Lewisite long-term effects

The long-term effects of lewisite exposure do not include extensive skin burning as is seen with the mustard agents, but chronic respiratory disease may... 

In tests performed on rabbits. Lewisite caused almost immediate edema of the lids, conjunctiva, and cornea as well as, early and severe involvement of the iris and ciliary body followed by gradual depigmentation and shrinkage of the iris stroma (Mann et al., 1946). Miosis appeared early. In this same study, miosis was not noted after mustard exposure. No long-term effects of Lewisite were noted, such as the delayed keratitis seen after mustard. 

There are no data on human exposure from which to predict the long-term effects from Lewisite. There is no substantial evidence to suggest that Lewisite is carcinogenic, teratogenic, or mutagenic (Goldman and Dacre, 1989). The committee appointed by the National Academy of Science reported a causal relationship between Lewisite exposure and chronic respiratory diseases, and also that acute, severe injuries to the eye from Lewisite will persist (Pechura and RaU, 1993). 

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). 1988. Final Recommendations for Protecting Health and Safety Against Potential Adverse Effects of Long-Term Exposure to Low Doses of Agents GA, GB, VX Mustard Agent (H, HD, T) and Lewisite (L). Federal Register, Vol. 53, No. 50, March 15. 

DHHS (US Department of Health and Human Services) (1988). Final recommendations for protecting the health and safety against potential adverse effects of long-term exposure to low doses of agents GA, GB, VX, mustard agent (H, HD, HT), and lewisite (L). US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control. Fed. Reg. 53(50) 8504-7. 

Lewisite (also known as Agent L), is no longer considered a state-of-the-art CW agent. Lewisite is a significant threat to unprotected personnel and causes prompt incapacitation from eye injuries and respiratory irritation, coupled with long-term incapacitation from skin bums, pulmonary injury, and systemic illness. Its decomposition products are toxic, making decontamination difficult. Munitions containing lewisite may contain toxic stabilizers. Lewisite is effective as vapor, aerosol, or liquid (Sidell et al., 1997). 

The method has value because it can effect complete Lewisite destruction and enables utilization of several reaction products. Nevertheless, this method should not be used for mass destruction of Lewisite, because the toxic and flammable trialkyl arsenite produced requires further treatment it is not suitable for long-term storage. 

---