blister agent

Blister agents are a type of chemical weapon that cause damage by burning the skin, eyes, airways, and lungs. While they can be lethal in high concentrations, they rarely cause death. Sulfur mustard, also known as mustard gas, and lewisite are examples of blister agents that were used in World War I and remain in modern arsenals, alongside nitrogen mustard, phosgene oxime, and phenyldichlorarsine.1

These agents are delivered in liquid or vapor form and can cause immediate or delayed physical effects. Protection against blister agents requires specialized gear, including gas masks and protective clothing. The term "blister" can also refer to a medical condition: a raised area of skin filled with clear fluid, typically caused by friction or as a symptom of various diseases or infections.12