Vesicant Agents and Antivesicant Medical Countermeasures: Clinical Toxicology and Psychological Implications

Abstract

The ability of vesicant agents to produce debilitating cutaneous blisters, respiratory problems, acute visual impairment, or all of these, is well recognized. Their psychological impact on members of the armed forces who are, or who believe they are, at risk of exposure to agents such as mustard gas are much less understood. Therefore, better understanding of the clinical ramifications of exposure, medical assistance that can be given to mustard gas victims, and the long-term sequelae to which casualties might be subject can go a long way toward mitigating warfighter concerns.