What is sarin?
Q: What is sarin?
A: Sarin (or GB) is a nerve gas, a deadly poison that was developed as a chemical weapon for use in war by Nazi Germany.
Q: How dangerous is sarin?
A: Sarin can be lethal even at very low concentrations and death can come in 1 to 10 minutes after breathing it in. It paralyses lung muscles and those who get a non-lethal dose, but do not get immediate treatment, may suffer permanent neurological damage.
Q: Is the production of sarin legal?
A: No, the production and stockpiling of sarin was outlawed by the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993.
Q: What classification does sarin have according to the Chemical Weapons Convention?
A: Sarin is classified as a Schedule 1 substance according to the convention which means it is a very dangerous chemical that has no use outside of chemical warfare.
Q: What are some effects of coming into contact with sarin?
A: Death can come in 1 to 10 minutes after breathing it in and those who get a non-lethal dose may suffer permanent neurological damage.
Q: Is there an antidote for sarin poisoning?
A: Yes, antidotes such as atropine can save a person if given immediately.
Q: Does UN Resolution 687 classify sarin as a weapon of mass destruction? A: Yes, UN Resolution 687 classifies sarin as a weapon of mass destruction.
