Categories: Science & Technology

What Is VX Nerve Agent that Killed Kim Jong-nam?

It appears Kim Jong-nam, the half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has been killed in Malaysia by a highly toxic nerve agent called VX.

The VX nerve agent is the most potent of the known chemical warfare agents. It is a clear, amber-colored, oily liquid which is tasteless and odorless.

Image source Wikimedia

The agent works by penetrating the skin and disrupting the transmission of nerve impulses – a drop on the skin can kill in minutes. Lower doses can cause eye pain, blurred vision, drowsiness and vomiting.

VX can be disseminated in a spray or vapor when used as a chemical weapon, or used to contaminate water, food, and agricultural products.

It can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, or eye contact.

Clothing can carry VX for about 30 minutes after contact with the vapor, which can expose other people.

VX was banned by the 1993 UN’s Chemical Weapons Convention.

James J. Williams

James is a professor in Science. His writing skills brought him to BelleNews. He enjoys writing articles for the Science and Technology category. James often finds himself reading about the latest gadgets as the topic is very appealing to him. He likes reading and listening to classical music.

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