disaster 5th 1108_5th ed 2011 - Homeland Security and Emergency ...

VX (Nerve) - is an oily liquid that is odorless, tasteless, amber or honeyyellow
in color, and evaporates about as slowly as motor oil. VX is the most
potent of all nerve agents, which basically turn “off” the body’s ability to
stop muscles and glands from twitching. Like other nerve agents, VX is a
man-made chemical originally developed to kill insects and pests.
How it spreads: VX could be released into the air or water as a weapon,
however it does not mix with water as well as other nerve agents. If VX gas
or vapors are released into the air, people can be exposed by breathing or
eye or skin contact and a person’s clothing can release VX for about 30
minutes after being exposed. If VX liquid is put in food or water source,
people could get it from eating, drinking or touching something exposed to
the liquid.
VX vapor is heavier than air so settles in low-lying areas. Under average
weather conditions, VX can last for days on objects that come in contact
with the agent, but in cold weather it could last for months. The liquid takes
time to evaporate into a vapor so could be a long-term threat to the
environment.
Signs & Symptoms: VX is similar to sarin - depends on how much, what
form, and how people are exposed. No matter how exposed (breathing,
absorbed through skin, or eating / drinking it) the following may show up
within seconds to hours ...
• Head - runny nose, drooling or excess spittle, headache
• Eyes - watery, small pupils, blurred vision, eye pain
• Lungs - cough, tight feeling in chest, fast/rapid breathing
• Nervous system - confusion, drowsiness, weakness
• Heart/blood - slow/fast pulse, rise/drop in blood pressure
• Stomach/gastrointestinal - abdominal pain, puking, sick to
stomach, diarrhea, pee more than normal
... plus ...
• If exposed to small amount - a tiny drop of VX on skin can
cause sweating and muscle twitching
• If large amount - can cause convulsions (body can’t stop
the muscles and glands from twitching), paralysis (can’t
move), may pass out, stops breathing leading to death
Treatment: VX poisoning can be treated with antidotes but must be given
shortly after exposure to be effective. The main things are avoid area where
agent was released, get decontaminated (strip & wash), and seek medical
care as soon as possible.
• First - leave area as quickly as possible
... if outdoors - move to higher ground and stay upwind
90 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325