What are some mild to moderate signs of nerve agent contamination?

Mild to moderate signs of nerve agent contamination include symptoms like nausea and unstable gait. Nerve agents affect the nervous system by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, leading to an accumulation of acetylcholine at nerve endings, which results in a range of symptoms.

Nausea can occur as the body reacts to the toxic exposure, and an unstable gait may indicate central nervous system involvement, affecting coordination and balance. These symptoms are often among the first signs experienced, making them crucial for early recognition and response to nerve agent exposure.

While coughing and wheezing can indicate respiratory distress and other issues, they are more common with chemical agents affecting the respiratory tract rather than nerve agents directly. Vomiting and flaccid paralysis are typically associated with more severe poisoning, while seizures and loss of consciousness signify advanced toxicity levels.