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I chose VX due to its lethality. VX is a chemical agent that was discovered in the United Kingdom in the early 1950's. It was discovered while developing pesticides, but it was quickly realized that VX was far too lethal! It is odorless, colorless (to a light amber), tasteless, and is not very volatile (it takes a long time to dissipate). It is heavier than air, can remain viable for long periods in cold weather, and takes a miniscule amount to be lethal. Death from VX exposure is horrible. The chemical disrupts the bodies ability to control muscular and glandular function keeping them in a always "on" setting instead of being able to function normally, causing the the lungs to tire and give out. Victims lose muscle and bowel control and shake uncontrollably. Exposure to the chemical is almost always deadly unless the required antidotes are immediately accessible and administered. VX is typically utilized in a liquid or aerosolized manner, and continues to be lethal for some time after settling on material.
Typically you need a laboratory environment to manufacture VX, but there have been reports of VX based weapons being discovered in the middle east. This would be easier access to extremist/insurgents that would seek to deploy it. This is not a chemical agent that would be easy to manufacture in a kitchen, and the persons manufacturing it would have to exercise extreme caution to keep from becoming victims themselves. But, despite the risk, I believe that is an attractive option due to its lethality and the small amount necessary to inflict significant harm. A gallon of VX could kill thousands!
If VX was sprayed/distributed over a large crowd, the results would be catastrophic. Not only would those immediately exposed perish, but those that worked around/on the victims and those that had to work in the contaminated environment would likely be contaminated/killed as well. VX gas is also heavier than air and will settle in low places which could also cause additional causalities.
Overall despite the handling difficulties, I feel that VX or one of its counterparts could be used successfully in a horrific attack.
I hope you all are having a great week!
References:
Council on Foreign Relations (Jan 2006) VX Retrieved from: http://www.cfr.org/weapons-of-mass-destruction/vx/p9556
Center for Disease Control (May 2013) Facts about VX Retrieved from:
https://www.emergency.cdc.gov/agent/vx/basics/facts.asp
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w2rf_jeremy_phillips.docx
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