Novichoks Mission Brief

MX908

Detect and identify Novichoks

Chemical Warfare Agents (CWAs) continue to evolve from Chlorine gas in World War I to G-series agents in the 1930s and novel agents used in the UK in 2018. Technology must evolve with these threats to ensure responders can quickly and safely act to protect the public. MX908 has expanded its CW Hunter Mode to include A-series agents, also known as Fourth Generation Agents (FGAs) or Novichoks.

Developed to avoid existing detection technologies, Novichok agents
are more persistent than other nerve agents and at least as toxic as VX; some estimate as high as 8 times as toxic. There is a significant risk of cross contamination, so secondary exposures can be just as deadly and difficult to identify. Potential delayed onset of symptoms makes early detection even more critical to minimize casualties, limit the spread of contamination, and conduct appropriate decontamination.

MX908 ADVANTAGES

• The only field-deployable tool for rapid trace detection and identification of A-230, A-232 and A-234 at low nanogram levels
• Includes a wide range of other CWAs including GA, GB, GD, GF, HD, VX and additional V-series agents (VE, VM, VLX, VS, RVX/CVX and VX acid)
• Results in 60 seconds to expedite response and increase public and responder safety
• Independently tested by MRI Global; results available on request

For more information:
Fourth Generation Agents: Reference Guide, January 2019
This new fourth generation agent guidance from CHEMM makes clear the need for trace detection tools that are adaptable, reliable and ready.
https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/AD1066891

Source: Chemical Hazards Emergency Medical Management (CHEMM), U.S. Department of Health and Human Service