Export licenses for sodium fluoride and potassium fluoride were granted in January 2012. Both substances “could also be used as precursor chemicals in the manufacture of chemical weapons.” British MPs demanded an explanation from the government on Monday for the fact that it granted licenses to export to Syria chemicals that could be used to produce nerve gas. The licenses were granted just before the start of the Syrian civil war. Export licenses for sodium fluoride and potassium fluoride were granted in January 2012. Both substances “could also be used as precursor chemicals in the manufacture of chemical weapons,” according to a report published by the House of Commons Committee on Arms Export Controls in July. Angus Robertson, a Scottish National Party MP, told RT that the issue was raised in the House of Commons on Monday after the licensing had been publicized over the weekend. “Defense ministers had to explain why it was that the UK would even consider granting an export license,” Robertson said. Both sodium fluoride and potassium fluoride can be used in the production of the neurotoxic gas sarin. Large doses of sarin can lead to paralysis, loss of consciousness, convulsions and respiratory failure, and death.
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