Which class of chemical agents produces blisters and tissue damage?

• A. Nerve Agents
• B. Blister Agents
• C. Blood Agents
• D. Choking Agents

Answer: (B)

Blister agents, also called vesicants, are the class that produces blistering and tissue damage. They injure skin and mucous membranes on contact, causing painful fluid-filled blisters and eye irritation, with damage that can extend deeper if exposure is absorbed. Symptoms may appear hours after exposure and can be reinforced by environmental persistence in some forms.

Common examples include sulfur mustard and lewisite. This class is distinct from others by the effect it produces: nerve agents disrupt neuromuscular signaling and cause rapid SLUDGE-type symptoms; blood agents interfere with cellular respiration, often causing quick systemic hypoxia; choking agents irritate the respiratory tract and can lead to pulmonary edema.

Protection and response rely on prompt decontamination and proper PPE: remove contaminated clothing, wash exposed skin with soap and water, and flush eyes/skin with water or saline; use impermeable protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection to prevent skin and eye exposure.