Effects of sarin gas on the body

Sarin gas is a substance originally created to function as an insecticide but has been used as a chemical weapon in war scenarios, such as in Japan or Syria, because of its potent action on the human body, which can cause death in up to 10 minutes.

When it enters the body, through respiration or by simple contact with the skin, the Sarin gas prevents the functioning of the enzyme responsible for avoiding the accumulation of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, which although it plays a very important role in the communication between the neurons, when it is in excess, causes symptoms such as pain in the eyes, feeling tightness in the chest or weakness, for example.

In addition, too much acetylcholine causes the neurons to die within a few seconds after exposure, a process that usually 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 in contact with the body, Sarin gas causes symptoms such as:

• Coriza and watery eyes;
• Small, contracted pupils;
• Pain in the eyes and blurred vision;
• Excessive sweating;
• Sensation of chest tightness and cough;
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea;
• Headache, dizziness or confusion;
• Weakness throughout the body;
• Change in heart rate.

These symptoms may occur within a few seconds after breathing Sarin gas or in a few minutes to hours, if contact occurs through the skin or by ingestion of the substance in the water, for example.

In more severe cases, in which there is a very prolonged contact, more intense effects can appear like fainting, convulsions, paralysis or respiratory arrest.

What to do in case of exposure

When there is a suspicion of contact with Sarin gas, or there is a risk of being in a place affected by an attack with this gas, it is advisable to leave the area quickly and go immediately to a place with fresh air. If possible, a high location should be preferred because the 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 cut shirts, since passing them over the head, increases the risk of breathing the substance. In addition, wash your body with soap and water and give your eyes water for 10 to 15 minutes.

After this care, you should go to the hospital or call for medical help by calling 192.

How is the treatment done?

Treatment should be started as soon as possible and can be done with the use of two remedies that are an antidote to the substance:

• Prolidoxime : it destroys the connection of the gas to the receptors in the neurons, finishing its action;
• Atropine : prevents excess acetylcholine from binding to neuron receptors, counteracting the effect of gas.

These two medicines can be given in the hospital directly into the vein and so if there is suspicion of exposure to Sarin gas it is advised to go to the hospital immediately.