Series G Nerve Gases

The G series nerve gas was discovered in Germany in the 1930s and 1940s.  This series of nerve gases includes Tabun, Soman, Sarin, and Clyclosarin.  All series G gases are tasteless, colorless and odorless in their pure form, but impurities often give them a yellow-brown color and a faint odor.  The G series gases attack their victims either as airborne gases or through skin contact.  The G series gases all exhibit the same toxic effects.  They all inhibit the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.  This chemical is responsible for telling the muscles to contract.  When its breakdown is prevented then the muscle fails to relax which leads to a number of other effects.  Antidotes to nerve agents do exist, but they are often poisonous as well.  Atropine is commonly used as a component of antidotes because of its ability to block acetylcholine receptors.  Despite international agreements prohibiting the uses of dangerous gases in warfare, the nerve agents have still seen use in combat situations.  The most recent uses of nerve gases confirmed by the UN happened in Syria in 2013.  An estimated 1700 civilians may have been killed by Sarin.