What do blister agents primarily cause upon exposure?

Blister agents are a category of chemical warfare agents that primarily cause inflammation and the formation of blisters upon exposure. These agents, which include substances like mustard gas, tend to affect the skin and mucous membranes. When a person encounters a blister agent, the chemicals react with the tissue, leading to cellular damage and inflammation. This results in painful blisters, which can appear on the skin as well as in the respiratory tract if inhaled.

These blisters are not just surface irritations; they can lead to severe tissue damage and secondary infections if not treated properly. While blister agents can have systemic effects over time, their most immediate and characteristic impact is the painful blisters and inflammation they cause at the exposure site.

Nervous system disruption and immediate loss of consciousness are effects associated more with nerve agents, while respiratory distress can occur but is not the primary effect of blister agents—making inflammation and blister formation the most defining characteristics of their impact.