nerve agents, chemicals that interfere with the proper functioning of the nervous system. They are highly potent, and very small amounts can have serious effects. They include sarin, soman, tabun, and VX. Exposure is by inhalation or by skin or eye contact. Nerve agents can also be mixed with water and can be used to poison water supplies so that people can be exposed by drinking contaminated water or getting contaminated water on the skin. These agents act by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, which allows the muscles to be stimulated constantly, and fatigue of the muscles used for breathing can cause death from respiratory failure. Treatment consists of removing the agent from the body and administration of an antidote (which must be done within minutes of exposure).
