ABSTRACT
Guides for Emergency Response: Chemical Agent or Weapon: Blister Agent Lewisite (L), Blister Agent MustardLewisite Mixture (HL) Lewisite is an organic arsenical known for its vesicant properties. Blister agent Lewisite (L) acts as a systemic poison causing pulmonary edema, diarrhea, restlessness, weakness, subnormal temperature, and low blood pressure. In order of severity and appearance of symptoms it is a blister agent, a toxic lung irritant, absorbed in tissues, and a systemic poison. When inhaled in high concentrations, it may be fatal in as short a time as ten minutes. Lewisite is not detoxifi ed by the human body. Common routes of entry into the human body include eyes, skin, and inhalation. L presents both a vapor and a liquid hazard and may damage the eyes, skin, respiratory tract, and the circulatory system. Exposure to L causes immediate pain or at least irritation. Vapor may be inhaled into the respiratory tract which will cause onset of burning pain, irritation of the nose, and refl ex coughing and chest tightness. Vapor also aff ects the eyes with the immediate onset of pain, redness, uncontrollable blinking, and swelling of the eyelids. Vapor or a liquid splash of Lewisite on the skin will be followed immediately by stinging pain and destruction of tissue followed by blistering within twelve hours.
