Tabun (GA) What is tabun (GA)? from a contaminated person can Tabun is a highly toxic substance release vapors for about 30 belonging to a class of chemicals minutes after exposure, thus known as nerve agents. Tabun, endangering people who were not also referred to as GA, is clear and in an original area of release. has a slight fruity odor. It is not naturally-occurring. When heated, Effects from inhaling tabun gas are liquid tabun readily turns into a usually immediate, while effects gas. from exposure to liquid tabun may be immediate or delayed. Tabun and other nerve agents are structurally similar to a family of What should you do if you are common insecticides called exposed to tabun? organophosphates, but they are If you are in an area where tabun much more potent. As the name has been released, leave quickly implies, nerve agents work by and go to an area with fresh air. If attacking the nervous system. the release is outdoors, move to higher ground. Because tabun gas Can tabun be used as an attack is heavier than air, it will sink to agent? low-lying areas. Nerve agents, including tabun, are classified as weapons of mass Remove your outer clothing, taking destruction. They can be dispersed care not to touch the outside of from missiles, artillery shells, land your clothing to your skin. mines, spray tanks, and by other Carefully put contaminated clothing methods. Because tabun vaporizes in plastic bags, and set them aside when heated, breathing air for proper disposal by authorities. containing tabun is particularly Clothing contaminated with tabun dangerous. should never be washed or worn again. How are people exposed to tabun? Decontaminate yourself by washing There are several ways that people your body thoroughly with soap can be exposed to tabun. The most and water, preferably outdoors to likely way is for people to breathe avoid contaminating indoor air containing tabun gas or facilities. The sun also will help droplets. People also can be degrade the tabun. Rinse your eyes exposed when liquid tabun or with water for 10 to 15 minutes. droplets come into contact with the Then quickly seek medical skin or eyes. Because tabun mixes attention easily with water, it has the potential to be used as a poison for food and water supplies. Clothing

How does tabun affect the How is tabun exposure treated? body? Exposure to tabun can be treated Tabun and other nerve agents with specific antidotes – atropine work by interfering with an enzyme and pralidoxime chloride (2-PAM) – critical to the normal control of along with supportive medical care nerve impulses to muscles, glands in a hospital. These nerve agent and other nerve cells in the brain, antidotes are most effective when resulting in numerous reactions. given within minutes after exposure. Signs and symptoms of low to moderate exposure include: ƒ Nausea and vomiting ƒ Abdominal cramps and diarrhea ƒ Small, pinpoint pupils *Respiratory rate, heart rate and blood ƒ Runny eyes and nose pressure follow a similar cycle. Reaction to the toxin causes an initial decrease. Then, ƒ Blurred vision and aching to compensate for low levels of oxygen in eyes the blood and brain, rates increase. The ƒ Excessive drooling and cycle may end with rates becoming slow sweating again. ƒ Uncontrolled urination ƒ Tightness in the chest ƒ Slow breathing followed by rapid breathing that may become slow again* ƒ Slow heart rate followed by fast heart rate that may become slow again* ƒ Low blood pressure followed by high blood pressure that may become low again* ƒ Drowsiness ƒ Confusion

Large doses may cause the following symptoms: ƒ Uncontrolled muscle tremors and contractions ƒ Convulsions ƒ Loss of consciousness ƒ Paralysis ƒ Respiratory failure ƒ Death

People who experience mild or moderate exposure may recover completely. Severe exposure is often fatal.