What is a VX weapon?

What is a VX weapon?

VX is a human-made chemical warfare agent classified as a nerve agent. Nerve agents are the most toxic and rapidly acting of the known chemical warfare agents. They are similar to pesticides (insect killing chemicals) called organophosphates in terms of how they work and what kinds of harmful effects they cause.

What does VX stand for in VX gas?

In 1954, the British first synthesized O-ethyl S-(2-diisopropylaminoethyl) methylphosphonothioate, the most important agent in the V series and coded in the United States as “VX”. The V-series weapons, including VX, are among the most highly toxic chemical warfare nerve agents (“V” stands for venomous).

Why was VX created?

In the class of nerve agents, it was developed for military use in chemical warfare after translation of earlier discoveries of organophosphate toxicity in pesticide research. In recent years, VX was found to be the agent used in the assassination of Kim Jong-nam.

What does VX nerve agent do to you?

How does it kill you? The VX molecule interferes with the way glands and muscles function by blocking an enzyme that allows them to relax. That causes muscles to clench uncontrollably and, eventually, prevents a victim from being able to breathe.

What is VX name?

VX, whose chemical name is O-ethyl S-diisopropylaminomethyl methylphosphonothiolate, is hard to detect. It is a clear, tasteless and colourless liquid with a consistency something like engine oil. The CDC, the US government’s top public health agency, says its only known use is in chemical warfare.

What war was VX used in?

the Iran-Iraq war
VX nerve agent was first used during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. It’s part of the same family of toxic substances as Sarin, which was used in the 1995 nerve gas attack on the Tokyo subway.

What happens with VX?

The lethal dose for VX ranges from about 10 milligrams via skin contact to 25 to 30 milligrams if inhaled. Early symptoms can include pinprick pupils, runny nose, wheezing and muscle twitching. Death can occur anywhere from within a few minutes to hours, depending on the dose and the method of contact.

What is lewisite used for?

Lewisite was produced in 1918 to be used in World War I, but its production was too late for it to be used in the war. Lewisite has been used only as a chemical warfare agent. It has no medical or other practical use. Lewisite is not found naturally in the environment.

What is considered a weapon of mass destruction?

Weapons of Mass Destruction. A weapon of mass destruction is a nuclear, radiological, chemical, biological, or other device that is intended to harm a large number of people. The Department of Homeland Security works every day to prevent terrorists and other threat actors from using these weapons to harm Americans.

What are the long term health effects of weapons of mass destruction?

The long term health effects of WMD depend on the agent used, dose, route of exposure, and victims’ genetic susceptibility. The Japanese atomic bombs resulted in cancers, infertility, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

What is a separateable and divisible weapon?

Also called WMD. This may also refer to nuclear ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles). The significance of the words separable and divisible part of the weapon is that missiles such as the Pershing II and the SCUD are considered weapons of mass destruction, while aircraft capable of carrying bombloads are not.