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Chemical Agent Effects Overview

 Nerve
Agents		Mustard
Agents		Organoarsine
Blister Agents		Halogenated
Oximes		Blood
Agents		 Choking
Agents
Convulsions X   X  
Pinpoint Pupils X      
Sweating X      
Runny nose X      
Drooling X      
Chest pain XXXX X
Wheezing XXXX X
Frothy sputum  XXX X
Cyanosis X   XX
Bradycardia* X   X 
Tachycardia* X   X 
Rapid, depp
breathing 		    X  
Loss of bowel
and bladder
control 		X   X 
Blister
formation 		 XXX  
Immediate pain
on exposure 		   X   

 

*Whether the heartrate is fast or slow will depend on how long it has been since the exposure. For nerve agents, a slow pulse will generally be seen by the time treatment is initiated, and a speeding of the pulse to normal or fast levels is used as an indication of whether sufficient atropine has been administered.

**Blisters may also form as a result of thermal injuries or of exposure to agents such as T2 toxin. Thermal injuries may be differentiated by history or evidence on the scene; toxin effects are generally accompanied by by symptoms such as fever or chills.

Click here for an overview of chemical weapons treatment options.

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