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The chemical weapons employed by both the Allies and Central Powers in World War I fell into the category or blister agents, or vesicants. The word “vesicant” means “something that causes blistering,” and this definition rather succinctly describes the effects produced by these agents, which have severely irritating properties that produce fluid-filled pockets on the skin and damage to the eyes, lungs and other mucous membranes.

 

SULFUR MUSTARDS

NITROGEN MUSTARDS

LEWISITE

PHOSGENE OXIME

Blister agents used in chemical warfare fall into four main categories:

 

These chemicals can take the form of liquids, vapors, or aerosols. Sulfur mustards are slow acting, with little or no pan upon initial exposure, but can persist for weeks during the winter (and less time in warmer months). Nitrogen mustards and lewisite are faster acting, while phosgene oxime acts very quickly. Lewisite and phosgene oxime cause immediate, severe pain.

Blister agents burn and blister both the skin and any other part of the body they contact. Depending on their form of delivery, they can enter the body through inhalation or through direct contact with the skin, eyes, or membranes of the mouth and throat. They may act on the eyes, mucous membranes, lungs, and skin and are also suspected carcinogens.

Mustard agents have a delayed onset of symptoms This can often times reduce the urgency to decontaminate and remove the chemical from the surface of the skin. The delay of blisters and pain can be up to eight hours following exposure.

Blister Agents (Vesicants)

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