50642-23-4

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.