Sarin: The Aum Shinrikyo

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The threat posed by the Japanese Cult known as the Aum Shinrikyo, was a deadly nerve gas known as Sarin. During this short essay I will describe sarin, what it is, how it was used, and the CBRN classification that Sarin falls under. In addition I will give my explanation as to why I think Sarin is a potential threat to our homeland.
Sarin, although amongst the world’s most toxic and deathly chemicals, was introduced as a pesticide in the late 1930’s by the Germans. Sarin causes “overstimulation of glands and muscles causes the respiratory system to shut down and can induce convulsions, paralysis, and even death if an antidote is not immediately administered” (Laub 2014). Sarin is usually odorless and colorless that is extremely non-persistent. Meaning, this chemical disperses and vaporizes in the air extremely fast. …show more content…
Robert Powell describes the individuals to be “carrying umbrellas and bundles of newspaper, each concealing a package containing liquid Sarin” (Wright 2008). The intended plan was to have specific locations the trains would stop at, once arrived then the individual would puncture the packages with their umbrellas. Being that Japan has by far the busiest subway system in the world, the attack was mediocre (from a terrorist mindset). I say mediocre because the extent to which the Sarin gas has, should have been used in higher concentration for maximum
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