Chemical warfare agent toxicology at the intersection of science and defense: a review of sarin and lewisite

Authors

  • Thessa Octavia Joyetta Tarigan Department of Chemistry, The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Bogor 16810, Indonesia; League of Geniuses and Innovative Cadets (L.O.G.I.C), The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Bogor 16810, Indonesia
  • Tiara Rizki Yulita Department of Chemistry, The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Bogor 16810, Indonesia; League of Geniuses and Innovative Cadets (L.O.G.I.C), The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Bogor 16810, Indonesia
  • Robith Alzamzami Department of Chemistry, The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Bogor 16810, Indonesia; League of Geniuses and Innovative Cadets (L.O.G.I.C), The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Bogor 16810, Indonesia
  • Zidni Aghna Haqina Department of Chemistry, The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Bogor 16810, Indonesia; League of Geniuses and Innovative Cadets (L.O.G.I.C), The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Bogor 16810, Indonesia
  • Cinta Cornelia Damai Santi Department of Chemistry, The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Bogor 16810, Indonesia; League of Geniuses and Innovative Cadets (L.O.G.I.C), The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Bogor 16810, Indonesia
  • Rahmat Basuki Department of Chemistry, The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Bogor 16810, Indonesia; League of Geniuses and Innovative Cadets (L.O.G.I.C), The Republic of Indonesia Defense University, Bogor 16810, Indonesia
  • Nugroho Adi Sasongko Research Center for Sustainable Production System and Life Cycle Assessment, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Banten 15314, Indonesia; Energy Security Graduate Program, The Republic of Indonesia Defense University Bogor, 16810, Indonesia; Murdoch University, 90 South St, Murdoch Western Australia 6150, Australia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55749/cds.v1i1.187

Keywords:

Sarin and Lewisite, Chemical Warfare Agents, Toxicology, Chemical Terrorism, Medical Countermeasures

Abstract

Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) remain a significant threat to military personnel, civilian populations, and public health systems due to their high toxicity and potential for mass casualties. This review compares the toxicological characteristics of sarin, a representative organophosphorus nerve agent, and Lewisite, an organoarsenic vesicant agent. Sarin exerts its toxicity primarily through irreversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, resulting in excessive accumulation of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses and the development of acute cholinergic crisis characterized by miosis, bronchoconstriction, muscle fasciculations, seizures, respiratory failure, and death. In contrast, Lewisite induces cellular injury through the interaction of arsenic moieties with sulfhydryl-containing enzymes and proteins, disrupting essential metabolic pathways and leading to oxidative stress, tissue necrosis, vesication, respiratory injury, and systemic organ damage. The review discusses the physicochemical properties, toxicokinetics, biochemical mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and medical management strategies associated with both agents. Historical incidents involving sarin and Lewisite are also examined to illustrate their operational significance and the challenges they pose to emergency preparedness and disaster response. Despite differences in their molecular targets and pathophysiological effects, both agents present substantial risks due to their rapid onset of toxicity and potential to overwhelm healthcare systems during large-scale exposures. A comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms is essential for improving risk assessment, clinical management, medical countermeasure development, and preparedness against chemical threats.

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2026-06-24

How to Cite

Tarigan, T. O. J., Yulita, T. R., Alzamzami, R., Haqina, Z. A., Santi, C. C. D., Basuki, R., & Sasongko, N. A. (2026). Chemical warfare agent toxicology at the intersection of science and defense: a review of sarin and lewisite. CBRNE Defense Studies, 1(1), 25–32. https://doi.org/10.55749/cds.v1i1.187

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Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): CBRNE Defense Studies, Vol. 1 No. 1, June 2026

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Review

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