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| The basic formula of VE and related analogues (e.g., VX, VG, VM) were first synthesized in the early 1950s. VE is an odorless, amber-colored oily liquid, with similar viscosity to that of motor oil, and is relatively persistent. Like other oils, VE is soluble in fat, and skin absorption of the liquid presents a significant hazard. Even more so than the first-generation nerve agents (tabun, sarin, and soman), VE is extremely toxic and probably close to the profile of VX. Thus, we estimate that a concentration of 10mg-min/m3 is the inhaled median lethal dose (LD50) for VE, while 15mg absorbed on the skin is sufficient to kill most adults. Injury or death from contact with VE may take many minutes to even hours, while inhalation exposure to aerosolized concentrations could produce casualties much more quickly (seconds to minutes). The open literature suggests two different chemical structures for VE, both probably having similar physical and toxicological properties. The structure on the left is the standard formula seen in most sources. The formula on the right, if it is in fact a prototypical nerve agent, may demonstrate more solubility and slightly different absorption characteristics due to the presence of ester groups, and has been described as having higher volatility and improved shelf-life when compared to VX.
Like other nerve agents, the toxic principle of VE is its ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the body’s enzyme required for proper nerve transmission at the molecular level. Increased levels of acetylcholine produce exaggerated levels of bodily secretions and muscular twitching, as well as pronounced effects on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. While death from respiratory paralysis can occur as a consequence, victims are also prone to asphyxiate due to mucous and salivary excretions from the upper respiratory tree. Without timely medical intervention and follow-up treatment, those who do survive exposure to large doses of nerve agents can suffer permanent neurological damage. |
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