Novichok nerve agent

The use of Russian-developed nerve agent Novichok to poison ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter makes it “highly likely” that Russia was involved, British Prime Minister Theresa May has said

Origin: Created in Soviet Union in 1970s and 1980s in attempt to avoid chemical weapons treaty that had just been been signed – any new substances would
not be on banned list

Toxicity: Believed to be five to 10 times more lethal than VX and sarin nerve agents, and harder to identify

Variants: Exists in liquid or solid form, including ultra-fine powder. Can be stored or carried as two less toxic ingredients, which become lethal when mixed

Effect: Occurs within as little as 30 seconds to two minutes if agent is inhaled or touches skin. Fine powder can take 18 hours to act

Exposure: Victim’s clothing should be removed and their skin washed with soap and water. Antidotes such as oximes can be effective if administered quickly. Some Novichok variants specifically designed to resist standard antidotes

SYMPTOMS: Messages between nerves and muscles are blocked – causing bodily functions to collapse

Brain: Reduced oxygen in body can lead to coma and brain damage

Eyes: Pupils constricted 

Skin: Profuse sweating

Lungs: Breathing inhibited, extreme fluid secretion

Heart: Abnormal blood pressure and heart rate

Digestive system Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea

Typically, muscle spasms and seizures occur, leading to death by asphyxiation or cardiac arrest

Sources: Associated Press, BBC, Live Science, Reuters
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