Blister agent

Blister Agent

A blister agent, or vesicant, is a chemical compound that causes severe skin, eye and mucosal pain and damage. They are named for their ability to cause severe chemical burns, resulting in painful water-filled blisters on the bodies of those exposed.

Pronunciation

Blister Agent: /ˈblɪstər ˈeɪdʒənt/

Etymology

The term "blister agent" is derived from the characteristic blisters that these substances cause on contact with the skin. The term "vesicant" comes from the Latin vesica, meaning "bladder" or "blister".

Types of Blister Agents

There are several types of blister agents, including:

• Mustard gas: Also known as sulfur mustard, this is a potent vesicant that was used extensively in World War I.
• Lewisite: This is an arsenic-based vesicant that was developed during World War I but not used until World War II.
• Phosgene oxime: This is a powerful vesicant that is less commonly used but still very dangerous.

Symptoms of Exposure

Exposure to a blister agent can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Skin irritation and blistering
• Eye irritation and damage
• Respiratory distress due to damage to the mucous membranes

Treatment

Treatment for exposure to blister agents primarily involves decontamination and symptomatic treatment. This may include:

• Decontamination: Removing the agent from the skin and clothing as quickly as possible to prevent further exposure.
• Pain management: This may involve the use of analgesics to manage pain from skin and eye injuries.
• Respiratory support: In severe cases, respiratory support may be needed if the person has inhaled the agent and has respiratory distress.

Related Terms

• Chemical warfare
• Chemical burn
• Chemical weapon
• Nerve agent

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Blister agent
• Wikipedia's article - Blister agent

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