NCJ Number
190895
Date Published
1999
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This report assesses the potential noncancer and cancer effects of chemical agent tabun (GA).
Abstract
Tabun (GA) is a colorless to brown-colored liquid. The vapor pressure indicates a moderate potential for volatilization. Although a soil half-life of 1 to 1.5 days has been reported for GA, information was not provided on the temperature, pH, or moisture content and other environmental conditions for which this estimate was made. The effects of the organophosphate nerve agents can be characterized as being muscarinic, nicotinic, or central nervous system-related. In addition to being found in the nervous system it also occurs in the blood where it is bound to the surface of red blood cells. Although blood cholinesterase activity is used as a measure of exposure to organophosphate compounds, baseline activity levels can vary between individuals and between species. Nerve agents are toxic by all routes of exposure. Initial symptoms of acute poisoning are fatigue, headache, mild vertigo, weakness, and loss of concentration. Moderate exposures result in miosis and excessive sweating, tearing, and salivation. In addition to the immediate toxicity of the nerve agents, there is concern that acute exposures may lead to chronic neurological effects similar to those reported for some related organophosphate insecticides. There were no data evaluating the potential developmental and reproductive toxicity of GA in humans. The potential carcinogenicity of GA could not be determined. Data were inadequate for performing a quantitative assessment of agent GA. 4 tables and 72 references