Vesicants Blister Agents

MD Methyldichloroarsine, a type of blister/vesicant agent.. mg See MILLIGRAM. mg/Kg See MILLIGRAMS PER KILOGRAM. mg/M3 See MILLIGRAMS PER CUBIC METER... 

Blister (vesicant) agents cause burning of eyes, cough, and burning, then blistering, of skin. The symptoms can be delayed for several hours. 

As mentioned above, gas has been widely used and it is a powerful vesicant agent. In the form of vapor, it damages the respiratory tract. Eyes become temporarily blind and the skin in contact with the substance becomes inflammatory. The sweaty zones of skin are the most damaged as well as sensitive mucous membranes. If no treatment is applied, the cutaneous reaction provokes blisters full of liquid after 4-8 h. Spread in the form of particles, the gas penetrates the respiratory tract and destroys the mucous membranes with a respiration distress syndrome. Lungs suffer from emphysemae and edema due to the presence of fluids, which may cause a death similar to a drowning if the dose is too strong. 

Rapid recognition of vesicating agents in an emergency is a key step to ensure rapid and effective care. Though many blister agents are similar in appearance, they may be differentiated based on their distinctive odor (Table 25.5). 

The USA has disposed of stockpiles of sulfur mustard at sea. Fisherman or boaters who come across discarded canisters, leaky from sitting in salt water, unknowingly have become exposed. In treating these exposures, if the vesicant is pervasive, it is important to decontaminate in a prehospital setting, and have health care providers wear appropriate personal care protection. Latex gloves are not sufficient - butyl rubber is needed. Health care workers do not need to fear the patient s blisters, since these do not contain the vesicating agent. 

Sulfur mustard is a blistering or vesicating agent that primarily incurs damage at the organs that come into immediate contact with either its liquid or vaporous form. However, severe dermal and respiratory exposure to the agent may also result in the absorption of sulfur mustard that subsequently causes additional systemic damage (Kehe and Szinicz, 2005). 

The vesicant agents (H, HD, and HT) injure the eyes, damage the lungs and severely blister the skin upon exposure. The vesicants can often react with tissue constituents, and there is significant evidence that exposure to sufficiently high doses may increase die risk of developing cancer. The vesicant agents are potent in minute quantities and produce delayed effects as late as 15 hours after contact. 

Blister or Vesicant Agents 148 Lewisite (L) 148 Nitrogen Mustards (HN-1, HN-2, HN-3) 152 Sulfur Mustard (Yperite)-Mustard Gas (HD) 153 Phosgene Oxime (CX) 155... 

Vesicant agent—An agent that acts on the eyes and lungs and blisters the skin. 

CW agents may be divided according to their principal physiological effects, namely blister (vesicant), blood, choking, incapacitating, nerve, tear gas, and vomiting agents. 

Vapor density the weight of a vapor or gas compared to the weight of an equal volume of dry air Vapor pressure the pressure exerted by a saturated vapor above its own liquid in a closed container Vector organism that carries disease, such as insects or rodents Vesicant agent an agent that acts on the eyes and lungs and blisters the skin Viscosity the property of a liquid that causes it to resist flow or movement in response to external force applied to it... 

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