Sarin gas is a substance originally created to function as an insecticide, but it has been used as a chemical weapon in theaters of war, such as Japan or Syria, due to its powerful action on the human body, which can lead to death. 10 minutes.
When entering the body, by breathing or by simple contact with the skin, sarin gas prevents the enzyme responsible for preventing the accumulation of Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, which while playing a very important role in communication between neurons, when in excess, causes symptoms such as eye pain, feeling of chest oppression or weakness, for example.
- In addition.
- An excess of Acetylcholine causes the death of neurons within seconds of exposure.
- A process that usually takes several years.
- So treatment with an antidote should be performed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of death.
When it comes into contact with the body, sarin gas causes symptoms such as:
These symptoms may occur within seconds of inhaling sarin gas or minutes to a few hours, if contact occurs through the skin, or if the substance is in water, for example.
In the most severe cases, where the contact is very prolonged, more intense effects such as fainting, seizures, paralysis or respiratory arrest may occur.
If there is a suspected contact with sarin gas, or if there is a risk of being in an area affected by a sarin gas attack, it is advisable to leave the area as soon as possible and immediately go to a place with fresh air. If possible, an elevated location should be preferred, as sarin gas is heavy and tends to be closer to the ground.
In case of contact with the liquid form of the chemical, it is recommended to remove all clothes and cut the t-shirts, since passing them through the head increases the risk of breathing the substance. In addition, the whole body should be washed with soap and water and wash your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes.
After these precautions, you should quickly go to the hospital or call a doctor by calling 192.
Treatment should be started as soon as possible and can be done with two medicines that are an antidote to the substance:
Both drugs can be given to the hospital directly into the vein, so if there is any suspicion of exposure to Sarin gas, it is advisable to go to the hospital immediately.