrolyzed by water. In acid condi-
tions, GB hydrolyzes, forming hydrofluoric acid (HF).
Rapidly hydrolyzed by dilute aqueous sodium hydroxide
(NaOH), or sodium carbonate, forming relatively nontoxic
products of polymers and isopropyl alcohol. Contact with
metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. |
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