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What
lewisite is
- Lewisite
is a type of chemical warfare agent. This kind of agent is called a
vesicant or blistering agent, because it causes blistering of the skin
and mucous membranes on contact.
- Lewisite
is an oily, colorless liquid in its pure form and can appear amber to
black in its impure form.
- Lewisite
has an odor like geraniums.
- Lewisite
contains arsenic, a poisonous element.
- Lewisite
is also known by its military designation, “L.”
Where
lewisite is found and how it is used
- Lewisite
was produced in 1918 to be used in World War I, but its production was
too late for it to be used in the war.
- Lewisite
has been used only as a chemical warfare agent. It has no medical or
other practical use.
- Lewisite
is not found naturally in the environment.
How
people can be exposed to lewisite
- People’s
risk for exposure depends on how close they are to the place where the
lewisite was released.
- If lewisite
gas is released into the air, people may be exposed through skin contact
or eye contact. They may also be exposed by breathing air that contains
lewisite.
- If lewisite
liquid is released into water, people may be exposed by drinking water
that contains lewisite or by getting the water on their bodies.
- If lewisite
liquid comes into contact with food, people may be exposed by eating
the contaminated food.
- People
can be exposed by coming into direct contact with liquid lewisite.
- Lewisite
vapor is heavier than air, so it will settle in low-lying areas.
- Lewisite
remains a liquid under a wide range of environmental conditions, from
below freezing to very hot temperatures. Therefore, it could last for
a long time in the environment.
How
lewisite works
- Adverse
health effects caused by lewisite depend on the amount people are exposed
to, the route of exposure, and the length of time that people are exposed.
- Lewisite
is a powerful irritant and blistering agent that immediately damages
the skin, eyes, and respiratory (breathing) tract.
- Because
it contains arsenic, lewisite has some effects that are similar to arsenic
poisoning, including stomach ailments and low blood pressure.
Immediate
signs and symptoms of lewisite exposure
- Most information
on the health effects of lewisite is based on animal studies.
- Signs
and symptoms occur immediately following a lewisite exposure. Lewisite
can have the following effects on specific parts of the body:
-
Skin:
pain and irritation within seconds to minutes, redness within 15
to 30 minutes followed by blister formation within several hours.
The blister begins as a small blister in the middle of the red areas
and then expands to cover the entire reddened area of skin. The
lesions (sores) from lewisite heal much faster than lesions caused
by the other blistering agents, sulfur mustard and nitrogen mustards,
and the discoloring of the skin that occurs later is much less noticeable.
-
Eyes:
irritation, pain, swelling, and tearing may occur on contact.
-
Respiratory tract:
runny nose, sneezing, hoarseness, bloody nose, sinus pain, shortness
of breath, and cough
- Digestive
tract: diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
-
Cardiovascular:
“Lewisite shock” or low blood pressure may occur
- Showing
these signs and symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has
been exposed to lewisite.
What
the long-term health effects may be
- Extensive
skin burning, as seen with sulfur mustard, is less likely.
- Extensive
breathing in of the vapors may cause chronic respiratory disease.
- Extensive
eye exposure may cause permanent blindness.
- Unlike
sulfur mustard, lewisite is not known to suppress the immune system.
How
people can protect themselves and what they should do if they are exposed
to lewisite
- Leave
the area where the lewisite was released and get to fresh air. Quickly
moving to an area where fresh air is available is highly effective in
reducing the possibility of death from exposure to lewisite.
- If
the lewisite release was outdoors, move away from the area where
the lewisite was released. Go to the highest ground possible, because
lewisite is heavier than air and will sink to low-lying areas.
- If
the lewisite release was indoors, get out of the building.
- If you
think you may have been exposed, remove your clothing, rapidly wash
your entire body with soap and water, and get medical care as quickly
as possible.
- Removing
and disposing of clothing:
- Quickly
take off clothing that has liquid lewisite on it. Any clothing that
has to be pulled over the head should be cut off the body instead
of pulled over the head. If possible, seal the clothing in a plastic
bag. Then seal the first plastic bag in a second plastic bag. Removing
and sealing the clothing in this way will help protect you and other
people from any chemicals that might be on your clothes.
- If
you placed your clothes in plastic bags, inform either the local
or state health department or emergency personnel upon their arrival.
Do not handle the plastic bags.
- If
you are helping other people remove their clothing, try to avoid
touching any contaminated areas, and remove the clothing as quickly
as possible.
- Washing
the body:
- As
quickly as possible, wash any liquid lewisite from your skin with
large amounts of soap and water. Washing with soap and water will
help protect people from any chemicals on their bodies.
- If
your eyes are burning or your vision is blurred, rinse your eyes
with plain water for 10 to 15 minutes. If you wear contacts, remove
them and place them in the bags with the contaminated clothing.
Do not put the contacts back in your eyes. If you wear eyeglasses,
wash them with soap and water. You can put the eyeglasses back on
after you wash them.
- If you
have ingested (swallowed) lewisite, do not induce vomiting or drink
fluids.
-
Seek medical
attention right away. Dial 911 and explain what has happened.
How
lewisite exposure is treated
- Treatment
consists of removing lewisite from the body as soon as possible and
providing supportive medical care in a hospital setting. An antidote
for lewisite is available and is most useful if given as soon as possible
after exposure.
How
people can get more information about lewisite
People can
contact one of the following:
- Regional
poison control center (1-800-222-1222)
- Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention
- E-mail
inquiries: cdcresponse@ashastd.org
- Mail
inquiries:
Public Inquiry c/o BPRP
Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Planning
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Mailstop C-18
1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30333
- Agency
for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) (1-888-422-8737)
- E-mail
inquiries: atsdric@cdc.gov
- Mail
inquiries:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Division of Toxicology
1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop E-29
Atlanta, GA 30333
This
fact sheet is based on CDC’s best current information. It may be
updated as new information becomes available.
Last
reviewed on 03/14/03.
The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people’s
health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries;
enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical
health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships
with local, national, and international organizations.
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