HLSS522Wk1

Blister agents are also called vesicants. These oily substances are inhaled or come in contact with skin and affect the eyes, respiratory tract, and skin. In small amounts they cause irritation, while larger amounts can lead to cell poisoning. They cause large and often life-threatening skin blisters, hence their name. Examples include sulfur mustard, nitrogen mustard, lewisite, and phosgene oxime. Mustard agents, which can cause severe damage to the eyes, respiratory system and internal organs as well, are often classified under this category due to the blistering effects they produce on a victim’s skin.

2/4

Blister agents

Chemical Weapons

In World War I, both the Allied and Central powers used mustard gas to choke and debilitate the enemy, marking the first use of chemical weapons in modern warfare. While their use in warfare since then has been rare, these agents are still produced by many nations. These weapons can take the forms of liquids, vapors, gases, aerosols, or powder. They fit into four main categories:

There are also a few other types of chemical weapons that do not fit into the above categories. Psychotomimetic chemical weapons, which include the popular drug lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), create conditions that are similar to psychotic disorders. Riot control agents, such as tear gas, are often discussed outside of the context of chemical weapons used in warfare due to their practical uses in quelling violence.

‹ ›

Back