Suspected Syrian Chemical Weapons
Sarin
VX
Mustard Gas
Source: CDC
Sarin
- Man-made highly toxic odorless, tasteless, colorless nerve agent
- Possibly used during Iraq-Iran war
- Exposure can be by inhalation, ingestion and skin absorption; people can recover with treatment form mild or moderate exposure
VX
- Odorless, tasteless man-made nerve agent; most potent of all nerve agents
- Slow to evaporate, can last for days on objects
- Exposure can be through skin contact or inhalation; people can recover with treatment for mild or moderate exposure
Mustard Gas
- Chemical warfare agent that causes skin blisters and mucous membranes
- Sometimes odorless, sometimes smells like garlic, onions or mustard
- Exposure can be by inhalation, ingestion or skin contact
- Vapor released in the air can be carried long distances; exposure not usually fatal
Source: CDC