Mustard gas: general information
Updated 1 October 2024
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Overview
Sulphur mustard is an oily liquid at room temperature. It readily forms a vapour that is heavier than air. Pure sulphur mustard is colourless and does not have an odour. When it is mixed with other chemicals it is a yellow-brown oily liquid with an odour of garlic, leeks or mustard.
Uses of sulphur mustard
Sulphur mustard is a chemical warfare agent and its production, use and storage is prohibited under the Chemical Weapons Convention (entered into force in 1997). It was first used as a chemical warfare agent during World War I.
Exposure to sulphur mustard
Sulphur mustard readily forms a vapour following its release, the lungs skin and eyes are most likely to be exposed. Sulphur mustard can rapidly penetrate clothing and can damage the skin underneath.
How exposure to sulphur mustard can affect your health
You may be exposed by breathing it in, or by skin and eye contact. Following exposure to any chemical, the adverse health effects that you may encounter depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way in which you are exposed, the duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other chemicals.
Skin contact with sulphur mustard liquid or vapour causes redness and blisters. The effects on the skin may be delayed for several hours. It can also affect the eyes causing tearing, irritation, burning, redness and swelling of the eyelids. This may progress causing sensitivity to light and possibly blindness.
Inhalation of sulphur mustard vapour causes hoarseness, cough and pain on coughing. In severe cases permanent lung damage may occur, fluid may build up on the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary oedema (pronounced ‘ed-eem-a’) and exposure may also increase an individual’s chance of developing future respiratory tract infections.
Ingestion of sulphur mustard may induce nausea, vomiting, vomiting blood, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea, and in severe cases heart problems, may occur within a few hours.
Most individuals who suffer from mild short-term symptoms recover completely. However, some severely affected individuals may develop eye, skin and breathing problems and may suffer from long term-tiredness, which can take some time to clear.
Sulphur mustard and cancer
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified sulphur mustard as being carcinogenic to humans. Studies in workers in sulphur mustard production and World War I veterans have reported an increased risk of lung cancer.
Vulnerable people
People with breathing problems such as asthma may be more sensitive to the effects of sulphur mustard gas. This is because sulphur mustard can cause irritation of the airways leading to chest tightness, wheezing and breathlessness.
Pregnancy and the unborn child
There are inadequate data available on the reproductive and developmental effects of sulphur mustard. Therefore, it is not possible to draw any definitive conclusions.
Children
Children will be affected by sulphur mustard in the same way as adults. However, the effects including burns to the eyes and skin may be more severe in children. Blisters on the skin may also develop sooner in children.
What to do if you are exposed to sulphur mustard
It is very unlikely that the general population will be exposed to sulphur mustard.
If exposure does occur seek medical attention immediately.
If you have got sulphur mustard on your skin, remove soiled clothing (not over the head), wash the affected area with lukewarm water and soap for at least 10 to 15 minutes and.
If you have got sulphur mustard in your eyes, remove contact lenses, irrigate the affected eye with lukewarm water for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
Additional sources of information
UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS) - Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy
The information contained in this document from the UKHSA Radiation, Chemicals and Environment Directorate is correct at the time of its publication.
Email chemcompendium@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any questions about this guidance or enquiries@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any other questions.
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