Urticants Vapors

Urticant vapors are violently irritating to the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract and cause immediate pain. Very low concentrations can cause inflammation, lacrimation, and temporary blindness higher concentrations can cause corneal corrosion and dimming of vision. Inhalation causes runny nose, hoarseness, and sinus pain. 

Urticants produce instant, almost intolerable pain. They cause local tissue destruction immediately on contact with skin and mucous membranes. Sensations range from mild prickling to almost intolerable pain resembling a severe bee sting. Direct contact of the agent with the skin produces a corrosive type lesion. Skin lesions may not fully heal for over 2 months. Inhalation of Urticant vapor can cause lung membranes to swell and become filled with liquid (pulmonary edema). Death may result from lack of oxygen. 

Skin impacts from Urticant vapor occur at concentrations as low as 0.04 ppm (10 minute exposure). Effects may become unbearable at a concentration of 0.6 ppm (one minute exposure). 

Eye impacts from Urticant vapor occur at very low concentrations. LC50S for inhalation of Urticants are as low as 69 ppm (10 minute... 

Eye impacts from Urticant vapor occur at very low concentrations. 

Urticants, even solids, have relatively high vapor pressure and evaporation or sublimation rates are nearly the same as water. 

Because of the extreme dermal hazard posed by urticants, responders should wear a Level A protective ensemble whenever there is a potential for exposure to any solid or liquid agent, or to an elevated or unknown concentration of agent vapor. 

Casualties/personnel Speed in decontamination is absolutely essential. Because of the rapid onset of effects and the speed with which urticants are absorbed through the skin, decontamination will not be entirely effective by the time the casualty experiences pain and blanching occurs. However, decontamination must still be done as rapidly as possible postexposure. Remove all clothing as it may continue to emit "trapped" agent vapor after contact with the vapor cloud has ceased. Shower using copious amounts of soap and water. Ensure that the hair has been washed and rinsed to remove potentially trapped vapor. To be effective, decontamination must be completed within 2 minutes of exposure. If there is a potential that the eyes have been exposed to urticants, irrigate with water or 0.9% saline solution for a minimum of 15 minutes. 

Small areas Ventilate to remove the vapors. If condensation is present, decontaminate the area with copious amounts of soap and water. Collect the agent and rinseate and place into containers lined with high-density polyethylene. Although urticants rapidly break down on most surfaces, removal of porous material, including painted surfaces, may be required to prevent agents that have been absorbed into these materials from migrating back to the surface and posing an extended hazard. 

Urticants produce immediate effects on skin and eyes. Pulmonary edema caused by inhalation of the agent vapor may be delayed for several hours. 

Vapors from Urticants have a density greater than air and tend to collect in low places. Urticants are unstable and decompose rapidly in soil. Agents dissolve slowly but completely in water and may take days to decompose once in solution. 

Urticants may be volatilized during a fire or be spread by efforts to extinguish the fire. Agents may be decomposed by heat to produce other toxic and/or corrosive gases. In addition, Urticants may react with steam or water during a fire to produce toxic and/or corrosive vapors. Hydrogen produced by the action of the corrosive vapors on metals or other corrodible materials may be present. 

---