Definitions for "NERVE AGENTS"
Chemical agents that attack the central nervous system. GB, or sarin, and VX, the kinds of nerve agents stored at the depot, can be lethal.
(CBRN Handbook) Substances that interfere with the central nervous system. Exposure is primarily through contact with the liquid (skin and eyes) and secondarily through inhalation of the vapor. Three distinct symptoms associated with nerve agents are: pin-point pupils, an extreme headache, and severe tightness in the chest.
Nerve agents are the most deadly class of chemical weapon agents. They belong to a category of chemicals known as toxic organophosphates. Nerve agents work by blocking the operation of acetylcholinestarase, an enzyme that regulates nerve function. Without acetylcholinestarase, muscles contract uncontrollably until they become exhausted and stop working. Most seriously, this exhaustion can shut down the muscles that control breathing, quickly leaving affected persons unable to breath.