ISRP 1999 abstract
| Presenter/author | Title | Abstract |
|
Ogawa, Y.
Nat. Inst. Ind. Health |
Symptoms of Victims Suffered From Sarin Nerve Gas Attack on the Tokyo Subway System |
On the morning of March 20, 1995, the Tokyo subway system was attacked with nerve gas. Liquid, in plastic bags, left on the subway cars was analyzed and Sarin, hexane, and N, – diethyianiline were detected as the main components. The health effects of victims were studied through questionnaire and hospital records. Plasma cholinesterase levels were used as exposure indicators. Muscarine-like symptoms appeared generally and could be use as early warning signs. Nicotine-like symptoms and effects on central nervous system appeared in more severely exposed cases suggesting that they can be used as severity indicators. Muscarine-like effects to the eye and respiratory system must be induced by the direct contact of Sarin gas to mucous membranes. On the other hand, nicotine-like effects are caused by a systemic exposure to Sarin. |