FEMA Standardized Awareness Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Test

Tabun is indeed an example of a nerve agent, and it falls under the category of chemical warfare agents known for their extreme toxicity. Nerve agents disrupt the normal functioning of the nervous system by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme essential for breaking down acetylcholine. This inhibition leads to an accumulation of acetylcholine, resulting in overstimulation of muscles, glands, and the central nervous system, which can be fatal.

In contrast, the other substances listed serve different purposes and functions. Chlorine, for example, is a widely used disinfectant and can be toxic in high concentrations, but it does not have the same mechanism of action as a nerve agent. Formaldehyde, commonly used in the production of many household products and as a preservative, does not act as a nerve agent either. Similarly, ammonia is primarily utilized in agriculture and cleaning, and while it is hazardous, it does not interact with the nervous system in the same way nerve agents like Tabun do. Thus, Tabun stands out as the correct example of a nerve agent among the options provided.