How is exposure to soman treated?
Treatment consists of decontamination; drugs such as atropine, pralidoxime chloride, and diazepam; ventilation to support respiratory function; and supportive care. Contaminated clothing must be removed, bagged, and sealed. Decontaminate skin by washing it with large amounts of soap and water. Secondary exposure can occur from contact with contaminated clothing; it can also occur when soman evaporates from contaminated clothing. To protect health care workers and others exposed to a contaminated victim from secondary contamination, remove, bag, and seal the victim s clothing, and wash the victim s skin with large amounts of soap and water. For more information on soman, visit the CDC Web site www.bt.cdc.gov. VX VX is a nerve agent that disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses in the body. It is an amber-colored, oily liquid that will remain in the environment (persistent) until it has been properly cleaned through decontamination methods. VX can enter the body through ingestion, inh
