They affect the transmission of nerve impulses by reacting with the enzyme cholinesterase, permitting an accumulation of acetylcholine and continuous muscle stimulation. The muscles tire due to over- stimulation and begin to contract. Nerve agents are colorless to light brown liquids, some of which are volatile. Toxic liquids are tasteless. Nerve agents may be absorbed through the skin, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and the eyes.
Respiratory contamination is almost immediate.
Significant absorption through the skin takes a period of minutes. Prompt medical treatment and decontamination is crucial in either case. Nerve agents are considered major military threats. They can be dispersed from missiles, rockets, bombs, howitzer shells, spray tanks, land mines, and other large munitions. In the closing days of the war, the U.S. and its allies discovered these stockpiles, developed the agents, and manufactured nerve agent munitions.