Sarin, Mustard Gas Found in Iraq

[Bond]

Sarin

Sarin inhibits the function of an enzyme (cholinesterase) that is necessary for the proper function of a neurotransmitter (acetylcholine). Neurotransmitters act to relay important messages (nervous impulses) in the nervous system and control the glands and muscles of the body. Cholinesterase in effect "turns off" acetylcholine. When a person is exposed to sarin, cholinesterase is no longer able to turn off acetylcholine, the effect of which is that nervous impulses keep being transmitted. When this happens, the glands and muscles of the body are constantly being stimulated. The victim of sarin will lose control over his bodily functions. Ultimately, the victim will fall into a coma and suffocate.

Mustard Gas

Long-term effects include laryngeal, pharyngeal and lung cancers, corneal burns causing blindness, severe skin burns predisposing to skin cancer, neurological and psychiatric disorders, infertility and birth defects.

Why they must be found before they fall into the hands of terrorists.