How Sarin Nerve Gas Works (And What to Do If Exposed)

How Sarin Nerve Gas Works (And What to Do If Exposed) Sarin is an organophosphate nerve agent. It most commonly is considered a nerve gas, but it mixes with water, so ingestion of contaminated food/water or liquid skin contact also are possible. Exposure to even a small amount of Sarin may be fatal, yet treatments are available that may prevent permanent neurological damage and death. Heres a look at how it works and how exposure to Sarin is treated. Key Takeaways: Sarin Sarin is an organophosphate nerve gas- a type of chemical weapon.The gas dissolves in water, so Sarin can be delivered in food or liquids as well as air.Sarin works like a pesticide. It inhibits acetylcholinesterase, preventing muscle relaxation.Although Sarin can be deadly, mild exposure can be survivable. If exposed, get away from the nerve agent, remove all exposed clothing and clean skin with soap and water. Seek emergency medical attention. What Is Sarin? Sarin is a man-made chemical with the formula [(CH3)2CHO]CH3P(O)F. It was developed in 1938 by German researchers at IG Farben for use as a pesticide. Sarin gets its name from its discoverers: Schrader, Ambros, Rà ¼diger, and Van der Linde. Pure Sarin is colorless, odorless, and has no flavor. It is heavier than air, so Sarin vapor sinks into low-lying areas or toward the bottom of a room. The chemical evaporates in air and mixes readily with water. Clothing absorbs Sarin and its mixtures, which can spread exposure if contaminated clothing is not contained. Its important to understand you can survive a low concentration of Sarin exposure as long as you dont panic and do seek medical attention. If you survive initial exposure, you may have several minutes to several hours to reverse the effects. At the same time, dont assume you are in the clear just because you survived initial exposure. Because effects may be delayed, its important to get medical attention. How Sarin Works Sarin is a nerve agent, which means it interferes with the normal signaling between nerve cells. It acts in much the same way as organophosphate insecticides, block nerve endings from allowing muscles to stop contracting. Death may occur when the muscles controlling breathing become ineffective, causing asphyxiation. Sarin acts by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. Ordinarily, this protein degrades acetylcholine released at the synaptic cleft. The acetylcholine activates nerve fibers that cause muscles to contract. If the neurotransmitter is not removed, the muscles dont relax. Sarin forms a covalent bond with the serine residue at the active site on the cholinesterase molecule, making it unable to bind to acetylcholine. Symptoms of Sarin Exposure Symptoms depend on the route and intensity of exposure. The lethal dose is incrementally higher than the dose producing minor symptoms. For example, inhaling an extremely low concentration of Sarin may produce a runny nose, yet a very slightly higher dose may cause incapacitation and death. The onset of symptoms depends on dose, usually within minutes to hours after exposure. Symptoms include: Dilated pupilsHeadacheSense of pressureSalivationRunny nose or congestionNauseaVomitingTightness in chestAnxietyMental confusionNightmaresWeaknessTremors or twitchesInvoluntary defecation or urinationAbdominal crampsDiarrhea If an antidote is not given, symptoms may proceed to convulsions, respiratory failure, and death. Treating Sarin Victims Although Sarin can kill and cause permanent damage, individuals who suffer mild exposure usually recover completely if given immediate treatment. The first and most important action is removing Sarin from the body. Antidotes to Sarin include atropine, Biperiden, and pralidoxime. Treatment is most effective if given immediately, but still helps if some times passes (minutes to hours) between exposure and treatment. Once the chemical agent is neutralized, supportive medical care is helpful. What to Do If You Are Exposed To Sarin Do not administer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to a person exposed to Sarin, since the rescuer can be poisoned. If you think you have been exposed to Sarin gas or Sarin-contaminated food, water, or clothing, its important to seek professional medical attention. Flush exposed eyes with water. Clean exposed skin with soap and water. If you have access to a protective respiratory mask, hold your breath until you can secure the mask. Emergency injections typically are used only if symptoms of severe exposure occur or if the Sarin is injected. If you have access to injectables, be sure to understand when to use/not-use them, since the chemicals used to treat Sarin come with their own risks. References CDC Sarin Fact SheetSarin Material Safety Data Sheet, 103d Congress, 2d Session. United States Senate. May 25, 1994.Millard CB, Kryger G, Ordentlich A, et al. (June 1999). Crystal structures of aged phosphonylated acetylcholinesterase: nerve agent reaction products at the atomic level. Biochemistry 38 (22): 7032–9.Hà ¶rnberg, Andreas; Tunemalm, Anna-Karin; Ekstrà ¶m, Fredrik (2007). Crystal Structures of Acetylcholinesterase in Complex with Organophosphorus Compounds Suggest that the Acyl Pocket Modulates the Aging Reaction by Precluding the Formation of the Trigonal Bipyramidal Transition State. Biochemistry 46 (16): 4815–4825.

Battle of Olustee in the Civil War

Battle of Olustee in the Civil War Battle of Olustee - Conflict Date: The Battle of Olustee was fought February 20, 1864, during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Armies Commanders Union Brigadier General Truman Seymour5,500 men Confederate Brigadier General Joseph Finegan5,000 men Battle of Olustee - Background: Thwarted in his efforts to reduce Charleston, SC in 1863, including defeats at Fort Wagner, Major General Quincy A. Gillmore, commander of the Union Department of the South, turned his eye towards to Jacksonville, FL. Planning an expedition to the area, he intended to extend Union control over northeastern Florida and prevent supplies from the region reaching Confederate forces elsewhere. Submitting his plans to the Union leadership in Washington, they were approved as the Lincoln Administration hoped to restore a loyal government to Florida before the election that November. Embarking around 6,000 men, Gillmore entrusted operational control of the expedition to Brigadier General Truman Seymour, a veteran of major battles such as Gaines Mill, Second Manassas, and Antietam. Steaming south, Union forces landed and occupied Jacksonville on February 7. The next day, Gillmore and Seymours troops began advancing west and occupied Ten Mile Run. Over the next week, Union forces raided as far as Lake City while officials arrived in Jacksonville to start the process of forming a new government. During this time, the two Union commanders began arguing over the scope of Union operations. While Gillmore pressed for the occupation of Lake City and a possible advance to the Suwannee River to destroy the railroad bridge there, Seymour reported that neither was advisable and that Unionist sentiment in the region was minimal. As a result, Gillmore directed Seymour to concentrate his forced west of the city at Baldwin. Meeting on the 14th, he further directed his subordinate to fortify Jacksonville, Baldwin, and Barbers Plantation. Battle of Olustee - The Confederate Response: Appointing Seymour as commander of the District of Florida, Gillmore departed for his headquarters at Hilton Head, SC on February 15 and directed that no advance into the interior be made without his permission. Opposing the Union efforts was Brigadier General Joseph Finegan who led the District of East Florida. An Irish immigrant and an enlisted veteran of the prewar US Army, he possessed around 1,500 men with which to defend the region. Unable to directly oppose Seymour in the days after the landings, Finegans men skirmished with Union forces where possible. In an effort to counter the Union threat, he requested reinforcements from General P.G.T. Beauregard who commanded the Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Responding to his subordinates needs, Beauregard sent contingents south led by Brigadier General Alfred Colquitt and Colonel George Harrison. These additional troops swelled Finegans force to around 5,000 men. Battle of Olustee - Seymour Advances: Shortly after Gillmores departure, Seymour began to view the situation in northeast Florida more favorably and elected to commence a march west to destroy the Suwannee River bridge. Concentrating around 5,500 men at Barbers Plantation, he planned to advance on February 20. Writing to Gillmore, Seymour informed his superior of the plan and commented that by the time you receive this I shall be in motion. Stunned upon receiving this missive, Gillmore dispatched an aide south with orders for Seymour cancel the campaign. This effort failed as the aide reached Jacksonville after the fighting had ended. Moving out early in the morning on the 20th, Seymours command was divided into three brigades led by Colonels William Baron, Joseph Hawley, and James Montgomery. Advancing west, Union cavalry led by Colonel Guy V. Henry scouted for and screened the column. Battle of Olustee - First Shots: Reaching Sanderson around midday, Union cavalry began skirmishing with their Confederate counterparts west of town. Pushing the enemy back, Henrys men met more intense resistance as they neared Olustee Station. Having been reinforced by Beauregard, Finegan had moved east and occupied a strong position along the Florida Atlantic and Gulf-Central Railroad at Olustee. Fortifying a narrow strip of dry ground with Ocean Pond to the north and swamps to the south, he planned receive the Union advance. As Seymours main column approached, Finegan hoped to use his cavalry to lure the Union troops into attacking his main line. This failed to occur and instead fighting intensified forward of the fortifications as Hawleys brigade began to deploy (Map). Battle of Olustee - A Bloody Defeat: Responding to this development, Finegan ordered Colquitt to advance with several regiments from both his brigade and Harrisons. A veteran of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville who had served under Lieutenant General Thomas Stonewall Jackson, he advanced his troops into the pine forest and engaged the 7th Connecticut, 7th New Hampshire, and 8th US Colored Troops from Hawleys brigade. The commitment of these forces saw the fighting rapidly grow in scope. The Confederates quickly gained an upper hand when confusion over orders between Hawley and the 7th New Hampshires Colonel Joseph Abbott led to the regiment deploying improperly. Under heavy fire, many of Abbotts men retired in the confusion. With the 7th New Hampshire collapsing, Colquitt focused his efforts on the raw 8th USCT. While the African-American soldiers acquitted themselves well, the pressure compelled them to begin falling back. The situation was made worse by the death of its commanding officer, Colonel Charles Fribley ( Map). Pressing the advantage, Finegan sent additional forces forward under the guidance of Harrison. Uniting, the combined Confederate forces began pushing east. In response, Seymour rushed Bartons brigade forward. Forming on the right of the remnants of Hawleys men the 47th, 48th, and 115th New York opened fire and halted the Confederate advance. As the battle stabilized, both sides inflicted increasingly heavy losses on the other. During the course of the fighting, Confederate forces began to run low on ammunition forcing a slackening of their firing as more was brought forward. In addition, Finegan led his remaining reserves into the fighting and took personal command of the battle. Committing these new forces, he ordered his men to attack (Map). Overwhelming the Union troops, this effort led Seymour to order a general retreat east. As Hawley and Bartons men began withdrawing, he directed Montgomerys brigade to cover the retreat. This brought the 54th Massachusetts, which had gained fame as one of the first official African-American regiments, and the 35th US Colored Troops forward. Forming, they succeeded in holding back Finegans men as their compatriots departed. Leaving the area, Seymour returned to Barbers Plantation that night with the 54th Massachusetts, 7th Connecticut, and his cavalry covering the retreat. The withdrawal was aided by a weak pursuit on the part of Finegans command. Battle of Olustee - Aftermath: A bloody engagement given the numbers engaged, the Battle of Olustee saw Seymour sustain 203 killed, 1,152 wounded, and 506 missing while Finegan lost 93 killed, 847 wounded, and 6 missing. Union losses were made worse by Confederate forces killing wounded and captured African-American soldiers after the fighting had concluded. The defeat at Olustee ended the Lincoln Administrations hopes for organizing a new government prior the 1864 election and made several in the North question the value of campaigning in a militarily insignificant state. While the battle had proved a defeat, the campaign was largely successful as the occupation of Jacksonville opened the city to Union trade and deprived the Confederacy of the regions resources. Remaining in Northern hands for the rest of the war, Union forces routinely conducted raids from the city but did not mount major campaigns. Selected Sources CWSAC Battle Summaries: Battle of OlusteeBattle of Olustee Civil War Trust: Battle of Olustee