Sarin gas is a substance originally created to function as an insecticide, but it has been used as a chemical weapon in war scenarios, such as in Japan or Syria, due to its potent action on the human body, which can cause death within 10 minutes.
When it enters the body, through breathing or by simple contact with the skin, the Sarin gas prevents the enzyme responsible for preventing the accumulation of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, which although it plays a very important role in the communication between neurons, when it is in excess, it causes symptoms such as pain in the eyes, a feeling of tightness in the chest or weakness, for example.
In addition, excess acetylcholine causes neurons to die within seconds of exposure, a process that typically takes several years. Therefore, treatment with an antidote should be done as soon as possible, to reduce the risk of death.
Main symptoms
When it comes into contact with the body, Sarin gas causes symptoms such as:
- Runny nose and watery eyes; Small, contracted pupils; Pain in the eyes and blurred vision; Excessive sweating; Feeling of tightness in the chest and cough; Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea; Headache, dizziness or confusion; Weakness throughout the body; Alteration of the heartbeat.
These symptoms can appear in a few seconds after breathing in the Sarin gas or in a few minutes to hours, if the contact happens through the skin or by ingesting the substance in water, for example.
In the most severe cases, in which there is a very prolonged contact, more intense effects may appear, such as fainting, convulsions, paralysis or respiratory arrest.
What to do in case of exposure
When there is a suspicion that you have come into contact with the Sarin gas, or there is a risk of being in a location affected by an attack with this gas, it is advisable to leave the area as soon as possible and go immediately to a place with fresh air. If possible, a high location should be preferred, as Sarin gas is heavy and tends to be closer to the ground.
If there is contact with the liquid form of the chemical, it is recommended to remove all clothing, and t-shirts must be cut, as passing them over the head increases the risk of breathing the substance. In addition, you should wash your entire body with soap and water and water your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes.
After these precautions, you should quickly go to the hospital or call for medical help by calling 192.
How the treatment is done
Treatment should be started as soon as possible and can be done using two drugs that are an antidote to the substance:
- Pralidoxima: destroys the gas connection to receptors in neurons, ending its action; Atropine: prevents excess acetylcholine from binding to neuron receptors, counteracting the effect of gas.
These two drugs can be given in the hospital directly into the vein, so if there is a suspicion of exposure to Sarin gas, it is advisable to go to the hospital immediately.
