Nerve agents are easily soluble in, and penetrate many different types of material, such as paint, plastics and rubber, all of which renders decontamination more difficult. If nerve agents have penetrated sufficiently deep, then toxic gases can be released from the material for long periods afterwards. By adding substances which increase the viscosity of a sarin, its persistence time and adhesive ability can be increased. This thickened sarin will therfore be more difficult to decontaminate with liquid decontaminants since they adhere to the material and are difficult to dissolve. Most nerve agents can be destroyed by means of suitable chemicals.
Some chemicals are effective against practically all types of substances.
However, such chemicals may be unsuitable for use in certain conditions since they corrode, etch or erode the surface. Sodium hydroxide dissolved in organic solvent breaks down most substances but should not be used in decontaminating skin other than in extreme emergencies when alternative means are not available. The most important decontamination measure naturally concerns the individual. Good results can be obtained with such widely differing means as talcum powder, flour, soap and water, or special decontaminants. In complete decontamination, clothes and personal equipment must also be decontaminated.