What type of agents does nerve gas fall under?

Nerve gas is classified as a type of chemical agent because it is designed to disrupt the normal functioning of the nervous system through chemical means. Specifically, nerve agents work by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, leading to an accumulation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which ultimately results in overstimulation of muscles and can cause respiratory failure and death.

Chemical agents, like nerve gases, are specifically synthesized to produce harmful effects through chemical reactions in living organisms, differentiating them from biological agents (which involve pathogens), radiological agents (involving radioactive material), and explosive agents (focused on causing explosions). This classification underscores the way nerve gases interact with biological systems, emphasizing their impact as harmful chemicals rather than biological, radiological, or explosive threats.