Exposure to a First World War blistering agent

Emerg Med J. 2006 Apr;23(4):296-9. doi: 10.1136/emj.2005.032540.

Abstract

Sulfur mustards act as vesicants and alkylating agents. They have been used as chemical warfare since 1917 during the first world war. This brief report illustrates the progression of injury on a primary exposed patient to a first world war blistering agent. This case documents the rapid timeline and progression of symptoms. It emphasises the importance of appropriate personal protective equipment and immediate medical response plan with rapid decontamination and proper action from military and civilian medical treatment facilities. This case reports the first US active duty military exposure to a blistering agent in the age of global terrorism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blister / chemically induced
  • Blister / pathology
  • Burns, Chemical / etiology*
  • Burns, Chemical / pathology
  • Chemical Warfare
  • Chemical Warfare Agents / toxicity*
  • Erythema / chemically induced
  • Erythema / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Military Personnel*
  • Mustard Gas / toxicity*
  • World War I

Substances

  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Mustard Gas