Final answer:
LEWISITE (L) is a blister agent used in chemical warfare that can cause skin, eye, and respiratory tract damage. Symptoms include blisters, eye irritation, and respiratory issues, with treatment involving decontamination, the antidote British Anti-Lewisite (BAL), and supportive care. Chemical warfare agents are classified by their effects on the body and include lethal and incapacitating types.
Step-by-step explanation:
LEWISITE (L) is a chemical warfare agent that fits into a broader class of substances known as blister agents. These agents damage the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. LEWISITE, specifically, is an organoarsenic compound that was developed during World War I and is known for its ability to incapacitate or kill upon exposure.
Exposure to LEWISITE can result in a variety of symptoms, including but not limited to severe skin blisters, irritation or burning sensation in the eyes leading to blindness, and respiratory distress. Systemic toxicity can lead to weakness, hypotension, and potentially death.
The treatment for exposure to LEWISITE primarily involves decontamination and supportive care. Immediate decontamination with water or a solution containing a mixture of bleach and water is critical. The specific antidote for LEWISITE exposure is British Anti-Lewisite (BAL), a chelating agent that can bind to the arsenic in LEWISITE, rendering it inactive and aiding in its excretion from the body. Supportive treatments may include pain relief, wound care for blisters, and treatment for respiratory distress.