Understanding Novichok Nerve Agents

Novichok agents are a group of advanced nerve agents developed by the Soviet Union during the 1970s and 1980s. They are considered more lethal than other nerve agents due to their higher toxicity and the difficulty in treating exposure.

One of the most alarming aspects of Novichok agents is that they can be made from common industrial chemicals, making them difficult to detect and inexpensive to produce. This makes them a significant threat in warfare and terrorism.

Unlike other nerve agents, symptoms of Novichok poisoning may not appear immediately. This delayed onset can complicate diagnosis and treatment, increasing the chances of severe injury or death. Symptoms include muscle spasms, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest.

Although Novichok agents are banned under the Chemical Weapons Convention, information about them remains shrouded in secrecy. This makes verification and enforcement challenging, as the exact formulas and methods of production are not widely known.

Notable cases of Novichok poisoning include the 2018 attack on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the UK. This incident highlighted the ongoing risks posed by these agents and led to international condemnation and sanctions.

Even tiny doses of Novichok agents can lethally affect large animals like horses in seconds, showcasing their extreme potency and danger.