Nerve Agents and Their Detection

Abstract

Nerve agents are major chemical warfare agents with the "G series" and "V series" being the most widely known because of their lethal effect. Although not conspicuously used in major wars, the potential detrimental impact on modern society had been revealed from the sarin terror attack on Tokyo subway, which affected thousands of people. In this mini-review, major nerve agents of the "G series" and "V series" have been described along with various types of their detection methods. The physical properties and hydrolysis mechanisms of the major nerve agents are discussed since these are important factors to be considered in choosing detection methods, and specifying the procedures for sample preparations in order to enhance detection precision. Various types of extraction methods, including liquid-phase, solid-phase, gas-phase and solid-phase microextraction (SPME), are described. Recent development in the use of gas sensors for detecting nerve agents is also summarized.