What are considered chemical agents?

Chemical agents refer to toxic substances that can cause harm or death to humans, animals, or plants through chemical reactions. Nerve agents are a specific type of chemical agent that disrupt the normal functioning of the nervous system. They act by inhibiting enzymes that break down neurotransmitters, leading to overstimulation of muscles, glands, and central nervous system receptors. This can result in severe physiological effects, including paralysis or death, which underscores the lethality and potential impact of nerve agents categorized as chemical agents.

Biological agents, although dangerous and harmful, consist of living organisms or their toxins that lead to infections or diseases, distinguishing them from chemical agents. Explosive agents, on the other hand, are chemicals utilized primarily for their explosive capabilities rather than their toxic properties. Therefore, when identifying chemical agents, the focus is placed on substances like nerve agents that directly affect the chemical processes in the body.