The Rise of Novichok Agents

This week Science in Action looks at the history of chemical weapons and in particular the development of novichok agents. Roland Pease speaks to Will England from the Washington Post who first reported on the new type of chemical weapons in the early 1990’s. We also hear from Vil Mirzayanov, the scientist who first disclosed information about the work of the nerve agents, known as novichoks, in Russian labs. Hamish Bretton-Gordon, the former commander of the UK Chemical, Biological and Nuclear Regiment takes us through the history of chemical weapons while Professor of Pharmacology from Reading University, Gary Stephens, explains the effects of novichok agents on the body.

Presenter: Roland Pease
Producer: Ania Litchtarowicz

Picture: Chemical Weapons, Russia, Credit: BBC