NRT Quick Reference Guide: Sarin (GB)

Details

• Corporate Authors:
  National Response Team (U.S.)
• Description:
  Agent Classification: Schedule 1 Chemical Warfare Nerve Agent; Sarin (GB); CAS: 107-44-8. Description: Sarin (isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate) is a colorless and odorless liquid when pure; brown liquid with a fruity odor in impure form. Sarin is a lethal cholinesterase inhibitor with a mechanism of toxicity similar to organophosphate insecticides, though it is much more toxic. Sarin is more easily synthesized and more volatile than chemical warfare agents Tabun (GA), Soman (GD), Cyclosarin (GF), VX, Sulfur Mustard (HD), and Lewisite. Environmental breakdown products of Sarin, including methylphosphonic acid (MPA) and isopropyl methylphosphonic acid (IMPA), are relatively non-toxic. Other breakdown products include fluoride ions, which may convert to hydrofluoric acid (HF) depending on the pH. Sarin can react violently with strong oxidizers and may decompose when in contact with metals, producing highly flammable hydrogen gas. Sarin vapors can form explosive mixtures with air. Persistence: Sarin is considered a "very low persistent" chemical warfare agent. Vapor: minutes to hours; liquid: 2-24 hours. Persistence will depend upon the amount and purity of the agent, method of release, environmental conditions, and the types of surfaces and materials impacted. Porous, permeable, organic, or polymeric materials such as carpets and vinyl tiles can accumulate Sarin vapors and liquids, acting as "sinks," thereby prolonging persistence. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Emergencies Occupational Health Safety
• Keywords:
  Chemical warfare agents; Health effects; Emergency management; Terrorism response; Safety practices; Sarin
• Publisher:
  The U.S. National Response Team (NRT)
• Document Type:
  Text
• Genre:
  Handbooks
• Place as Subject:
  District of Columbia ; Georgia ; OSHA Region 3 ; OSHA Region 4
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Division:
  EPRO - Emergency Preparedness and Response Office
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  1-10
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20065814
• Citation:
  Washington, DC: The U.S. National Response Team (NRT), 2022 Jul; :1-10
• CAS Registry Number:
  Sarin (CAS RN 107-44-8)
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2022
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Source Full Name:
  NRT Quick Reference Guide: sarin (GB)
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:ddf71f15b0b7dde5f59487f6f0b422230262b7ff1c218fc82ea60e074ddac7655616ec7b4fadfcfd1bf3da46ad50f0f5a5a28613c240ee287077c48c74f07e0d
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/248932/cdc_248932_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 257.21 KB ]