Tabun, Sarin, Soman, and V-agent are classified as what type of agents?

Tabun, Sarin, Soman, and V-agent are classified as nerve agents, a specific category within chemical agents. These substances are designed to disrupt the normal functioning of the nervous system. They inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, leading to an overstimulation of muscles, glands, and the central nervous system. This results in various symptoms, including muscle twitching, convulsions, and potentially fatal respiratory failure.

Nerve agents are a subset of chemical agents, but they exhibit specific characteristics that distinguish them from other types of chemical weapons. While all nerve agents are chemical agents, not all chemical agents are nerve agents—this is a critical distinction in hazardous materials response. Understanding these classifications is crucial for first responders as they prepare and respond to incidents involving such dangerous substances.