Sulfur mustard is a man-made chemical warfare agent known as a blister agent. Sulfur mustard sometimes smells like garlic, onions, or mustard and sometimes it does not have an odor. This blister agent can come in the form of a vapor, an oily-textured liquid, or a solid. It can last from 1 to 2 days in the environment under average weather conditions and weeks to months under very cold conditions.

When sulfur mustard is released into the air as a vapor, a person can be exposed to it through inhalation, skin or eye contact. You can be exposed through touching or drinking the contaminated water, if it is released into the water.

The symptoms will depend on the route, amount and the time frame (2 to 24 hours) of exposure to the sulfur mustard. This agent breaks down slowly in the body, especially if you have been constantly exposed to it. You may not know right away that you were exposed.

If ingested, you can exhibit stomach pain, diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting. The skin may turn red and start to itch within 2 to 48 hours after exposure and then eventually change to a yellowing blister. The eyes may become irritated, painful, swell and teary, which can occur within 3 to 12 hours of a mild to moderate exposure. If there is harsh exposure, the symptoms may occur within 1 to 2 hours and include severe pain or blindness (lasting up to 10 days).

Though no antidote exists for sulfur mustard, exposure is usually not fatal. If you think you have been exposed to sulfur mustard, you should leave the area right away and get fresh air. If the chemical has fallen on your clothes, quickly remove your clothing and quickly wash your entire body with soap and water. If your eyes are burning or your vision is blurred, rinse them with plain water for 10 to 15 minutes. If you wear contacts lenses, remove them before rinsing your eyes. Do not cover eyes with bandages, but do protect them with dark glasses or goggles. Place your contaminated clothes and contact lenses in to a plastic bag and seal. Place the bag into a second plastic bag and seal. If ingested, do not induce vomiting. Give the person milk to drink. Call 911 right away for medical attention and removal of the contaminated items. Do not drive yourself to the hospital as you may become very ill on your way.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)