Cyclosarin (GF) is a liquid nerve agent/organ-
ophosphate containing fluoride. GF is a colorless liquid.
The odor is variously described as nondescript, sweet, fruit-
like. Odor threshold is about 12 milligram per cubic meter.
A quick-acting and lethal cholinester-
ase inhibitor and casualty agent. Females appear to be more
susceptible to nerve agent effects. Small percentages of
general population have genetic traits that may increase
susceptibility.
UN2810 Toxic liquids, organic, n.o.s., Hazard
Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical
Name Required.
Fairly stable. Cyclo-sarin (GF) is hydro-
lyzed by water; rapidly hydrolyzed in the presence of heat
and alkalies; by dilute solution of aqueous sodium hydrox-
ide. Contact with alkaline conditions produce isopropyl
alcohol and polymer substances. Contact with acid condi-
tions produce HF; alkaline conditions produce isopropyl
alcohol and polymers. Reasonably stable when stored in
steel at normal temperatures; slightly corrosive to steel
when heated.
Principles and methods for
destruction of chemical weapons: “Destruction of chemical
weapons” means a process by which chemicals are con-
verted in an essentially irreversible way to a form
unsuitable for production of chemical weapons, and which
in an irreversible manner renders munitions and other
devices unusable as such. Each nation shall determine how it
shall destroy chemical weapons, except that the following
processes may not be used: dumping in any body of water,
land burial or open-pit burning. It shall destroy chemical
weapons only at specifically designated and appropriately
designed and equipped facilities. Each nation shall ensure
that its chemical weapons destruction facilities are con-
structed and operated in a manner to ensure the destruction
of the chemical weapons; and that the destruction process
can be verified under the provisions of this Convention.
(Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons;
Convention on the Prohibition of the Development,
Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and
Their Destruction). Grossly liquid-contaminated materials
should be decontaminated and containerized and labeled in
accordance with DOT and EPA requirements as a hazwaste.
Wastewater solution from decon should be analyzed to
ensure no residual agent is present. The National Response
Plan, ESF-3 designates United States Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE) as the primary agency to manage con-
taminated debris. USACE and the Department of Defence
(DOD) typically use safety procedures prior to transport that
include “head space” (off gas) monitoring around containers
prior to shipment to ensure no leakage/off-gassing. Typically
waste will be transported in accordance with state require-
ments to a designated disposal facility, such as a RCRA-
permitted hazardous waste facility (typically an incinerator).
Wastewater solution from the decontamination process will
be analyzed to ensure no residual agent is present. It is likely
that the solution will not contain residual agents and there-
fore not need to be classified as a hazardous waste but sam-
pling must be used to verify. Chlorinated wastewater may
need to be treated/neutralized prior to disposal
. United
States munitions stockpiles of G-agent are/have undergone
destruction/disposal in the states of Utah, Oregon, Arkansas,
Alabama, and Kentucky. State/local plans to address poten-
tial releases from United States Army properties are in place
at these sites.
