Public Health – Muskegon County Blister Agents Fact Sheet

What are blister agents?  Diarrhea Blister agents are poisons that lead to serious  Coma illnesses. Blister agents are highly reactive  Convulsions chemicals that combine the proteins, DNA, and other cellular components to result in immediate What is the treatment for exposure to blister bodily damage after exposure. agents? If you have been exposed blister agents, contact the There are five main categories of blister agents: emergency medical authorities immediately.  Mustards  Lewisites Research is in its beginning stages of determining  Phosgene oxime treatment for exposure. If the person has any of the  Arsine symptoms above they should be taken immediately  Cyanide for emergency medical treatment.

Blister agents were most commonly used for For more information on blister agents: chemical warfare during World War I. Center for Disease Control and Prevention What are the possible methods of exposure? www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/vesicant/tsd.asp

Lung (inhalation) CDC Public Information  Breathing of harmful chemicals English 1-888-246-2675 Espanol 1-888-246-2857 Contact TTY 1-888-874-2646  Touching or handling of products that have the blister agent poison Public Health – Muskegon County  Touching contaminated products or agents and 209 E Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442 then rubbing around the eye area www.muskegonhealth.net Phone: (231) 724-6246 What are the possible symptoms of blister agent exposure? Symptoms of blister agents vary depending on the amount and route of exposure, the type of illness and the condition of the person exposed, and usually will occur within 24 hrs.

 Nasal pain  Sore throat  Cough  Shortness of breath  Chest tightness  Itching  Blisters  Red or swollen eye  Blurred vision  Blindness  Arterial blockage and cardiac arrest  Abdominal pain  Nausea and vomiting