Vesicants lipophilicity

The vesicant properties of lewisite result from direct contact with the skin. Signs of dermal toxicity (pain, inflammation) may be experienced within a minute after exposure. Acute lethality is usually the result of pulmonary injury. Ocular exposure may result in corneal necrosis. Due to its lipophilicity, percutaneous absorption of lewisite is rapid and, at a sufficient exposure, may be associated with systemic toxicity characterized by pulmonary edema, diarrhea, agitation, weakness, hypothermia, and hypotension (lOM, 1993). The threshold for severe systemic toxicity in humans following dermal exposure to lewisite has been estimated at lOmg/kg (9.1-13.4 mg/kg) (Sollman, 1957). 

Lewisite is a local and pulmonary irritant, a vesicant, and a systemic poison. When ingested with food, it produces severe gastrointestinal irritation. The eyes, respiratory tract, and skin are the most likely sites of exposure when lewisite is used as a chemical warfare agent. The agent is lipophilic... 

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