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This chapter discusses the effects of chemical weapons. There are various types of chemical agents used for weapons. Nerve agents block the transmission of nerve impulses and paralyze the nervous system. When used as weapons, chemical agents are usually dispensed from aircraft or from cruise missiles. Weather determines how effective chemical agents will be.

A definition of the term "organophosphates" is presented. The term refers to a group of pentavalent phosphorus compounds which contain an organic group that includes parathion, malathion and sarin. These compounds are irreversible acethylcholinesterase inhibitors that are used as insecticides or nerve gas.