How to Survive a Sarin Gas Attack

Sarin gas, also called GB by its NATO military designation, is a man made nerve agent that is classified as a Schedule 1 chemical weapon under the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention. This means that it has been determined that sarin has little or no use other than as a weapon of war. Plain and simple, any government or terrorist organization in possession of sarin is holding on to it for the purpose of using it on fellow humans. In this article, we’re going to give you the full history of sarin gas, how it has been used in the past, and how to survive should you come in contact with the deadly agent. If you don’t have time for the full explanation, please don’t leave this page without at least taking in these key early points:

• Sarin gas (GB) is a colorless, odorless nerve agent that attacks the nervous system by shutting down acetylcholinesterase.

• Symptoms can begin within seconds to minutes, and include pinpoint pupils, breathing difficulty, sweating, twitching, vomiting, and convulsions.

• The fastest way to survive exposure is to recognize symptoms early, move away from the contaminated area immediately, and decontaminate with soap and water.

• A properly fitted gas mask with a CBRN-rated filter can help protect against inhalation exposure.

• Standard medical treatment includes atropine and pralidoxime chloride (2-PAM), often delivered through DuoDote or Mark I NAAK auto-injectors.

Sarin was first synthesized in 1938 by German chemist Gerhard Schrader at IG Farben. Remarkably, despite arriving just in time for World War 2 and stockpiled in large numbers, Hitler decided against the use of the deadly agent on the battlefield. It is believed that his own personal experiences with chemical weapons in World War 1 guided this decision. 

Sarin kills by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, which is the enzyme that switches off nerve signals to the muscles and glands. The result is that muscles contract uncontrollably until one asphyxiates. If you’re going to survive a sarin gas attack, your plan should revolve around early detection, gaining rapid distance from the exposure area, access to proper PPE rated for use against such agents and, if exposed, access atropine plus pralidoxime chloride, known as 2-PAM. If you’re ready for the full survival guide, read below and we’ll cover all the details on sarin gas. 

What is Sarin Gas?

(Generated image of sarin gas containers and its chemical molecule)

Originally developed as part of Gerhard Schrader’s pesticide research, he quickly understood the deadly potential if used on humans and reported his findings to the NAZI authorities. It was then weaponized, though not used on the battlefield during the second World War. Sarin gas is officially banned under the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention, though unknown amounts are still held by governments around the world. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is the organization assigned to observe and enforce the treaty worldwide. 

How does sarin gas kill? The mechanism explained

(This medical infographic illustrates the physiological impact of nerve agents (such as Sarin or VX and Mustard gas) on the human nervous system.)

In layman’s terms, sarin kills by disrupting the body’s nervous system and preventing muscles from relaxing. More specifically, sarin inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for shutting off nerve signals after they activate muscles or glands. Without that “off switch,” nerves continuously fire which causes uncontrolled muscle contractions throughout the body.

When sarin blocks acetylcholinesterase, it looks like this:

• Muscles begin twitching uncontrollably

• Glands produce excessive secretions

• Victims lose control of breathing muscles

• The diaphragm locks into contraction

• Oxygen deprivation causes respiratory failure and death

This process can happen extremely quickly and there is no pleasant way to put how much of a painful death one experiences. 

How quickly does sarin kill?

The only relief one might experience when exposed to high amounts of sarin is that death can occur within minutes. It is a painful death, but the suffering doesn’t linger. It only takes seconds for a person to become incapacitated by sarin and even in low doses, it can still become fatal over time without treatment. At any dose, once the diaphragm and chest muscles can no longer function properly, the brain is deprived of oxygen and death is certain. 

What does sarin smell like?

Making matters worse is the fact that pure sarin is generally considered colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Meaning you will only know that you have been exposed to sarin when your body starts to react or you begin recognizing the symptoms in those around you. If you see people in one direction dropping to the ground and convulsing, your natural instinct should be to turn around and head the other way. 

What are the symptoms of sarin gas exposure?

(Generated image of civilians in a public transit area showing early symptoms of chemical exposure, including coughing and eye irritation.)

In the first few seconds, it may be unclear what is happening as the initial symptoms, such as runny nose, watery eyes, and coughing, can occur for many reasons outside of a chemical attack. However, it is not natural for a person to have a sudden onset of those early symptoms without any obvious source. Recognize that something has happened, be it sarin or not, and you need to take immediate action. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identify the following symptoms of any nerve agent poisoning:

• Runny nose

• Watery eyes

• Pinpoint pupils

• Eye pain

• Blurred vision

• Excessive sweating

• Drooling

• Coughing

• Chest tightness

• Rapid breathing

• Nausea and vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Diarrhea

• Muscle twitching

• Weakness

• Confusion

• Drowsiness

• Convulsions

• Paralysis

• Respiratory distress

If one individual begins to display such symptoms, it may be your first thought to treat it as an individual medical emergency. When you see symptoms being displayed by multiple people at the same time, that is your clue that a chemical agent may be at play. It may be your instinct to rush in and help, but without a proper gas mask you will simply become a casualty yourself. 

How do you prepare to survive a sarin gas attack?

Now for the good stuff. Let’s talk about how you survive a sarin attack, though the likelihood of your encountering one is relatively low. Surviving a sarin attack depends on early detection, speedy evacuation, proper protective equipment, and decontamination. 

Image Source: MIRA Safety ®

Situational awareness and symptom recognition

Situational awareness will be key in any attempt to survive as the earlier you recognize the signs of a chemical attack, the quicker you can react. You can use the military’s OODA loop as a guide which leads you to Observe, Orient, Decide, Act. The final one is key as you must reach a point where you take action. 

Watch for multiple people suddenly displaying the following experience:

• Pinpoint pupils

• Collapse

• Breathing problems

• Convulsions

• Uncontrolled vomiting

If you see people displaying such symptoms, the only reasonable course of action is to assume the area is contaminated. You don’t have to know the name of the nerve agent used to recognize that one has been deployed.

Limiting exposure to sarin gas

This is your first step towards survival. You have to begin moving in order to minimize the amount of time you are exposed to sarin. Your priorities in doing so would be as follows:

1. Move away from the contaminated area. Sarin will be hard to spot due to its colorless and odorless nature. Watch for symptoms in people and animals. Move away from the direction of those affected. 

2. If possible, seek higher ground or well ventilated spaces. Sarin will attempt to settle closer to the ground the longer it is present. Head for the hills, and if you are in an enclosed area like a subway car, exiting the subway is your best bet at survival. 

3. Avoid touching contaminated surfaces or people as you move toward safety. This may be difficult as your instincts may be to help others along. You can’t help anyone if you increase your exposure to sarin. As soon as possible, remove contaminated clothing and begin the process of decontamination with soap and water. Do not bring contaminated clothing back to your shelter or place of residence. 

Can a gas mask protect against sarin?

Absolutely and, in fact, a CBRN rated gas mask gives you the best chance of survival against a sarin gas attack. Our MIRA Safety CM-6M Tactical Gas Mask is constructed from butyl rubber and designed for such environments. Pairing it with the NBC-77 SOF Filter provides filtration against many chemical threats, including sarin, for a limited operational period. Any CBRN-rated mask must hold up against such threats and if you are researching respiratory protection options, you can survey our gas mask collection for one that best fits you. 

Full-body protection against sarin

If you had to pick between a gas mask or a full protection body suit to protect against sarin, we’d recommend the gas mask first. However, sarin vapor can be absorbed through the skin as well. As such, if you want complete protection against sarin, then a full body CBRN suit is the perfect complement to the gas mask. 

Image Source: MIRA Safety ®

The MIRA Safety MOPP-1 CBRN Protective Suit uses activated carbon filtration layers to reduce exposure to hazardous agents while remaining more breathable than many impermeable hazmat suits. It is the same quality material that I carried as a Marine in Iraq, where the threat of chemical attacks by Saddam was still possible in 2003. Also, don’t forget that protective gloves and boots are also critical components of any CBRN ensemble.

Detection equipment

Image Source: MIRA Safety ®

If you observe the symptoms of sarin in multiple people around you, we recommend that you assume the worst and leave the area. However, chemical detection tools can help you identify the threat early or discover if your current environment is still exposed. The DETEHIT CWD-3 Nerve Agent Detection Strips are designed to detect cholinesterase inhibiting nerve agents on surfaces, equipment, food, and in the environment.

How do you decontaminate after sarin exposure?

Once you have reached a safe location, it is recommended that you begin the process of decontamination as soon as possible. Liquid sarin can remain on skin, hair, and clothing for a prolonged period of time. This is why decontamination must take place before you return to your residence or bug out location. 

Immediate decontamination steps

Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Recognize that as you do so, your hands may become contaminated in the process. Seal the contaminated clothing in a plastic bag. Note that this is not a time for modesty. If survival means that those around get to see you in your birthday suit, so be it. 

Next you will want to wash your body with soap and water as thoroughly as you can. Again, this should be done outside of your house and away from safe areas. If water is not available, dry decontamination powder should be used. If water is available, don’t forget to flush your eyes with clean water. Then, seek emergency medical treatment immediately if possible. .

Portable decontamination options

Image Source: MIRA Safety ®

For those who want to spare no expense in the fight for survival, the DS-1 Decontamination Shower is designed for portable field decontamination in CBRN environments. In the civilian market, this is about as good as you can get to matching what the professionals will be using during such an incident. 

For smaller-scale decontamination and limited budgets, the MIRA Safety MDG-1 Personal CBRN Decontamination Glove uses a specialized absorbent compound to help remove hazardous contaminants from exposed skin and equipment.

What is the medical treatment for sarin exposure?

Medical treatment for sarin poisoning is going to focus on restoring the breathing and stopping the nervous symptom from overreacting. As evidenced by the thousands injured, but not killed, in the Tokyo subway attack, survival is possible depending on how long you were exposed and at what amounts. 

(AI-generated image of a Medical team in protective gear providing emergency treatment and antidote care for a patient exposed to a nerve agent for illustrative purposes)

What is the antidote for sarin exposure?

There is no magic pill, but the most common antidotes used are atropine and pralidoxime chloride. The atropine blocks the deadly overstimulation of the glands and muscles while the pralidoxime chloride can help reactivate acetylcholinesterase before the damage becomes permanent. Military and first responders will often carry these medications in their kits. 

Prolonged exposure could result in a higher level of medical care to include oxygen support, mechanical ventilation, and seizure control medications. The key is the speed at which you can begin treatment, as minutes can be enough to determine your survival. The US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) remains one of the leading authorities on nerve agent treatment protocols.

Is sarin still legal anywhere?

The short answer is no, it is not legal, and we wouldn’t recommend searching the web for how to purchase sarin gas unless you want a visit from the authorities. As it currently stands, governments, universities, and research labs are the only groups with routine access. That doesn’t mean that nefarious groups would not jump at the chance to acquire some if possible. In this light, sarin is a real threat, and one would do well to prepare for any scenario where a nerve agent like sarin is used. 

How is sarin different from VX and mustard gas?

Readers may be curious as to how sarin stacks up against other known nerve agents such as VX or mustard gas. Below you’ll find a quick analysis and comparison on the features of each:

(Educational infographic comparing sarin, VX, and mustard gas, showing differences in volatility, exposure type, and medical effects.)

Sarin (GB)

• Fast-acting nerve agent

• Primarily inhalation hazard

• Highly volatile

• Evaporates relatively quickly

VX

• Oily persistent nerve agent

• Much more durable in the environment

• Extremely dangerous through skin contact

• Slower evaporation makes contamination zones longer-lasting

Mustard Gas

• Blister agent rather than nerve agent

• Causes severe burns and lung damage

• Symptoms can be delayed for hours

• Does not primarily attack the nervous system

Where has sarin gas been used? A history of attacks

Sarin is tightly controlled with only governments and research laboratories having regular access. As such, it has not often been used in mass on the battlefield. However, we do have modern examples over the 40 years as to what happens when sarin is used on humans. 

The Halabja Chemical Massacre - March 16, 1988

(AI-generated image of a historical image of sarin gas attack)

In 1988, Saddam Hussein ordered the gassing of Kurds in the northern Iraq village of Halabja. In what became known as the Halabja Massacre, an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 Kurds were killed when both sarin and mustard agents were deployed among the civilian population. Witnesses recounted seeing birds fall out of the sky before noticing that civilians were collapsing in the streets. This is where top Saddam aide, Ali Hassan al-Majid, picked up his nicknames “Chemical Ali” and “Butcher of Kurdistan” for his role in the attack. 

Matsumoto, Japan - June 27, 1994

(AI-generated imaged of sarin gas attack on Matsumoto, Japan)

Japan experienced the horrors of sarin gas when an apocalyptic cult leader by the name of Shoko Asahara, ordered a sarin gas attack on Matsumoto, Japan. The cult known as Aum Shinrikyo released sarin in a residential neighborhood which killed 8 people and injured hundreds more. 

Tokyo Subway Attack - March 20, 1995

(AI-generated imaged of sarin gas attack on Tokyo Subway 1995.)

In perhaps one of the more infamous terrorist attacks in the pre 9-11 era, members of Aum Shinrikyo released sarin gas in Tokyo subway lines during the peak of rush hour traffic. The survivors of the incident describe sudden blindness, breathing failure, and violent coughing as panic began to spread throughout the subway cars. When the attack was over, 12 people were dead and thousands more injured. 

Syrian Civil War Attacks - 2013 to 2018

(Sarin gas attack generated image during Syrian civil war)

Multiple sarin gas attacks were reported by rebel forces during the Syrian Civil War. While Syria’s beleaguered leadership would deny the use of chemical weapons, observations on the ground indicated otherwise. The OPCW-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) investigated several incidents involving chemical weapons. This includes the 2013 East Ghouta attack, and the 2017 Khan Shaykhum attack. The number killed or injured is still not fully known. 

Final thoughts on sarin gas preparedness

The great thing about preparing for the possibility of a sarin attack is that it also protects you against lesser threats that may be more likely than a chemical weapon attack. If you are ready for sarin, then you are ready if your local chemical factory has a major industrial accident. If you have prepared for sarin, you can handle lesser chemical threats that can be created using publicly available chemicals like bleach. 

There is no such thing as over-preparedness, and you can be certain that if sarin is deployed in a public setting, most people won’t be ready. If you’ve read this guide to the end, then you know how to identify the symptoms early and what to do next. You’re ahead of the crowd and this knowledge will make or break your survival chances, as well as those who count on you for protection.