SARIN
FACT SHEET
What is sarin?
Sarin is a man-made chemical warfare agent. It is a clear, colorless and tasteless liquid that has no odor in its pure form. It is also known as a nerve agent. However, sarin can evaporate into a vapor and spread into the environment.
How can you be exposed to sarin?
It is hard to detect sarin, since it is odorless. You can be exposed by touching, drinking or by eating food that has been contaminated with sarin. If released into the air, you can be exposed through skin and eye contact or by inhalation. The extent of the sarin poisoning will depend on the amount, the length of time exposed, and how the person is exposed.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms will depend on the route, amount and length of time of exposure to sarin.
If exposed to a vapor, the symptoms will appear within a few seconds. If exposed to the liquid form, the symptoms will appear within a few minutes up to 18 hours. If you are exposed to low or moderate doses of sarin, you may have the symptoms of a runny nose, eye pain, blurred vision, sweating, coughing, chest tightness, fast breathing, diarrhea, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, slow or fast heart rate, and low or high blood pressure. If exposed for a long period of time to sarin, you may have loss of consciousness, seizures, paralysis and breathing problems possibly leading to death.What should I do if I think I have been exposed to sarin?
If you have been exposed to sarin you should leave the area quickly and get to fresh air. Remove your clothing and quickly wash your entire body with soap and water. If your eyes are burning or your vision is blurred, rinse them with plain water for 10 to 15 minutes. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before rinsing your eyes. Place your contaminated clothes and contact lenses into a plastic bag and seal. Place the bag into a second plastic bag and seal. Call 911 for medical attention right away and removal of the contaminated items. Do not drive yourself to the hospital as you may become very ill on your way.
Where can I get more information on sarin?
www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/rtkweb/rtkhsfs.htm
Source of information:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)