[Nerve paralytic agents--the greatest threat for mass poisoning during chemical warfare or terrorist attacks]

Abstract

Since thirties of the previous the highly toxic organophosphorus compound called nerve agents have been considered the most dangerous chemical warfare agents that could be misused in local and world wars or during terrorist attacks. Beside the historical introduction, the article summarizes contemporary knowledge on the mechanism of toxicity of these agents, on the possibilities of diagnosis, prophylaxis and treatment. The possibility of using similar methods of diagnosis, prophylaxis and treatment for acute poisoning with organophosphorus insecticides is also mentioned.