NERVE AGENT

CAS # 77-81-6
RTECS #
Counter Terrorism Card 0002

TABUN
GA
dimethylphosphoramidocyanidic acid, ethyl ester
Ethyl N,N-dimethylphosphoramidocyanidate
Chemical Formula C₅H₁₁N₂O₂P
Molecular mass: 162.12

TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE

React with steam or water to produce toxic and corrosive vapors.

Contain to prevent contamination to uncontrolled areas.

Water mist, fog, and foam, CO₂. Avoid methods that will cause splashing or spreading.

EXPLOSION

May result in the formation of hydrogen cyanide.

EXPOSURE

·  Liquid or vapors can be fatal.

·  Clothing releases agent for about 30 minutes after contact with vapor.

· Contaminated surfaces present long-term contact hazard.

Do not breathe fumes.
Skin contact must be avoided at all times.

Seek medical attention Immediately.

Inhalation can cause symptoms in 2-5 minutes.

Same sequence of symptoms despite the route of exposure:

MILD

·  runny nose

·  tightness of the chest and breathing difficulty

·  eye pain, dimness of vision and pin pointing of pupils (miosis)

·  difficulty in breathing and cough

MODERATE

·  increased eye symptoms with blurred vision

·  drooling and excessive sweating

·  severe nasal congestion

·  increased tightness of the chest and breathing difficulty

·  nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps

·  generalized weakness, twitching of large muscle groups

·  headache, confusion, and drowsiness

SEVERE

·  involuntary defecation and urination

·  very copious secretions

·  twitching, jerking, staggering and convulsions

·  cessation of breathing, loss of consciousness, coma and death.

Hold breath until respiratory protective mask is donned.

Fire-fighting personnel should wear full protective clothing and respiratory protection during fire-fighting and rescue.

Positive pressure, full face piece, NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) will be worn.

·  If severe signs, immediately administer, in rapid succession, all three Nerve Agent Antidote Kit(s), Mark I injectors (or atropine if directed by a physician).

·  If signs and symptoms are progressing, use injectors at 5 to 20 minute intervals. (No more than 3 injections unless directed by medical personnel.)

·  Maintain record of all injections given.

·  Give artificial respiration if breathing has stopped. Use mouth-to-mouth when mask-bag or oxygen delivery systems not available. Do not use mouth-to-mouth if face is contaminated.

·  Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

See Inhalation

Lethal doses can kill in 1-2 hours.

Pupil size may range from normal to moderately reduced.

Protective Gloves: Butyl Rubber Glove M3 and M4 Norton, Chemical Protective Glove Set

The primary mode for decontamination of chemical agents is soap and water. A 0.5% hypochlorite solution can be used. There are differing guidelines for decontamination and more research is needed to identify the optimal decontamination method.

See "Personal Decontamination" and "Appendix D" in Treatment of Chemical Agent Casualties and Conventional Military Chemical Injuries (from the U.S. Navy Counterproliferation Office).

See also the Medical Management of Chemical Casualties Handbook (from the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense [USAMRICD]) for a general review of the issues and more on the military decontamination powder approach.

See Inhalation

Very rapid onset of symptoms (less than 2-3 minutes).

Chemical goggles and face shield.

Immediately flush eyes with water for 10-15 minutes, then don respiratory protective mask.

See Inhalation

Pupil size may range from nomal to moderately reduced.

Do not induce vomiting. First symptoms are likely to be gastrointestinal. Immediately administer Nerve Agent Antidote Kit, Mark I.

DECONTAMINATION

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

PACKAGING & LABELLING

• solids, powders and solutions containing various types of bleach (NaOCl or Ca(OCl)₂)
• DS2 (2% NaOH, 70% diethylenetriamine, 28% ethylene glycol monomethyl ether)
• towelettes moistened with NaOH dissolved in water, phenol, ethanol, and ammonia
• Order of preference for decon: aqueous NaOH, Decontaminating Agent (DS2), Sodium Carbonate, and Supertropical Bleach Slurry (STB).

Cover with vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, clay, fine sand, sponges, and paper or cloth towels. Scoop decontaminated material and place in approved container. Treat decontaminant solution with excess bleach to destroy the HCN. After sealing, decontaminate the exterior and label. All leaking containers will be over packed with sorbent (e.g. vermiculite) placed between the interior and exterior containers. Label and dispose according to regulations. Conduct general area monitoring.