AEMCA Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of a nerve poison?

1. Carbamates

2. Arsenic

3. Mercury

4. Chlorine

The correct answer is: Carbamates

Carbamates are classified as nerve poisons due to their ability to inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This enzyme is crucial for breaking down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that transmits signals in the nervous system. When acetylcholinesterase is inhibited, acetylcholine accumulates at synapses, leading to continuous stimulation of muscles, glands, and the central nervous system. This overstimulation can result in various symptoms, including muscle twitching, paralysis, respiratory failure, and potentially death, making carbamates particularly hazardous. In contrast, arsenic, mercury, and chlorine do not act primarily as nerve poisons. While arsenic and mercury are toxic and can harm the nervous system over time, they do not specifically target nerve signaling in the same way carbamates do. Chlorine, primarily a respiratory irritant, affects the lungs rather than directly disrupting nerve function. Understanding this distinction is crucial for recognizing the specific mechanisms of toxicity associated with various substances.