Sulfur mustard and lewisite are examples of which type of agents?

• A. Nerve agents
• B. Blood agents
• C. Blister agents
• D. Incapacitating agents

Answer: (C)

Blister agents, or vesicants, cause severe blistering of the skin and mucous membranes. Sulfur mustard and lewisite are classic examples because their primary effect is tissue injury and blister formation on skin, eyes, and airways, often with a delayed onset after exposure. This is different from other agent types: nerve agents disrupt the nervous system, blood agents interfere with cellular respiration, and incapacitating agents cause temporary impairment without blistering. In HazMat response, recognizing blister agents means prioritizing rapid decontamination and proper protective equipment to prevent skin and eye exposure. Immediate steps include removing contaminated clothing and flushing exposed areas with large amounts of water, and addressing any eye or airway irritation as needed.