DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

VX vapor is heavier than air so settles in low-lying areas. Under averageweather conditions, VX can last for days on objects that come in contactwith the agent, but in cold weather it could last for months. The liquid takestime to evaporate into a vapor so could be a long-term threat to theenvironment.Signs & Symptoms: VX is similar to sarin - depends on how much, whatform, and how people are exposed. No matter how exposed (breathing,absorbed through skin, or eating / drinking it) the following may show upwithin 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 tostomach, diarrhea, pee more than normal... plus ...• If exposed to small amount - a tiny drop of VX on skin cancause sweating and muscle twitching• If large amount - can cause convulsions (body can’t stopthe muscles and glands from twitching), paralysis (can’tmove), may pass out, stops breathing leading to deathTreatment: VX poisoning can be treated with antidotes but must be givenshortly after exposure to be effective. The main things are avoid area whereagent was released, get decontaminated (strip & wash), and seek medicalcare as soon as possible.• First - leave area as quickly as possible... if outdoors - move to higher ground and stay upwind... if in building - get outside to highest ground possible• If inhaled - get fresh air as quickly and calmly as possible• If on clothing or skin - remove clothes and shoes contaminatedwith VX but don’t pull anything over head - cut itoff body. Seal all in plastic bag, then seal that bag in a bagand ask how to dispose of. Immediately wash body withclean water and soap.• If in eyes - remove contacts if any. If eyes burning orvision blurred, rinse eyes with water for 10 to 15 minutes.• If swallowed - if someone drinks or eats somethingexposed to VX, do NOT make them puke or drink fluids -call 9-1-1www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-432595