The public has been left confused over the potential health impacts of being contaminated with the Novichok nerve agent used to poison Sergei Skripal on March 4.
The scientist who helped develop the nerve agent has said it is designed to cause “irreparable” damage and hundreds could be at risk ‘for life.’ However, health officials insist public safety has not been compromised in Salisbury where the attack took place.
Earlier this week, those who had visited the area were advised to wash their belongings. Significant doses of nerve agents are often deadly, but it remains unclear whether there are long-term effects of exposure to smaller amounts. Trace elements from the nerve agent have been found in multiple locations in Salisbury.
It is still unknown who launched the attack on Skripal. Russia has been given until the end of Tuesday to respond to accusations that it may have behind the attack.
