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                 Si~~~anat~iln0 nerve agent, is         ~~t~~~~l~~}0~~~nb~   all routes of exposure:


                 insectide, sarin is a very active cholinesterase inhibitor, and its toxic

                 effects are also similar to, although more severe,            than parathion.   Once
                 a fatal dose is absorbed, death occurs in 15 minutes.             During hazardous

                 decomposition, very toxic fumes of fluorides and oxides of phosphorus are

                 produced.  Signs and symptoms of sarin exposure are similar to those of

                 tabun and include coma, convulsions, and death.             For emergency response,

                 a positive pressure, full facepiece, self-contained breathing apparatus

                 and fully encapsulating suit are required.  Immediate decontamination of

                 the smallest drop is essential.


                 PHOSGENE


                 Phosgene is highly toxic by all routes of exposure:            inhalation, skin,
                 eyes, and ingestion.  A lung toxicant, phosgene decomposes to

                 hydrochloric acid which damages capillaries, bronchioles, and alveoli.

                 The effects of phosgene are usually delayed, so warning properties are

                 slight.  Inhalation of phosgene at levels of 50 to 90 ppm causes death In

                 30 minutes.  For emergency response, a positive pressure full facepiece,

                 self-contained breathing apparatus and fully encapsulating suit are
                 required.  The~U.S. Department of Transportation, which classifies

                 phosgene as poison A, recommends an initial isolation radius of 600 and

                 2-mile downwind protection of all persons for the release of any

:1               quantity.


                 ARSINE


1':;             Arsine is highly tqxic by all exposure pathways:            inhalation, skin, eyes,

                 and ingestion.  A very short inhalation exposure to small quantities can

                 cause permanent injury and death.  Arsine, a highly flammable gas,            is
                 considered the most powerful blood poison encountered in Industry.              When

       )         heated to decomposition, arsine emits extremely toxic fumes.             Signs and


                 gb/opds/cepp                         4

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