This means the body’s muscles cannot relax, causing convulsions and death by asphyxiation due to a loss of control of the respiratory muscles. The messenger chemical, known as acetylcholine, also builds up in the brain causing it to rapidly shut down. At high enough doses a nerve agent can kill within 10 minutes.

How quickly does nerve gas kill?

Sarin can take effect within seconds of being inhaled and symptoms can appear within a minute of exposure. It can be lethal in around 5-10 minutes.

Is nerve gas dangerous?

Nerve agents are highly toxic, and even small amounts can cause health effects if they are inhaled, ingested or if they contact skin or eyes. Health effects occur more rapidly (within seconds to minutes) from inhalation and ingestion exposure than from skin or eye exposure.