Which statement best describes VX?

Which statement best describes VX?

• A. It is a rapidly dissipating choking agent
• B. It is a non-persistent chemical
• C. It is a toxic, non-nerve agent
• D. It is a highly persistent nerve agent

Answer: (D)

VX is a nerve agent with high environmental persistence due to its very low volatility. Because it doesn’t evaporate quickly, it can linger on clothing, surfaces, and soil for extended periods, creating ongoing exposure risk for anyone who encounters it. As a nerve agent, it inhibits acetylcholinesterase, leading to a cholinergic crisis with symptoms such as increased secretions, bronchorrhea, constricted pupils, fasciculations, and muscle weakness. This combination of nerve-agent effects and its persistence makes the description of VX as a highly persistent nerve agent the most accurate choice.

VX is a nerve agent with high environmental persistence due to its very low volatility. Because it doesn’t evaporate quickly, it can linger on clothing, surfaces, and soil for extended periods, creating ongoing exposure risk for anyone who encounters it. As a nerve agent, it inhibits acetylcholinesterase, leading to a cholinergic crisis with symptoms such as increased secretions, bronchorrhea, constricted pupils, fasciculations, and muscle weakness. This combination of nerve-agent effects and its persistence makes the description of VX as a highly persistent nerve agent the most accurate choice.