Chemical weapons are non-natural tools that can be used in the occurrence of conflict. Some of these chemicals have characteristics that make them undetectable by observation. This could lead to easiness in their transportation across the globe. Notably, during a conflict, some governments have used these chemical weapons such as chlorine and sarin to harm the public. The availability of chemical weapons could get into a terrorist organization hence enhancing their mission to disrupt and create fear
Sarin is an artificial chemical that is used as a warfare agent. It is very toxic hence classified as a nerve agent. It is known to be the highest acting chemical warfare agent. Sarin is a clear liquid besides having tasteless and odorless properties. Additionally, it is exceedingly volatile therefore having the capability to shift from liquid to gas ("CDC | Facts About Sarin", 2018). Once it evaporates it quickly spreads to the environment. Consequently, human beings are exposed to this gas through the skin, eyes as well as breathing in the contaminated air. When severely exposed to the chemical one is unlikely to survive but those that are mildly affected recover entirely.
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The symptoms of moderate exposure include eye pain, watery eyes, running nose, coughs, confusion and rapid breathing ("CDC | Facts About Sarin", 2018). However when severely exposed one may manifest symptoms such as convulsions, paralysis, loss of consciousness and respiratory failure which may lead to death. Nonetheless, antidotes are available and one may be advised to seek treatment as soon as possible to increase chances of recovery.
This chemical has been used in the past to cause harm to the public. Syria has witnessed multiple occurrences from the use of the agent. During Assad’s regime in the chemical weapon was dropped in Douma which killed 70 people (Baker, 2018). This was in an attempt to drive out anti-Assad rebels from the town. The confirmation of using this agent was done by the health minister in Turkey after treating victims and conducting autopsies. The traces of sarin could be found in urine and blood. It is noted that documented chemical attacks in Syria resulted in 13,000 injuries and 3415 deaths whereby it is credited to chlorine gas or chlorine having traces of sarin (Brooks et al., 2018). The attacks are executed by the government, which is supposed to protect the citizens instead of harming them.
Terrorist organizations aim to create fear and disruption to their targeted audience. The presence of chemical weapons could be attractive to them so that they can cause bigger damage. Although countries agreed to refrain from the use of chemical weapons, unfortunately, the terrorists may make use of these forbidden weapons. The Chemical Weapons Convention may have banned the production of chemical weapons but some countries secretly have a stockpile (Williams, 2019). If not carefully monitored it could be accessed by terrorists, therefore, cause disaster. In conclusion, these chemicals should be entirely banned to prevent a catastrophe.
Reference
Baker, N. (2018). Sarin is a lethal gas which can be used as a weapon with devastating effect . The Sun. Retrieved from https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/3258573/what-is-sarin-gas-nerve-agent-syria-douma-trump-assad/.
Brooks, J., Erickson, T., Kayden, S., Ruiz, R., Wilkinson, S., & Burkle, F. (2018). Responding to chemical weapons violations in Syria: legal, health, and humanitarian recommendations . Retrieved from https://conflictandhealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13031-018-0143-3.
CDC | Facts About Sarin . Emergency.cdc.gov. (2018). Retrieved from https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/sarin/basics/facts.asp.
Williams, M., & Sizemore, D. C. (2019). Biologic, chemical, and radiation terrorism review. In StatPearls [Internet] . StatPearls Publishing.
