injuries and poisoning
Blistering Agents in Chemical Warfare
Diagnosis of Blistering Chemical Warfare Injuries
A doctor's evaluation Sometimes special laboratory tests Pain occurring at or shortly after exposure suggests to first responders that Lewisite or phosgene oxime is the chemical agent involved. Delayed onset of pain (sometimes a day after exposure) suggests exposure to sulfur mustard. Tests available only in special laboratories can confirm the diagnosis. People exposed to mustard compounds should have regular blood tests for two weeks to monitor for a decrease in their white blood cell count that can be caused by these agents. 