NCJ Number
190898
Date Published
1999
Length
35 pages
Annotation
This report assesses the potential noncancer and cancer effects of chemical agent VX an organophosphate nerve agent.
Abstract
Agent VX an organophosphate nerve agent is a colorless to straw-colored liquid. The volatility of agent VX is relatively low. VX is moderately persistent on bare ground and may remain in significant concentrations for varying time periods, depending on temperature, organic carbon content of the soil, and moisture. The effects of the organophosphate nerve agents can be characterized as being muscarinic, nicotinic, or central nervous system-related. It is a natural component of human blood, where it is found on the surface of red blood cells. 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. Acute poisoning can result in prostration and convulsions. Exposure sufficiently high to cause convulsions has resulted in brain lesions and cardiomyopathy in laboratory animals. Acute exposures to nerve agents are known to result in EEG changes and psychological effects. Data on chronic toxicity of VX were not found in the available literature. No information was available regarding the genotoxicity of VX in humans. The potential carcinogenicity of VX could not be determined. Data were inadequate for performing a quantitative assessment of agent VX. The results of tests on bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cell cultures indicated that VX was not mutagenic or was only weakly mutagenic. These data provided supporting evidence that VX was not likely to be carcinogenic. 5 tables and 85 references