What does a choking agent do?

What does a choking agent do?

A pulmonary agent, or choking agent, is a chemical weapon agent designed to impede a victim’s ability to breathe. They operate by causing a build-up of fluids in the lungs, which then leads to suffocation. Exposure to the eyes and skin tends to be corrosive, causing blurred vision and severe deep burns.

What is a choking chemical agent?

Background. Pulmonary agents (also known as “choking” agents) compose a class of chemical compounds that disrupt normal breathing. They encompass a wide array of gases, including chlorine, ammonia, phosgene, organohalides, and nitrogen oxides.

What is NAV gas attack?

Nerve gas, Weapon of chemical warfare that affects the transmission of nerve impulses through the nervous system. A single droplet of VX or Sarin, if inhaled or in contact with the skin, can be absorbed into the bloodstream and paralyze the nervous system, leading to respiratory failure and immediate death.

What is a nerve agent attack?

Nerve agents attack the nervous system. Initial symptoms following exposure to nerve agents (like Sarin) are a runny nose, tightness in the chest, and constriction of the pupils. Soon after, the victim will have difficulty breathing and will experience nausea and salivation.

What does VX nerve agent do to the body?

VX is a yellowish, odourless and tasteless liquid that disrupts the body’s nervous system to lethal effect. Ten milligrams is enough to kill a person through skin contact although it can also kill through inhalation.

What are riot control agents?

Riot control agents (sometimes referred to as “tear gas”) are chemical compounds that temporarily make people unable to function by causing irritation to the eyes, mouth, throat, lungs, and skin. The most common compounds are known as chloroacetophenone (CN) and chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS).

What is VX used for?

The only known use of VX is as a chemical warfare agent. By participating in the United Nations International Chemical Weapons Convention treaty, the United States agreed to destroy its stockpile of aging chemical weapons.

What is nerve agent and example?

Nerve agents are chemicals that interfere with the nervous system. Sarin, soman, tabun and VX are examples of nerve agents that all have similar effects. Experts are concerned that terrorist groups may be able to make nerve agents.

How does nerve agent work?

Unlike traditional poisons, nerve agents don’t need to be added to food and drink to be effective. The chemicals work by disrupting the central nervous system. The body uses a molecule called acetylcholine to send messages between cells—when an acetylcholine molecule arrives, it causes an electrical impulse to be sent.

What is VX toxin?

VX is an extremely toxic synthetic chemical compound in the organophosphorus class, specifically, a thiophosphonate. In the class of nerve agents, it was developed for military use in chemical warfare after translation of earlier discoveries of organophosphate toxicity in pesticide research.

What are the effects of VX?

People exposed to a low or moderate dose of VX by inhalation, ingestion (swallowing), or skin absorption may experience some or all of the following symptoms within seconds to hours of exposure: Abnormally low or high blood pressure. Blurred vision. Chest tightness.

What are choking agents?

A choking agent, also called a pulmonary agent, is a type of chemical weapon. Choking agents make fluid build up in the lungs, and can cause suffocation. The most common examples of choking agents are chlorine and phosgene.

How does a choking agent affect the respiratory tract?

Choking agents function in liquid, gaseous, or aerosolized forms. In their gaseous form, they operate primarily by irritating the respiratory tract-including the mucous membranes, nasal passage, throat, airways, and lungs-and inducing swelling in these areas.

What are the symptoms of choking agent poisoning?

Choking agents may cause severe symptoms and be life-threatening. What are the symptoms of choking agent poisoning? Signs and symptoms may occur immediately or up to 48 hours after exposure: Burning or teary eyes

What causes choking agent poisoning in swimming pool?

Choking agent poisoning happens when you are exposed to a harmful chemical, such as phosgene or chlorine. Phosgene is used to make dyes, plastics, and pesticides. Chlorine is used to keep swimming pool water clean. You may accidently be exposed during a fire or chemical spill. It may also be used as a weapon.