MUSTARD GAS

A chemical warfare blister agent. Mustard gas is a clear amber colored oily liquid with a faint odor of mustard/garlic. It is not readily combustible. Its vapors are heavier than air, are very toxic, and can be absorbed through the skin. The effects from exposure to the material include blindness which may be delayed. Prolonged exposure of the container to fire or intense heat may cause it to violently rupture and rocket. Mustard gas is also known as dichlorodiethyl sulfide.

• Water-Reactive

Reacts with water or steam very slowly to produce toxic and corrosive fumes(oxides of sulfur and chlorine)

For information on chemical warfare blister agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)

Can be ignited by large explosive charge. When heated to decomposition, emits highly toxic fumes of oxides of sulfur and chlorine containing compounds. Reacts with water or steam to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. Containers may rupture violently in a fire. Incompatible with bleaching powder. Reacts violently with oxidizing materials. Reacts with water or steam to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. Unstable, hydrolyzed in aqueous solution. Avoid high heat; contact with acid or acid fumes. (EPA, 1998)

For information on chemical warfare blister agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)

The median lethal dosage is 1500 mg-minute/m3 for inhalation and 10,000 mg-minute/m3 for skin absorption (masked personnel). The median incapacitating dosage is 200 mg-minute/m3 for eye injury and 2000 mg-minute/m3 for skin absorption (masked personnel). Wet skin absorbs more material than dry skin. May cause death or permanent injury after very short exposure to small quantities. It is a blistering gas and is highly irritating to eyes, skin, and lungs. Pulmonary lesions are often fatal. Permanent eye damage and severe respiratory impairment. It is a carcinogen. (EPA, 1998)

MUSTARD GAS is incompatible with bleaching powder. Reacts violently with oxidizing materials. Reacts with water or steam to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. Unstable, hydrolyzed in aqueous solution. Avoid high heat; contact with acid or acid fumes. [EPA, 1998].

• Halogenated Organic Compounds
• Sulfides, Organic
• Reducing Agents, Strong

No information available.

For initial isolation and protective action distances for chemical warfare blister agents see the Chemical Warfare Agents table in the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

For information on chemical warfare blister agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)

Protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus required in presence of mustard gas.

Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible.

Extinguish with water, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. (EPA, 1998)

For information on chemical warfare blister agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2024)

For information on chemical warfare blister agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)

For emergency situations, wear a positive pressure, pressure-demand, full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or pressure- demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA and a fully-encapsulating, chemical resistant suit. (EPA, 1998)

Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)

Chemical	CAS Number	State	QS	QC	SL	C3	TF	TP	RC	TK	RF
Sulfur Mustard (HD), FINABEL 0.7.C	505-60-2	Liquid					>1400⁸	>1400⁸
Sulfur Mustard (HD), MIL-STD-282 (10 g/m2)	505-60-2	Liquid			>480⁸	120⁸			>480⁸	>480⁸	>480⁸
Sulfur Mustard (HD), MIL-STD-282 (100 g/m2)	505-60-2	Liquid					>480⁸	>480⁸	>480⁸	>480⁸	>480⁸

Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...

(DuPont, 2024)

For information on chemical warfare blister agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)

Warning: May cause death or permanent injury after very short exposure to small quantities. Mustard gas is a powerful irritant and vesicant, producing corrosion and necrosis of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Effects may be delayed by several hours or, in case of ocular effects, by many years. Cough may occur 1-12 hours after exposure. Caution is advised.

Signs and Symptoms of Mustard Gas Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to mustard gas may include dyspnea (difficult or labored breathing), cough, fever, headache, severe eye irritation, photophobia (sensitivity to light), lacrimation (tearing), and blindness. Irritation or ulceration of the respiratory tract may occur from inhalation; lesions may be fatal. Dizziness, malaise (body discomfort), anorexia, and lethargy can occur after acute exposure. Arrhythmias and CNS excitation with convulsions followed by CNS depression may occur. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may be caused by ingestion or by systemic absorption. Hemorrhage and anemia may develop several days after exposure.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Treatment has traditionally involved rapid decontamination and symptomatic treatment; TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE in decontamination. Acute exposure to mustard gas may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air as rapidly as possible. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE! Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to mustard gas.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Rush to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE! Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to mustard gas.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly with water. Treat blisters as burns.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Rush to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Rush to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

• AGENT HD
• BETA, BETA'-DICHLOROETHYL SULFIDE
• BETA, BETA'-DICHLOROETHYL SULPHIDE
• BETA,BETA'-DICHLORODIETHYL SULFIDE
• BETA,BETA'-DICHLOROETHYL SULFIDE
• BETA,BETA-DICHLOR-ETHYL-SULPHIDE
• BETA-CHLOROETHYLISOBUTYL SULFIDE
• BIS(2-CHLOROETHYL) SULFIDE
• BIS(2-CHLOROETHYL) SULPHIDE
• BIS(BETA-CHLOROETHYL) SULFIDE
• BIS(BETA-CHLOROETHYL) SULPHIDE
• 1-CHLORO-2-(BETA-CHLOROETHYLTHIO)ETHANE
• DI-2-CHLOROETHYL SULFIDE
• DI-2-CHLOROETHYL SULPHIDE
• 2,2'-DICHLORODIETHYL SULFIDE
• 2,2'-DICHLORODIETHYL SULPHIDE
• 2,2'-DICHLOROETHYL SULFIDE
• 2,2'-DICHLOROETHYL SULPHIDE
• DISTILLED MUSTARD
• ETHANE, 1,1'-THIOBIS(2-CHLORO-
• ETHANE, 1,1'-THIOBIS[2-CHLORO-
• H (CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENT)
• HD (CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENT)
• IPRIT
• KAMPFSTOFF "LOST"
• KAMPSTOFF LOST
• MUSTARD
• MUSTARD GAS
• MUSTARD HD
• MUSTARD VAPOR
• MUSTARD, SULFUR
• S MUSTARD
• S-LOST
• S-YPERITE
• SCHWEFEL-LOST
• SENFGAS
• SULFIDE, BIS(2-CHLOROETHYL)
• SULFUR MUSTARD
• SULFUR MUSTARD GAS
• SULPHUR MUSTARD
• SULPHUR MUSTARD GAS
• 1,1'-THIOBIS(2-CHLOROETHANE)
• YELLOW CROSS LIQUID
• YPERITE