(CNN)Malaysian police have revealed the substance that killed Kim Jong Nam was a highly toxic nerve agent more commonly used in warfare.
VX nerve gas was first developed in the UK in the 1950s as a deadly chemical warfare agent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Experts say the formula has been replicated in the past by the US, Russia, Syria and Iraq.
Here’s what we know:
What is it?
VX nerve agent is an oily liquid that’s amber in color, but it’s both odorless and tasteless.
Nerve agents, like VX, are the most toxic and deadly chemical warfare agents — they’re chemically similar to pesticides, although far stronger.
VX is the most potent of all nerve agents, including Sarin, which was developed in Germany in 1938 as a pesticide.
How does it work?
VX, if in vapor form, is the quickest and deadliest form of the killer gas. As a liquid, it could potentially be released into a water supply or used to poison someone’s food.
Like all nerve agents, VX stops a vital enzyme from working — which eventually leads to the body tiring, and no longer being able to breathe.
VX is not only the deadliest nerve agent, but also the most persistent in the environment — it evaporates slowly, especially in cold conditions, making it both a long- and short-term threat.
What are the symptoms?
Depending on how much a person was exposed to, symptoms will start occurring either immediately or up to 18 hours later.
Large doses of the nerve gas can cause convulsions, loss of consciousness, paralysis and death, because of respiratory failure.
Smaller, non-fatal doses can cause a wide range of symptoms that include increased heart rate, blurred vision, nausea, diarrhea, drooling, pain and weakness.
Even just small doses of the gas can cause confusion and drowsiness.
There are antidotes for VX exposure available and they are most effective when administered immediately.
Why was it created?
VX nerve gas was first used during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s.
CNN’s military analyst Rick Francona says it was first used on the battlefield by the Iraqis, then later the Syrian government.
“Any country with a sophisticated chemical weapons effort can produce VX. The formula has been around since the 1950s so its nothing new it just has to be made, the political will and determination that we are going to build this weapon,” Francona said.
from: CNN
link: http://edition.cnn.com/2017/02/23/world/vx-nerve-agent/