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Description:
Sarin was developed in 1938 in Germany
as a pesticide. Sarin is a colorless gas and colourless to pale yellow
liquid. The released vapor, because it is slightly heavier than air, hovers
close to the ground. Under wet and humid weather conditions, Sarin degrades
swiftly, but as the temperature rises up to a certain point, Sarin's lethal
duration increases, despite the humidity. Sarin is a lethal cholinesterase
inhibitor. Very small doses are needed to kill humans.
Signs and Symptoms:
Symptoms of overexposure may occur within minutes or
hours, depending upon the dose. They include: miosis (constriction of pupils)
and visual effects, headaches and pressure sensation, runny nose and nasal
congestion, salivation, tightness in the chest, nausea, vomiting, giddiness,
anxiety, difficulty in thinking, difficulty sleeping, muscle twitches,
tremors, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, involuntary urination and defecation,
with severe exposure symptoms progressing to convulsions and respiratory
failure.
Treatment:
Inhalation: Hold breath until respiratory protective mask
is donned. If severe signs of agent exposure appear (chest tightens, pupil
constriction, in coordination, etc.), immediately administer the antidote: 2
mg atropine. Injections may be repeated at 5 to 20 minute intervals if signs
and symptoms are progressing until three series of injections have been
administered. No more injections 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 mask-bag or oxygen delivery
systems are not available. Do not use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation when facial
contamination 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
(pinpointing 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 a medical treatment
facility for observation.
Skin Contact: Seek medical attention Immediately.
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 excess decontaminant. Administer nerve agent antidote only if local
sweating and muscular twitching symptoms are observed.
Ingestion: Seek medical attention Immediately. Do
not induce vomiting. First symptoms are gastrointestinal. Immediately
administer antidote.
"Fact Sheets on
Chemical Warfare Agents, SDE/SEARO, World Health Organization, New
Delhi, India"
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