Un gas nervioso o agente nervioso es una clase de compuesto orgánico químico que contiene ácido fosfórico (organofosfatos) capaz de colapsar el mecanismo mediante el cual el sistema nervioso envía mensajes a los órganos del cuerpo. Este colapso está causado por el bloqueo de una enzima (Acetilcolinesterasa) que normalmente disminuye la actividad de la acetilcolina que es un neurotransmisor; al bloquearse dicha enzima aumenta de manera descontrolada la actividad de la acetilcolina, lo cual origina espasmos musculares que pueden causar la muerte. Como armas químicas los agentes nerviosos están clasificados como armas de destrucción masiva por las Naciones Unidas de acuerdo con la Resolución 687 y su producción y almacenamiento está prohibido por la Convención sobre Armas Químicas de 1993, convención que se hizo oficial el 29 de abril de 1997.

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Nerve agents are a class of phosphorus-containing organic chemicals (organophosphates) that disrupt the mechanism by which nerves transfer messages to organs. The disruption is caused by blocking acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. As chemical weapons, they are classified as weapons of mass destruction by the United Nations according to UN Resolution 687 (passed in April 1991) and their production and stockpiling was outlawed by the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993; the Chemical Weapons Convention officially took effect on April 29, 1997. The use of dangerous gases in warfare is forbidden by treaties already in the Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907 and Geneva Protocol of 1925. Poisoning by a nerve agent leads to contraction of pupils, profuse salivation, convulsions, involuntary urination and defecation, and eventual death by asphyxiation as control is lost over respiratory muscles. Some nerve agents are readily vaporized or aerosolized and the primary portal of entry into the body is the respiratory system. Nerve agents can also be absorbed through the skin, requiring that those likely to be subjected to such agents wear a full body suit in addition to a respirator.

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