nerveagent

Nerveagent is a term used to denote a class of highly toxic organophosphorus compounds that disrupt the nervous system by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This mechanism leads to the accumulation of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses, producing a range of muscarinic, nicotinic, and central nervous system effects.

Symptoms of exposure can appear rapidly after inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact and may include runny nose, excessive salivation, sweating, constricted pupils, slowed heart rate, bronchoconstriction, muscle twitching, weakness, seizures, and coma. Severe exposure can be life-threatening without prompt medical treatment.

Nerveagents are tightly regulated under international arms-control regimes because of their potential for mass harm. The Chemical Weapons Convention prohibits the development, production, stockpiling, transfer, and use of these substances, with restricted allowances for some legitimate research and medical purposes under strict controls. Handling and disposal require specialized facilities, protective equipment, and trained personnel.

Emergency response and medical management focus on rapid decontamination, administration of atropine to counter muscarinic symptoms, pralidoxime (2-PAM) to reactivate acetylcholinesterase, and supportive care such as airway management and seizure control. Decontamination often involves removing contaminated clothing and washing skin or exposures with soap and water or appropriate decontamination solutions.

In contemporary literature, the term nerveagent may be encountered in historical, regulatory, or fictional contexts. Discussions about nerveagents emphasize safety, ethics, and the importance of international safeguards to prevent illicit use.