Historical QOD 10/31/08: What is thought to be the composition of the chemical agent used by Russian Speznaz troops in the storming of the Moscow theater in which Chechyan rebels were holding hostages?
A potent fentanyl derivative (such as carfentanil) and an inhalational anesthetic (possibly halothane).
Wax PM, Becker CE, Curry SC. Unexpected “gas” casualties in Moscow: a medical toxicology perspective. Ann Emerg Med. 2003 May;41(5):700-5. doi: 10.1067/mem.2003.148. Erratum in: Ann Emerg Med. 2003 Aug;42(2):265. PMID: 12712038.
Contributed by: M Greenberg
Posted in Question Of The Day