Vomiting/Sternatory agents

This material is a general precursor for arsenical vesicants and many vomiting/sternatory agents (Chapter 14). 

Most vomiting/sternatory agents are stable at typical temperatures. Apomorphine (C14-A005) is stable as a salt but is air and light sensitive. It is unstable in solution. 

Most vomiting/sternatory agents are nonvolatile and produce negligible amounts of vapor. They are deployed as dust aerosols. Once the aerosols settle, there is minimal extended hazard from the agents unless the dusts are resuspended. Decomposition products can be... 

Vomiting/sternatory agents decompose slowly in water. Some agents are self-protecting and form an oxide coating that delays further hydrolysis. Agents may be corrosive to some metals. 

Immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) levels are the ceiling limit for respirators other than SCBAs. However, IDLH levels have not been established for vomiting/sternatory agents. Therefore, any potential exposure to elevated concentrations of these agents should be regarded with extreme caution and the use of SCBAs for respiratory protection should be considered. 

Casualties will usually recover unassisted from exposure to vomiting/sternatory agent although it may take several hours after removal from the contaminated atmosphere. Vigorous exercise may lessen and shorten symptoms. Most patients can be discharged safely. Rarely a patient with significant respiratory findings may merit admission. 

Human toxicity values have not been established or have not been published. Although L2 acts primarily as a vomiting/sternatory agent, it does have limited vesicant power similar to Lewisite (C04-A002). 

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