Blister Agent ExposureCA147
© 1999 Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation
Identify the specific signs and symptoms of sulfur mustard agent exposure
Identify the specific signs and symptoms of Lewisite exposure
CA148
OBJECTIVES
BLISTER AGENTS
Blisters (vesicles) most noticeable effect
Sulfur mustard and Lewisite in Army’s inventory
Lewisite stored only at Deseret Chemical Depot
CA149
Blister
CA150
Affect skin tissue and especially harsh on soft membranes
eyes – lung tissue
mucous membranes – armpits
HOW BLISTER AGENTS WORK
CA151
Liquid and vapors create extreme hazards
The greater absorbed dose, the greater severity of skin and tissue damage
Delayed reaction with little or no pain
Burning, stinging, redness, or blisters usually delayed between 2 to 36 hours for sulfur mustard
usually apparent between 4 - 8 hours
Immediate pain for Lewisite
CA152
CA153
Direct access to lining of nose, throat, and bronchial tubes
warm, moist membranes most vulnerable
Prolonged exposure destroys
mucous membrane lining
infection of airways and lungs
Most damage to upper airways
with heavy exposure, lung’s air sacs
are injured and fill with fluids
Damage to air sacs may cause
lungs to fill with fluids
© 1999 Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation
CA154
BLISTER AGENT
Skin surface or eye touches liquid agent, surface where agent was deposited, or agent vapor
Broken blister fluid non-irritating
Does not cause blistering
upon contact with skin
between toes
behind knees
INGESTION OF BLISTER AGENT
Swallowing contaminated food, drink, placing contaminated items in mouth, or incidental hand-to-mouth contact
Unlikely agent will contaminate food or drink
CA155
SULFUR MUSTARD
SULFUR MUSTARD
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Severity of symptoms and how rapidly they develop greatly influenced by weather conditions
hot, humid weather increases action of sulfur mustard
Signs and symptoms characteristically delayed for hours
CA157
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF
FACTORS AFFECTING SULFUR
Characteristically delayed
may appear within 1 - 2 hours with large exposure or if weather hot and humid
Reaction time depends on the
type of agent
dose (how much a person has absorbed)
duration of exposure
route of exposure
CA159
FACTORS AFFECTING SULFUR
Inhalation of sulfur mustard causes quicker reaction than direct contact exposure
agent absorbed much faster in
warm, moist areas of
respiratory tract, nose, mouth,
© 1999 Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation
FACTORS AFFECTING SULFUR
accompanied by sneezing, coughing, and inflammation of trachea and bronchi
Direct contact exposure effects usually delayed
absorption may continue for hours even after decontamination
CA161
Dose, duration, and route of exposure make a difference
© 1999 Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation
CA162
hay fever
certain drugs
Decontamination through washing and diluting
Airway management may be needed as signs/symptoms develop
CA163
SULFUR MUSTARD EXPOSURE
CA164
flush eyes immediately with water
tilt head to side
pouring water slowly into eyes
Do not cover eyes with bandages
Dark or opaque glasses shield eyes from light and provide relief from photophobia
© 1999 Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation
TREATMENT FOR SKIN CONTACT
© 1999 Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation
CA166
LEWISITE