Novichok

Novichok refers to a group of highly toxic nerve agents developed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s and 1980s. These chemicals disrupt the normal functioning of the nervous system, leading to severe symptoms and potential death by paralyzing muscles, including those required for breathing. Novichok agents are known for their potency and can be absorbed through skin or inhaled. They gained public attention due to their use in high-profile espionage incidents, notably the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in the UK in 2018. Their existence raises concerns about chemical weapons and international security.