Quote:
|
Originally posted by SimeyTheLimey: Boots: what are the toxic effects of mild nerve gas poisoning? If those troops and journalists got a mild dose, what long term effects (if any) might they have? |
Just as general background: link
Sarin binds to acetylcholine esterase in a non-reversible way. Acetylcholine esterase is an enzyne in the synapse that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into acetate (vinegar is dilute acetic acid..but it is a normal biological byproduct) and choline, which gets reabsorbed by the nerve ending to be recycled.
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that signals for muscle firing. If it is not degraded, the nerves continue to fire...think spasms like an epileptic. The most immediatet problem is in the diaphram...if it can't function properly (can't relax to expell air) the subject suffocates.
Atropine bumps the sarin off of the acetylcholine esterase. Atropine is a reversible binder, so it will come off. Because the sarin has been modified when it bound to the acetylcholine esterase, it cannot "rebind" so it is now relatively harmless.
This is for accute exposure. It can also bind to things other than Acetylcholine esterase...things like DNA, for example....
There aren't many studies (that I am aware of) studying the long term effects of small doses.
There may be increased susceptibility (possibly inherited) to future nerve agent exposure. link
However, the CDC says that most effects last no longer than a couple of weeks.
Quote:
| Mild or moderately exposed people usually recover completely. Severely exposed people are not likely to survive. Unlike some organophosphate pesticides, nerve agents have not been associated with neurological problems lasting more than 1 to 2 weeks after the exposure. |