Sarin, mustard gas and Novichok: what chemical weapons are used today and why they have not yet been banned

The most dangerous chemical compounds are tasteless and odorless, making them difficult to detect. Such substances are created for one purpose - for experiments on animals, and often on people. Sarin is part of a group of particularly dangerous toxic substances, of which there are few throughout the world, but each of them can kill a person in a matter of minutes.

What is sarin and what are its chemical properties and characteristics? Where is it currently used and how does it affect the human body? What are the signs and symptoms of sarin poisoning? What does first aid for an injured person consist of and how is treatment carried out? What are the possible consequences? Let's find out.

What is Sarin

The birthplace of sarin is Germany. Who exactly invented sarin and how? In 1938, in the city of Wuppertal, the German chemist Gerhard Schrader, together with a group of other scientists, tried to create another pesticide that was more effective than the previous ones, but in the end sarin was produced. Then chemists began to study its properties in more detail and as a result found out that the resulting substance negatively affects living beings, namely, it has a nerve-paralytic effect.

By its nature, sarin is a complex compound - isopropyl ester of methylphosphonic acid. It is an organophosphate nerve agent. It is part of the G-series of chemical warfare agents, ranking third in toxicity after such poisons as soman and cyclosarin.

The name sarin comes from the names of those scientists who studied the effects of this chemical. Six months later, it was transferred to the Wehrmacht, the armed forces of Nazi Germany, to develop chemical weapons against the Red Army. In total, several tons of this toxic substance were produced in Germany during the war and subsequent times.

But it was not only in Europe that sarin was used. The USSR, USA, Saudi Arabia and Iran - all the wars of the mid and late 20th century took place with its use, which was the precondition for concluding a peace agreement or convention banning the use of chemical weapons in Paris in 1993.

Chemical and physical properties

The chemical formula of sarin is C4H10FO2P. This is a complex organic compound containing fluorine and phosphorus, which can be in various states - in the form of a liquid or gas. Sarin is unstable in the environment - in the warm season it decomposes within a few hours.

What does sarin smell like? Its smell depends on the state in which the poison is located. At normal room temperature in liquid form, it smells faintly of blossoming apple trees. But the gas has neither taste nor smell, and this is its danger, since it is practically impossible to detect it in the environment.

Sarin mixes easily with water and other organic solvents, and in this form its toxicity increases several times. But no matter how the poison enters the body, it is quickly absorbed, with the first and main blow falling on the nervous system.

What are the chemical properties of sarin? This is an active substance that can react with every group of chemical compounds, including those found in the human body.

1. Sarin quickly becomes saturated not only with water, but also reacts with alkalis.
2. To degas it, that is, neutralize or remove poison on surfaces, ammonia and its derivatives - amines are used, which quickly inactivate sarin due to an instant reaction reaction.
3. Aqueous sodium hydroxide is used for the same purpose in the chemical industry.
4. Two large groups of chemical compounds - phenolates and alcoholates - can neutralize it in dry form.

The characteristics of sarin gas include not only its stability in the environment, it also has other equally important qualities.

1. Its density is several times higher than that of air - at an ambient temperature of 20 ºC it is 1.0943 g/cm3.
2. Normally it is a liquid, but under certain conditions sarin becomes a gas, which is an important factor in poisoning.
3. The poison is resistant to high temperatures; only at 150 ºC does its decomposition begin.

The properties are determined by the chemical composition of sarin. As already noted, it contains fluorine, phosphorus, in addition, methyl groups and oxygen. In combination, all these elements form a persistent active substance that can disrupt the functioning of human cells.

Synthesis

Industrially, sarin is produced in several ways, usually using isopropyl alcohol.

1. It is mixed with methylphosphonic acid dichloride, and alkali metal fluorides act as fluorine carriers.
2. The second method is similar to the first, but fluorine is taken from methylphosphonic acid difluoride.
3. The third, no less significant way to obtain the compound is a two-stage one using phosphorus fluoride with anhydrous methanol at an ambient temperature of 0 to 20 ºC, then adding chlorine-containing substances and hydrogen fluoride.

Ether was synthesized for agricultural purposes in order to treat crops, ridding them of pests and diseases, but as a result they found out that the resulting substance has toxic properties.

Chemical Weapons Convention

In 1993, UN participants (162 states) in Paris signed the Chemical Weapons Convention, according to which it was prohibited to produce and stockpile any chemical weapons, including sarin. This convention came into force only in 1997 on April 29. By April 2007, all sarin stockpiles were to be destroyed.

Russia got rid of this substance only by June 2022. Thus, the country fulfilled its international obligations in accordance with the program “Destruction of Chemical Weapons in the Russian Federation.”

Current use

What is the effect of the poisonous substance sarin? - a persistent nerve agent, belongs to the class of especially dangerous chemicals and is therefore one of the four potent substances prohibited for use throughout the world.

Why is sarin dangerous? It affects not only plants. Insects, birds and humans fall under its negative influence. A number of chemical reactions occur in the nervous system, the composition of the blood changes, which affects the functioning of all organs.

Therefore, now sarin is used only in laboratories for chemical reactions.

To prevent sarin poisoning when working with it, for example, in a laboratory, you need to wear special protective clothing. In addition, people who often encounter it should always have a means of neutralizing the poison with them.

Is it possible to protect yourself

If you suddenly find yourself in the affected area, poisoning is inevitable. But if there is a need to arrive in the affected area or somehow come into contact with sarin in general, this should be done only in a special protective uniform and always wearing a gas mask (a respirator is not an option here). Moreover, you need to put on the ammunition as quickly as possible (school lessons on NVP and life safety are helpful). After the end of contact and exit from the sarin-contaminated area, the uniform must be removed and immediately take a shower.

Sarin is scary because there seems to be a chance of survival, but at the same time there is none. It is unlikely that people go out into the street carrying antidotes and special protective clothing in case of a chemical attack. That is, in most cases, unfortunately, it is only theoretically possible to have time to provide assistance to a person who has been poisoned by sarin, and at the same time not to get hurt yourself.

Effect on humans

No matter how sarin gets in, the outcome is the same, acute poisoning, often ending in death. Therefore, in a number of countries there is a ban on its use for military purposes.

There are three main ways sarin enters the body:

• inhalation when inhaling vapors;
• through the digestive system while consuming contaminated food or water;
• contact - when gas or liquid comes into contact with the skin.

A common route of entry for sarin is through the mouth, and a person himself can drink the liquid or eat contaminated vegetables, or eat the meat of animals that have had the poison in their bodies.

How does sarin affect humans? When it enters the body, a chain of irreversible reactions occurs.

nerve impulse

1. The main point of application is the nervous system. Sarin constantly stimulates the functioning of neurons (nerve fiber) - both motor and autonomic. Normally, to inhibit these processes, our body produces a special chemical. But sarin blocks its release. As a result, the impulse arrives continuously, which leads to excitement and gradual exhaustion of the nervous system.
2. Since nerve fibers are contained in every organ, changes gradually affect the whole organism. The first signs of sarin damage often appear in the respiratory system.
3. The functioning of the digestive and urinary systems is disrupted.
4. The heart stops as a result of changes in the acid-base balance in the body and constant stimulation of the nervous system.

Sarin is converted to final products in the liver, but the substances obtained as a result of its work also have pronounced toxic properties, which is why over time the second stage of organ damage begins, while the symptoms change slightly.

The lethal dose of sarin when it enters the body through the skin is approximately 0.25 mg/kg of a person’s weight, and if poisoning occurs through the mouth, then half as much poison will be required.

Degrees of poisoning

Human exposure to sarin gas or liquid manifests itself in different ways. This depends not only on the method of penetration of the poison, but also on the amount of the substance received. According to the degree of manifestations, sarin poisoning is divided into mild, moderate and severe.

1. Mild poisoning is most often observed when the poison comes into contact with the skin. Malaise, weakness, nausea, vomiting are typical. Excitation of the nervous system with subsequent inhibition of its work. Abdominal pain occurs, blood pressure rises, and urination increases.
2. Moderate sarin poisoning occurs a little differently. Here, in addition to mild general symptoms, more pronounced signs of damage to the nervous system and bronchospasm are observed. This manifests itself in the form of hallucinations, impaired orientation in space and coordination of movements, fearfulness appears and vision deteriorates. There may be no convulsions with such sarin poisoning, but changes affect individual muscle groups. Twitching of the tongue, eyelids, face, legs and chest is noticeable. Breathing becomes noisy, inhalation is difficult, and when examining the victim, numerous wheezing can be heard.
3. Severe sarin poisoning is manifested primarily by changes in the central nervous system - convulsions and impaired consciousness, sweating and excessive salivation, deterioration of digestion and breathing. Victims of the effects of sarin experience changes in pressure, loss of consciousness, increased body temperature, and involuntary urination.

Due to the pronounced effect on the body, the fourth degree of sarin poisoning is possible - extremely severe. In this case, excitement of the nervous system is immediately replaced by paralysis and coma.

Prevention

If there are no specific antidotes in stock, it is impossible to escape from sarin - a deadly military weapon - during war. Precautionary measures are observed in chemical plants and laboratories:

• employees are trained on how to behave in contaminated areas and help victims of sarin;
• if necessary, personal protective equipment for the skin and respiratory organs is used;
• laboratory technicians are trained in the rules of working with aggressive liquids.

Prevention of sarin poisoning is based on the use of protective equipment available in the first aid kit of employees. Knowing the properties of sarin, people may suspect a leak of a dangerous substance. The presence of combat poison in the liquid is indicated by the smell of apple blossoms. The effect of the gas is recognized by difficulty breathing and nasal congestion.

The first signs of sarin poisoning

When the poison comes into contact with the skin, minor damage initially develops. In this case, sarin acts more slowly. The first signs of sarin damage may appear after a few days - after two or three.

1. There is a long prodromal period in the form of general weakness and headache, which is not immediately perceived as poisoning with a toxic substance.
2. muscle twitching

   After some time, the symptoms of sarin poisoning gradually increase: the person notices muscle twitching and heavy sweating at the site of contact of the gas with the skin.

3. Then nausea occurs, sometimes vomiting, drooling and other signs of dysfunction of the nervous system.
4. Sweating, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure.

With inhalation damage, the course of intoxication develops along a different path. The first signs of sarin poisoning in this case will be as follows:

• nasal discharge;
• constriction of the pupils;
• heaviness in the chest.

Initially, a latent period is characteristic, but then the typical picture of sarin poisoning suddenly appears.

Hydrocyanic acid

Hydrocyanic acid is a colorless liquid with a peculiar odor reminiscent of the smell of bitter almonds; in low concentrations the odor is difficult to distinguish. Hydrocyanic acid evaporates easily and acts only in a vapor state. Refers to general toxic agents.

Signs of damage: metallic taste in the mouth, throat irritation, dizziness, weakness, nausea. Then painful shortness of breath appears, the pulse slows down, the poisoned person loses consciousness, and sharp convulsions occur. Convulsions are observed for a relatively short time; they are replaced by complete relaxation of the muscles with loss of sensitivity, a drop in temperature, respiratory depression followed by its cessation. Cardiac activity after stopping breathing continues for another 3 to 7 minutes.

Symptoms of poisoning

If the poison gets ingested, the following symptoms of sarin poisoning appear. Every organ is under attack.

1. Changes occur in various parts of the nervous system: vision deteriorates, pupils narrow, a large amount of saliva is released, eye accommodation is impaired, and pain occurs when trying to focus on any object.
2. The eyes of a poisoned person are usually hyperemic (red from blood-filled vessels).
3. In addition to the standard symptoms of poisoning - nausea and vomiting, sarin intoxication causes severe cramping pain in the intestines, loose stools or diarrhea.
4. The functioning of the respiratory system is disrupted, including: coughing, shortness of breath at rest, secretion of mucus from the bronchi, and a feeling of lack of air. In advanced cases, there may be muscle paralysis and acute respiratory failure.
5. Another symptom of sarin poisoning is changes in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system. They manifest themselves in the form of weak muscle twitching and severe cramps throughout the body. Severe muscle weakness develops.
6. What else does sarin affect? The heart and blood vessels suffer - blood pressure either rises or quickly decreases, and the heart rhythm is disturbed.
7. A person's thermoregulation changes sharply, and body temperature changes occur.
8. The work of the glands increases: sweating, lacrimation and salivation increase.
9. Another symptom of sarin damage is urinary disturbances—increased initial and subsequent spontaneous discharge of fluid, which a person cannot control.
10. Over time, the second stage of changes in the body develops. Stimulation of the nerves weakens and symptoms of dysfunction of other organs and systems come first. Cyanosis or blue discoloration of the skin appears.
11. Damage to the central nervous system: dizziness, anxiety, agitation, apathy and depression, trembling, confusion gradually develops, the person does not explain himself clearly, speech is slurred.
12. Muscle strength may remain sufficient, but ataxia develops - a violation of the movements of muscle groups.

Prevention[edit | edit code]

Prevention is based on the administration of a reversible anticholinesterase agent. Pyridostigmine is suggested in doses of 30 mg 3 times daily to inhibit approximately 30% of blood cholinesterase. In cases of severe poisoning, this 30% of the protected cholinesterase is spontaneously reactivated, and if the same phenomenon occurs at the cholinergic synapses, the victim will recover. (Re-inhibition of the enzyme may occur if the toxicant remains in the body and is available to bind to cholinesterases after the pyridostigmine has been eliminated.)

First aid

Diagnosis of sarin poisoning is based on specific symptoms; in case of liquid intoxication, the appearance of a special smell of flowering apple trees, and subsequently on research data. In this case, his health and life depend on the correct emergency care provided to a person.

First aid for sarin poisoning is to immediately isolate the person from the source of the attack. This can be a separate clean room or, conversely, fresh air if contact with poison occurred indoors. The victim must be freed from clothing. One of the measures to prevent complications is to completely avoid contact with irritants.

If sarin gets on your skin or clothing, use standard protective equipment or a weak alkali solution to neutralize the poison. However, hair and nails contaminated with sarin should be cut off immediately to reduce symptoms. If poisoning occurs through the mouth, the stomach must be rinsed. To do this, use a weak alkaline solution and give activated carbon to drink.

Is there an antidote for sarin? There is a large group of substances called cholinesterase reactivators, which can restore the enzyme that inhibits the constant transmission of nerve impulses to muscles and organs. These include:

• isonitrosine;
• dipyroxime;
• dietixim.

But the antidote must be applied in the first hours after sarin exposure!

During exercises and military operations, soldiers are given individual first aid kits for quick assistance, which include the antidote - Athens, which is a standard means of neutralizing the effects of organophosphorus compounds. And also Taren tablets. They can be used to neutralize sarin.

In addition, first aid for infection with poison includes treatment of mucous membranes - you need to rinse your eyes with plain water or a weak 1% solution of sodium bicarbonate. Then inject a solution of novocaine into the eyes.

Consequences

The absence of odor of sarin makes it the most dangerous substance of all military poisons. Long-term consequences are observed even with mild poisoning:

• toxic hepatitis;
• peripheral neuritis;
• myocardial dystrophy;
• nephritis;
• asthenoneurotic syndrome.

With a favorable outcome of severe sarin intoxication, a person experiences neurotic disorders for 1–2 months. He is tormented by nightmares, body tremors, emotional variability, and irritability.

Treatment

Help for a person begins at the moment of his discovery and does not stop during transportation to the hospital. Treatment for sarin poisoning should only be carried out in an emergency room.

1. Immediately correct life-threatening respiratory and circulatory disorders, if any.
2. Even during transportation, the victim is administered substances from the specific protection group. Atropine is used to correct signs of intoxication. The dose of the medicine is determined depending on the severity of the poisoning. Intramuscular, subcutaneous and intravenous administration of atropine is allowed.
3. Treatment of sarin poisoning is symptomatic. Even before arriving at the hospital, the victim is given diazepam, a drug to relieve seizures. Sometimes a solution of magnesium sulfate is used to eliminate them.
4. They use Unithiol, a detoxifying drug.
5. To treat poisoning, vitamin E and hydrocortisone are prescribed.
6. Doctors are fighting not only with the chemical itself that has entered the body, but also with the consequences of its presence inside a person. Therefore, an important stage of treatment is the introduction of plasma-substituting and saline solutions into the victim’s body. Use rheopolyglucin, a solution of glucose with potassium and insulin and other liquids.
7. Antioxidants are administered for sarin poisoning.
8. Artificial ventilation of the lungs or hemodialysis is prescribed depending on the indications, which is more often the case with severe poisoning.

Treatment is carried out under the supervision of specialists. Timely medical care helps save a person’s life and saves him from numerous complications.

How to administer the antidote correctly?

Antidotes to sarin are Cyclodol, Aprofen, Scopolamine, Hyoscyamine, Atropine. If there are no such medications nearby, the following medications are allowed: Meclozine, Doxylamine, Cyclizine, Diphenhydramine. They should be administered intramuscularly.

If the poisoning is mild or moderate, the dosage should not exceed 2 ml. With more severe intoxication it increases to 4 ml.

The antidote must be administered at 10-15 minute intervals until the victim shows signs of improvement: pain is reduced, convulsions disappear, and the reaction to light is restored.