NRT Quick Reference Guide: Tabun (GA)

Details

• Corporate Authors:
  National Response Team (U.S.)
• Description:
  Agent Classification: Schedule 1 Chemical Warfare Nerve Agent; Tabun (GA); CAS: 77-81-6. Description: Tabun (ethyl dimethylamidocyanophosphate) is a colorless to brown liquid; generally odorless, though possibly fruity or almond-like. Tabun is a lethal cholinesterase inhibitor with a mechanism of toxicity similar to organophosphate insecticides, though it is much more toxic. Environmental breakdown products of Tabun, including cyanide compounds, can be toxic. Other breakdown products include dimethylaminocyanophosphoric acid, and cyanide ions, which may convert to hydrogen cyanide gas (HCN) depending on the pH (see Hydrogen Cyanide (AC) QRG and Cyanide Salts QRG). Tabun can react violently with strong oxidizers and may decompose when in contact with metals, producing highly flammable hydrogen gas. Tabun is combustible but not easily ignited; when heated, Tabun vapors can form explosive mixtures with air. Persistence: Tabun is considered a "moderately low persistent" chemical warfare agent. Vapor: minutes to hours; liquid: hours to days. 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 Tabun vapors and liquids, acting as "sinks," thereby prolonging persistence. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Emergencies Occupational Health Safety
• Keywords:
  Chemical warfare agents; Tabun; Health effects; Emergency management; Terrorism response; Safety practices
• 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:20065813
• Citation:
  Washington, DC: The U.S. National Response Team (NRT), 2022 Jul; :1-10
• CAS Registry Number:
  Phosphoramidocyanidic acid, dimethyl-, ethyl ester (CAS RN 77-81-6)
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2022
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Source Full Name:
  NRT Quick Reference Guide: tabun (GA)
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:bb1eef169cbea137acacccc1fc79fb80c7230089786262401b332586295ea8a158a9649ca8ea2b53598c0646849620cc902381ef8363e83629d3d6c5a7b1933b
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/248933/cdc_248933_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 262.43 KB ]