Ablister agent(orvesicant), is a chemical compound that causes severe skin, eye and mucosal pain and irritation. They are named for their ability to cause severechemical burns,resulting in painful waterblisterson the bodies of those affected. Although the term is often used in connection with large-scale burns caused by chemical spills orchemical warfare agents,[1]some naturally occurring substances such ascantharidinare also blister-producing agents (vesicants).[2]Furanocoumarin,another naturally occurring substance, causes vesicant-like effects indirectly, for example, by increasing skin photosensitivity greatly. Vesicants have medical uses including wart removal but can be dangerous if even small amounts are ingested.[2]
Blister agents used in warfare
editMost blister agents fall into one of four groups:
- Sulfur mustards– A family ofsulfur-based agents, including mustard gas.
- Nitrogen mustards– A family of agents similar to the sulfur mustards, but based onnitrogeninstead of sulfur.
- Lewisite– An early blister agent that was developed, but not used, duringWorld War I.It was effectively rendered obsolete with the development ofBritish anti-Lewisitein the 1940s.
- Phosgene oxime– Occasionally included among the blister agents, although it is more properly termed anettle agent(urticant).
Effects
editExposure to a weaponized blister agent can cause a number of life-threatening symptoms, including:
- Severe skin, eye and mucosal pain and irritation
- Skinerythemawith large fluidblistersthat heal slowly and may become infected
- Tearing,conjunctivitis,cornealdamage
- Mildrespiratory distressto marked airway damage
All blister agents currently known are denser than air, and are readily absorbed through the eyes, lungs, and skin. Effects of the two mustard agents are typically delayed: exposure to vapors becomes evident in 4 to 6 hours, and skin exposure in 2 to 48 hours. The effects ofLewisiteare immediate.
References
edit- ^Center for Disease ControlArchivedJanuary 22, 2005, at theWayback Machine
- ^abCantharidin and Meloids: a review of classical history, biosynthesis, and functionArchivedSeptember 3, 2005, at theWayback Machine