Novichok

Novichok (pronunciation: /ˈnɒvɪtʃɒk/; Russian: Новичо́к, "newcomer") is a series of nerve agents developed by the Soviet Union and Russia between 1971 and 1993.

Etymology

The term "Novichok" is Russian for "newcomer". It is believed to have been named so due to its status as the newest addition to the Soviet Union's arsenal of chemical weapons during its development period.

Description

Novichok agents are a type of nerve agent. Nerve agents are a class of phosphorus-containing organic chemicals that disrupt the mechanisms by which nerves transfer messages to organs. The disruption is caused by the blocking of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter.

Effects

Exposure to Novichok agents can result in severe nerve damage and death. Symptoms of exposure include convulsions, loss of consciousness, paralysis, and respiratory failure.

History

Novichok agents were developed by the Soviet Union in a program code-named Foliant. The aim of the program was to create a new class of nerve agents that would be undetectable by standard NATO chemical detection equipment and to circumvent the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Related Terms

• Nerve agent
• Organophosphate
• Acetylcholinesterase
• Chemical Weapons Convention
• Foliant

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Novichok
• Wikipedia's article - Novichok

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