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TOXICOLOGY

Effects of such absorption of VX gas into the human body can be very serious and death is a usual consequence to immense suffering of the unfortunate victim, at concentrations of 10mg-min/m3.VX inhibits acetylcholinesterase enzyme, causing severe nervous disorder.

The victim loses sense of touch over his body and is seen to collapse to the ground and urine without control.Muscular cramps forces him/her into a spasm and eventually loses consciousness.

Victim should be hospitalised immediately and given treatment with an artificial oxygen respirator, which is usually followed by the atropine-oxime therapy consisting of 2mg of atropine in addition to 150mg of obidoxime chloride with the aid of an autoinjector,commonly made in Sweden.

The main purpose of this is to stop the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase in the human body, by removing the VX molecule that is the inhibitor, from the enzyme.

This brings the enzyme's active site back into functional status and allows acetylcholine to flow into the nerves.

Supplemental administration of muscular relaxants may be provided to the patient to ease any strain on the muscles and prevent further and possible permanent damage from taking place.

Like any other chemical agent, meticulous phases have to be carried out in ensuring public safety and potential threat to animal/plant life.

Neutralization is done by applying aqueous hypochlorite solution or a mixture methanol and 10% sodium hydroxide solution for the affected area, after which decontamination is almost complete.

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